A.J. Burnett Video: Watch Newest Pittsburgh Pirate Bunt a Ball off His Face

A.J. Burnett just can't catch a break. 

First he gets traded from a potential playoff team in the New York Yankees to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he is hitting himself in the face with a ball during batting practice. 

With all of his new teammates gathered around the batting cage, Burnett squared around to show everyone how you properly bunt. He lowered the bat head too much and BAM! It was like a Ralph Kramden moment, right in the kisser. 

All kidding aside, you do hope Burnett is okay. The news does not sound very good, according to the MLB Twitter account, he is going to have surgery to repair an orbital fracture. 

"

BREAKING: @Pirates RHP A.J. Burnett diagnosed with orbital fracture of his right eye, will undergo surgery tomorrow in Pittsburgh.

— MLB (@MLB) March 1, 2012"

The Associated Press report says that Burnett did make a joke about it right after, so his sense of humor allows us to have a sense of humor. 

One question that I have been pondering since seeing the video is, even with one eye, is Burnett the best starting pitcher on the Pirates?

Charlie Morton and Jeff Karstens had good seasons in 2011, but their numbers aren't going to hold up long term because they don't miss any bats. 

Burnett never had any idea where the ball was going anyway, so now he might have to focus harder to put it over the plate. 

You do have to feel for him. Pittsburgh was a great chance for Burnett to reinvent his career. Getting out of the American League East and into the National League Central is the best thing that has ever happened to him. 

He can pitch for a team that has no pressure or expectations, which should help him tremendously. I'm not anticipating him being an All-Star, but he could put together the best year of his career since leaving Toronto after 2008. 

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