With A.J. Burnett now in the fold, Pittsburgh Pirates fans can start making their postseason plans now.

That might be jumping the gun a bit, but give the team credit for trying to mix things up until some of the talented pitching prospects make it to the big leagues.

Burnett, 35, was considered a big New York Yankees prize catch back in 2009 when he signed for $82.5 million over five years.

The Yankees did win the World Series with Burnett that year, but he fizzled a bit the past two seasons with a 21-26 record and a 5.20 ERA.

The Pirates are hoping they catch lightning in a bottle as they picked up $13 million of the $31 million still owed to him over the next two years.

Minimal risk, tremendous upside.

The Pirates have longed for an experienced champion, someone who can provide quality innings and be a valuable mentor on the bench.

Sure, a pitching coach, in this case Ray Searage, could do that, but to have someone on the staff be able to sit with the younger pitchers and talk them through the game they're watching is invaluable.

I liken this deal to 1985 when the Pirates brought in former San Francisco Giant and Chicago Cub Rick Reuschel, who pitched for three seasons but gave the Pirates a much-needed leader on the hill and in the dugout.

Reuschel stayed for three years and led the team in ERA in 1985 (2.27) and 1987 (2.75) while laying the framework for some young pitchers who would help the Pirates win three NL East titles (1990-92) with the likes of Doug Drabek, Bob Walk and John Smiley, not to mention pitchers who did well in those late 1980s such as Mike Dunne, Bob Patterson and Rick Rhoden.

Burnett will not have the bright lights of the New York media on him, so if he can produce winning records and be a help to the younger pitchers, the pitching staff — which by and large carried the team to its four-month success last year — can improve.

The team added Erik Bedard, who if healthy, could return to among the top pitchers in baseball.

Throw in pitchers such as Kevin Correia (12 wins, but was injured the latter part of 2012), Jeff Karstens (9-9, but a 3.38 ERA), Brad Lincoln, Daniel McCutchen (5-3, 3.72), James McDonald (9-9, 4.21) and Charlie Morton (10-10, 3.83, but may start season on DL) and the Pirates have some competitive arms.

Of course, 2011 No. 1 pick Gerrit Cole and Stetson Allie, a second-round pick from 2010, could also benefit with Burnett with the parent club.

It was nice to see the Pirates get a little attention — some positive attention — with Burnett coming aboard and shows that management actually wants to make the effort to improve, even if Burnett and Bedard are stopgaps until the minor league arms come through.

Burnett showed some excitement for returning to the National League, getting to bat again and getting a fresh start to rebound from two disappointing seasons.

If he's “all-in”, as manager Clint Hurdle likes to say, count me in as well.

Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.