Bullpen
For all the rotation has left to be desired, the bullpen hasn’t exactly helped things. Last year, the bullpen was seventh in WAR, second in wins, first in ERA, third fewest blown saves. This year? Second fewest wins, 20th in ERA, and are next to last in WAR.
Don’t blame Mark Melancon. He’s been his usual All-Star caliber self. It’s getting the ball to him that’s been an issue.
Tony Watson has seen his ERA rise almost two runs this season. Jared Hughes has a FIP of 5.67. Arquimedes Caminero has missed time and has angered an opponent or two so far this year. Neftali Feliz has been a nice surprise as a setup man, as he has done a solid job of resurrecting his career.
They’ve struggled to fill out the bullpen with the likes of Cory Luebke, A.J. Schugel and Rob Scahill, but haven’t been able to find that mix like they could in years past.
The Pirates have been a team that is built around their pitching, and quite simply, that pitching just has not gotten it done.
Next: Offensive Attack