2011 Stats (AA - Akron): 2-5, 2.11, 35/37 SV, 1.04 WHIP, .220 OBA, 2.3 BB/9, 10.6 K/9
It is always difficult to project the MLB success of AA closers. While Burns' numbers for the Aeros were spectacular (he was 2nd in all of MiLB in saves and broke the Akron franchise record) and he pitched well enough for Columbus in the post-season (2 G, 1.1 IP, BB, K), there is simply no consensus on how his stuff will translate to the major league level. Indians' Director of Player Development Ross Atkins notes that Burns "he is exceptionally competitive or he would not be so successful in that closer’s role," but "the challenge or limitation for him [at the big league level] will be fastball usage and command of that fastball and being aggressive with it." I am not aware of many closers out there with fastball command issues. This likely slots Burns (and his 88 saves over the past 2.5 seasons) into a set-up role and right-handed set-up men with below average fastballs are a dime a dozen. This, by no means, suggests that Cory could not make it to the bigs and perform well. In fact, some believe that he is the closer in waiting (Baseball America rated him the best reliever in the Eastern League). Until Burns proves that he can dominate AAA hitters, we should be cautiously optimistic at best.
Up Next: #34 - RHP Matt Langwell
