Getting to know
RHP Cory BurnsThe first time making it to the big leagues is the highlight for any player. Cory Burns remembers when the San Diego Padres called him up in August, and he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings the next day.But that dream was short-lived. Two days after getting promoted to the majors, Burns was sent back down to Triple A. The Padres brought Burns back up a week later and he finished the season with the team."It was definitely a roller coaster, but that's the lifestyle and world we live in," Burns said.That experience helped Burns take being designated for assignment in stride in November. He had never been through the process when a team has 10 days to trade, release or outright a player. The Padres found a trade partner in the Rangers, as they swapped Burns for a player to be named later (Wilfredo Boscan).Now Burns, a 25-year-old from the Phoenix area, is with the Rangers in big league camp trying to make the bullpen. He's a unique sidearm pitcher who rarely throws a fastball and relies more on deception.How does it feel to be with the Rangers? I've been through the trade thing before [when the Indians traded him to the Padres after the 2011 season], so you just have to meet all the staff and players. But I went to the pitching minicamp in Arlington and it was great. The Ballpark is beautiful and it's going to be a fun season.What role do you feel most suited for? It doesn't matter what it is, I'm coming here to win a spot. If you get a number in the big leagues, you're in the big leagues. At my point in my career, I don't really have a choice on roles. I just want to pitch. If it's a long guy, it's a long guy. If it's a matchup guy, it's a matchup guy.Can you describe your pitching style? Very unorthodox. I've got a good sinker, good changeup, good breaking ball.What's so unorthodox about it? Everything, especially my delivery. I turn my back to the hitter Hideo Nomo style. I throw from a sidearm slot. Anything you can name, I do it.How'd you become a sidearm pitcher? My freshman year of college at Arizona was really bad, so we changed my delivery sophomore year. [Arizona coach] Andy Lopez decided we'd be better off dropping me way down and it worked out. I'm in the situation I am now.He said it"It's a new style, bro. I like it. I have a lot of products in it."-- Elvis Andrus on his new Bruno Mars-esque, spiked hairstyleNumber of the day3.14Highest ERA posted by Cory Burns in three minor-league seasons.Videos of the dayWatch prospect Joey Gallo take live batting practice against reliever Jason Frasor, and starter Matt Harrison throw a live BP session. As always, catch manager Ron Washington's daily briefing on our Rangers blog, Foul Territory, at star-telegram.com/rangers.
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