Mound Wars: Halladay vs. Burnett

A not-so-long time ago, in a division not so far away … two pitchers were once friends on the same team. But an evil force known as the New York Yankees came between them, turning them into bitter rivals. Until one day, they were forced to face each other in a battle of the century. That day has finally come. It will be master versus student, mentor versus protégé, Roy Halladay versus A.J. Burnett.

Although it’s just another start in the mind of Roy Halladay, Blue Jays fans will be out for the blood of A.J. Burnett. The boo birds will be out in full force at the Rogers Centre when the New York Yankees arrive Tuesday for the most anticipated matchup of the season.

Most of the focus of the Halladay/Burnett game will be on the fact that it’s former #1 and #2 squaring off against each other. It won’t be a pitcher’s duel by any means, but there will be a media circus surrounding the return of A.J. Burnett to Toronto. Statistically, Burnett has been the Yankees best starting pitcher thus far (2 wins, 5.26 ERA, 33 K’s), but that’s not exactly something to brag about since the Yankees have the second worst team ERA in the majors.

I myself really have no ill will towards A.J. Burnett for opting out of his contract. His departure from the Blue Jays has actually worked out well for both parties; Burnett got the money he wanted, and the Blue Jays weren’t the ones to pay it to him. I wish Burnett the best of luck, just not against Toronto.

May the force be with Halladay and the Blue Jays.

UPDATE: I’ll also be liveblogging tonight’s Halladay/Burnett showdown over at The Score, so be sure to stop by and watch this whole battle unfold on the interwebs.