First of all, I think there is a misconception that I am anti-Burns when nothing could be farther from the truth. I love Burns, both as a fan and also as a "reporter" (I interviewed Burns at spring training in 2014 and he could not have been nicer), and I think he has provided one of the feel-goodiest of the feel-good stories this season has had to offer anyone whose surname is not Brooks.
I have always championed Burns as likely being a solid "4th outfielder," even back when the A's acquired him and there was much skepticism around whether he had big league potential at all.