Burns, 24, was Cleveland’s 8th round pick in the 2009 amateur draft. The 2011 Double-A Reliever of the Year threw 59.2 innings with a 2.11 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and a 4.7 K/BB ratio while striking out more than a batter an inning for the Akron Aeros this season. In just under 150 career MiLB innings, the right-hander owns a 2.02 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, a 5.4 K/BB ratio and an 11.5 K/9 rate. Tony from Indians Prospect Insider offers this scouting report:

Burns’ tornado-like delivery gives him something unique, and while he has just an average 88-91 MPH fastball he complements it with a very good changeup and knuckle curveball. But even with the gimmicky delivery and two solid secondary pitches he needs to get better with his fastball.

Burns is a little old to have never reached Triple-A and the bullpen is an area of strength for the Tribe, but dealing him is still a significant loss. Will Cunningham’s production make up for losing Burns? (more…)