Jamie

Burke

We don’t care if Burke is hitting .378 or that he hits right-handed and last night’s opposing starter Johan Santana pitches with his left arm. It’s just not a good move. Many of first-year manager Ozzie Guillen’s decisions have had us scratching our collective heads.

Burke will be brought back next time the White Sox need a catcher. Sandy Alomar Jr. figures to end up on the DL at some point.

A.J. Pierzynski’s arrival bumped Burke off the 40-man roster, but if he clears waivers, he’ll likely get a chance to make the team out of spring training. Burke can play positions other than catcher and serve as a pinch-hitter. He’s a decent 25th man.

Burke should get himself a World Series ring after going 0-for-1 in six days with the White Sox in May. He spent far more of 2004 on the club’s roster and hit .333/.386/.408 in 120 AB. The Rangers don’t figure to carry the 34-year-old as a bench player, but he’s a rather handy guy to have stashed away in Triple-A.

Burke played third base yesterday and had a rough time, making an error on a Jose Cruz Jr. chopper. ''He hasn’t played third in a long time,’' Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''I’m going to try him at first base, third and catcher. I’m just trying to give him the best shot to make the team.’' Versatility is never a bad thing, but Burke barely has the bat for catcher, let alone corner infield spots.

Branyan’s back is reportedly feeling better, but he was still favoring the injury during batting practice. With the Mariners short-handed, catcher Jamie Burke could get the start at first base on Thursday.

The Mariners have been carrying three catchers since Johnson suffered the injury last week. If he is healthy, the team could send down either of his backups, Chris Burke or Guillermo Quiroz, and recall another pitcher for their interleague series against the Rockies over the weekend.

Burke was designated for assignment on June 26 for the second time this season, and yet again received no interest on the waiver wire. The 37-year-old backstop has hit just .122/.163/.195 with a home run and one RBI in 41 at-bats for the M’s this year. They just can’t seem to get rid of him.

Rob Johnson is day-to-day with a foot injury, so the Mariners wanted an extra catcher to help out Guillermo Quiroz. Burke was 1-for-13 for the Mariners earlier this season.