1st Quarter Grades- Pitchers

The first quarter grades for the pitching staff:

STARTERS

Alex Sanchez: D Was brought in to lead the staff. I know some pitchers struggle early, but 2-4 with an ERA over 5 is unacceptable. Eats innings, which is the only reason this isn't an F.

York Watson: B- Good WHIP, ERA is a bit high.

Damion Mays: INC Just got here.

Bert Pierre: C+ Like Watson, the ERA has to come down a bit, but he's been OK for a 3rd or 4th starter. Has more potential.

Will Piper: A- Only negative is he doesn't go far enough into games (averages less than 6 innings per start). When he's in there, he's unhittable at times. He's 5-0 with a 2.59 ERA.

Tito Mercedes: B Swingman has been solid in both roles- if Sanchez and Pierre aren't careful and Mercedes keeps pitching like this, a change might be made at some point this season.


BULLPEN

Bernie Corino: A Yet to blow a save (9 for 9). Had by far his best season last year, and this season has been even better thus far.

Chris Jennings: INC See Damion Mays

Karl Coleman: A+ Has gone from barely making the squad (had a 6.01 ERA last season) to a key contributor on a potential playoff team (0.89 ERA thus far).

Wesley Cora: D+ Pitched a lot of innings out of the pen so far, but I think Trenton was expected more than a 5.68 ERA.

Vince Perez: C- Another free-agent pickup to help the bullpen that hasn't helped as much as hoped.

Vic Rincon: F Was dropped from the rotation. Has an ERA over 6 in both roles and has walked almost as much as he's struck out.

Paul Ulrich: B- Has been pretty good in limited duty.