Playoffs a bit on the wild side for Burnett

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Although A.J. Burnett was part of the 2003 Florida Marlins team that beat the Yankees in the last World Series appearance for both teams, his season was cut short by surgery that summer. This fall, then, has been his first experience pitching in the postseason and Burnett, who will make his third playoff start today, was asked Wednesday what he’s learned.

‘I guess just how crazy it is in general. In New York especially,’ he said. ‘Pitching on the mound there -- I mean with the fans there and situations when they get on their feet how loud it can be and how crazy it can be.

‘This is my first road game, so I’m looking forward to that. But I think the biggest thing is just the experience of New York and what it offers during the postseason.’

Burnett, who will face a struggling Angel lineup tonight, was also asked what he would do if he had to pitch to teammate Alex Rodriguez, who is hitting .407 with five homers and 11 RBIs in the playoffs.

‘How would I approach it?’ Burnett asked with a laugh. ‘I’d attack him. But that’s just me. I mean, he’s locked in, man. He just seems like he’s swinging for the fences every time up. And that’s what he should do.

‘He’s relaxed and he’s in a good state right now. He’s having fun. He’s like a little kind playing the game out there and it’s showing.’

-- Kevin Baxter