Random Pirates Auto of the Day: Sean Burnett

2005 Fleer Authentix AUTO Sean Burnett 98/250

Sean Burnett was the 19th overall selection of the 2000 MLB Amateur Player Draft.  He quickly began to dominate the low minors and was named the Pirates Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and 2002.  In 2002 he was named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Year.  Burnett would continue to ascend through the minors before making his MLB Debut with the Pirates in 2004.  He finished the season 5-5 with a 5.02 ERA.

Burnett missed the entire 2005 season and was placed in AAA in 2006 and 2007.  In 2008, he was recalled to the majors for the Pirates and would later be traded with Nyjer Morgan to the Nationals for Joel Hanrahan and Lastings Milledge in 2009.

That trade worked out well for both teams as Burnett flourished in the nation's capitol.  He pitched to a 2.81 ERA limiting left handed hitters to a .227 batting average.

After the 2012 season, Burnett chose to leave Washington to join the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  He currently has allowed only 1 earned run in 13 appearances.

I managed to grab the above Sean Burnett 2005 Fleer Authentix AUTO numbered to 250 at a card show as part of a 4 for $10 lot.  This is my 1st autograph of the former Pirates southpaw reliever.