Pittsburgh Pirates: Quick Thoughts On Each Of The Pitchers

Starting Pitchers

Apr 23, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher

(50) delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Overall I am pleased with the starting pitching. Many have gone deeper in the games although the pitch counts scare me a little bit. Other than the trial and error that was Wandy Rodriguez, the starters have not been the issue looking at the full body of work.

Francisco Liriano– Another victim of a tough transition. What I mean by that is that he was the most dominant pitcher on staff last season but as the ace has taken a definite step back. His Wins Above Replacement was 3.0 last season but is -0.2 last season. Liriano has given up as many home runs as he did last season with nine. His ERA at PNC Park is 5.32 which is over two runs worse than when he’s on the road. Lefties are hitting .308 against him with baffles me as they should not be able to pick up his slider. I think hitters expect his slider more and know that he’s more of a known commodity which results in his 1-7 record. Still, I do think he can bounce back and advanced statistics show that. Grade C

Charlie Morton– Don’t be fooled by the record, Morton has pitched well. Morton had a difficult April to the tune of a 4.35 ERA and no wins. He has had that one inning where he will allow runs and at times look lost although that has been minimized since. May was a breakthrough in that his ERA was 2.41 and in June got three wins. Statistically this season, his ERA improves as the game goes on and owns a 2.13 ERA at home. Before last season confidence was a huge issue with Morton and it seems as though now he trusts his stuff. His WAR is up 0.3 this season to 0.8 and his 5-9 record is deceiving. Grade B

Jeff Locke– This is a tough grade to give because there almost isn’t enough body of work. Locke is the biggest victim of bullpen collapses that have ruined multiple wins. Locke’s control has really impressed me and in eight starts has just six walks. His WAR is at 0.9 this season. I am seeing a Locke that I believe will continue his success in the second half. Grade A-

Edinson Volquez– Not many expected him to do well, but here he sits at 8-6 on the season. His WAR is 1.2 which is the best in the current rotation. The walks [37] are down, the WHIP is down by .38 over last season’s mark and the ERA is down 2.06 versus 2013. Pitching Coach Ray Searage can stick another feather in his hat versus last season. Have there been bumps along the road? Yes. Regardless, the Pirates have to be thrilled at Volquez’s last four starts, all wins. This grade is a mark of how he pitched but also comprised in consideration of the low expectations that were placed on him. Grade A

Vance Worley– For me the sample size is too small. WAR is 0.6. His last start at St. Louis and relief outing at Cincinnati concern me a little bit although they show why the Pirates were able to claim him off waivers. I think what Pirates fans will see is more inconsistency but an end result that is in the middle of his first couple of starts and his past couple of outings. Grade INC

Gerrit Cole– Already went over my frustrations with him in a previous article so I won’t waste time doing that here. When healthy, he’s been a valued part of the pitching rotation but hasn’t been as of late. Often carries a high pitch count with him. Pirates fans know what they’ll get with Cole and in his case, that’s not a bad thing to happen. Grade B