Jeromy Burnitz isn’t interested in coming back to Shea. So those who want the Mets to trade for him so he can play right field can forget it. The memories of playing for Dallas Green are still all too real. Thanks, but no thanks.
“I played here before and it didn’t go very well for me,” the 30-year-old Burnitz told the Post after being asked if he would like to return to the home clubhouse before the Brewers’ 7-6 victory at Shea last night. “Whatever? Take from that what you want to take from that.”
As he later confirmed, it should be taken that Burnitz – who went 2-5 with an RBI last night – doesn’t want to return. He didn’t mind the area, but there were aspects – well, one aspect – which he thinks made it impossible for him to succeed here from 1993-94
“The reason I did so bad here was because the manager was a [bleeping bleep],” said Burnitz, who hit 16 major-league homers over the two seasons for Green. “It had nothing to do with [me]. I got a very limited opportunity because of that. I’m not worried about that. I liked my time here.”
Burnitz – who spent some of his evening chewing on wax cups in the dugout after at-bats – produced his RBI in the third with a soft line-drive double just inside the right-field foul line. It scored Mark Loretta from second to make it 3-2 Brewers, a lead Milwaukee never surrendered.
Since he left New York, Burnitz’s employers have loved having him, especially the Brewers. After going to Cleveland in ’95, Milwaukee obtained the 6-foot, 205-pound Burnitz for Kevin Seitzer in Aug., 1996.
Burnitz’ numbers have blown up with the Brewers. In ’97, he belted 27 homers and knocked in 85 runs. Last season, he hit 38 dingers and drove in 125. When acquired by the Brewers, he had 32 career long balls. His next homer will be his 100th.
He thinks he could be putting up these numbers in the blue and orange (and black), if the Mets had never dealt him.
“Absolutely,” Burnitz said.
The left-handed Burnitz has struggled some this season. Having played all of the Brewers’ 36 games, he is hitting .250. He does lead the team with nine homers and 27 RBI, however.
Burnitz has heard the trade rumors that would have him coming back to New York to replace the injured Bobby Bonilla in right.
“One of my buddies from here told me that,” Burnitz said. “I had no idea. To be honest with you, I can’t see me getting traded so I’m not really worried about that.”
Phil Garner concurred.
“No,” the Brewers manager said when asked about the deal. “Do you think the Mets might want to give up [Mike] Piazza and [John] Olerud? That’s what he is to us. The Mets may want him, but I don’t see them getting him.”
What it would take to get Burnitz? The Mets likely would have to give up pitching prospects Jason Isringhausen or Octavio Dotel. If they are going to trade either or both, though, they probably would be wise to save them for a better player.
Burnitz’ 38 long balls last season tied for sixth in the National League. There are only two players mentioned by Garner as guys who have more power than Burnitz.
“In terms of pure power, [Mark] McGwire and [Sammy] Sosa,” Garner said. “You may see in Burnie’s career where he hits 50 or more.”
