Battling Bucs : A.J. Burnett

Us fans certainly don't want to admit it but there is a better than zero chance that tonight will be the last time AJ Burnett ever plays in a game for the Pirates or perhaps in a baseball game altogether. Burnett has made it no secret that he is considering retirement and he isn't due to pitch the rest of this regular season or in the wildcard game. Indeed it would be a shame to see him go out now but it is a reality we at least have to consider.
If this does end up being it for Burnett be it in Pittsburgh or with baseball altogether I wish him well. His impact on this ball club, this franchise and specifically this pitching staff has been more than I ever could have dreamed the day we acquired him. He has been a rock and a true leader on this team. Though he has only been on this team 2 years he already feels like part an ingrained part of Pittsburgh's baseball culture.
Certainly let's hope this isn't it for him but if it happens to be, Pirates let's send the man out on top. Let's give him lots of runs and play flawless D and see what kind of outing he can give us. Just in case this it he and the city of Pittsburgh deserves this game to be memorable for all the right reasons.