The Pirates' 2008 midterm report card

Monday, July 14, 2008

By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Here are grades for the Pirates' performance through the All-Star break, for those who spent more than two months on the active roster.

One note: Grades are based on how that player compares to others in the National League, at his position and in his role. For example, bench players are weighed against other bench players.

Starting pitchers	Grade	Noteworthy
Paul Maholm	B+	Past eight starts -- 4-0, 2.66 ERA -- could point to breakout season
Zach Duke	C-	Still too many hits, with .311 opponents' average, but better stuff, poise
Phil Dumatrait	C-	Take away three starts affected by shoulder trouble, and this grade rises
Ian Snell	D+	He showed yesterday it's still in there. Now,how to get it out?
Tom Gorzelanny	F	Perhaps no pitcher in Major League Baseball had greater fall since last year
Relievers	Grade	Noteworthy
Damaso Marte	A-	Was one of game's best vs. lefties, and now fares even better vs. righties
Tyler Yates	B	No reliever has been called upon for more tough innings. Must cut walks
Matt Capps	B-	Opened 15 for 15 in saves, but shoulder tightness led to five being blown
John Grabow	B-	10 of 15 runs by home run in past month after terrific first two months
Sean Burnett	D+	Has held lefties to .205 average, but must retire righties to gain manager's trust
Franquelis Osoria	F	When sinker is up, it gets creamed, and that happens way too often
Catchers	Grade	Noteworthy
Ryan Doumit	A-	A little defense, a lot of health all that is keeping him from game's elite
Ronny Paulino	F	Became management's first poster child for accountability, but not last
Infielders	Grade	Noteworthy
Jack Wilson	B+	Never looked more valuable than when he was missed for two months
Doug Mientkiewicz	B	On intangibles alone, he would be an A+
Chris Gomez	B	Fine numbers off bench include .345 mark with men in scoring position
Jose Bautista	C-	After .195 April, batted .313 in May, .282 in June, .276 in July. Anyone noticed?
Adam LaRoche	D+	Only thing worse than usual slow start is when it lasts extra few weeks
Luis Rivas	D+	Has hit OK, but he was supposed to be able to play shortstop and fell well short
Freddy Sanchez	D-	Average is nearly 100 points below expectations, and still no answers
Outfielders	Grade	Noteworthy
Nate McLouth	A+	If not for Josh Hamilton, Grady Sizemore, who has been better at CF in majors?
Xavier Nady	A	All he needed was health: .317 average ranks sixth in National League
Jason Bay	A	Performing well enough to change minds about trading him?
Jason Michaels	B+	Clutch off bench: .412 with runners in scoring position, four home runs