Pittsburgh Pirates’ awards at the midway point

Jun 12, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke (49) looks on from the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Cy Yuck – Jeff Locke

Runner-Up – Antonio Bastardo

Jeff Locke is the pitching equivalent of Pedro Alvarez in terms of the frustration they give Pirates’ fan. We know the talent is there, but neither can live up to their potential. Of course, Pedro often provides more value than Locke, but they are similar nonetheless.

Don’t let recency bias fool you. Yes, Locke pitched one of best games for any Pirates’ starter this year in his last start. And yes, he often gives you what you’d expect from a fifth starter. But the Pirate pitchers have been fantastic as a whole for much of the year, which leaves Locke as the odd man out, unfortunately.

For much of the season, Locke has been the worst starter. He’s given up at least three earned runs in eight starts this year, and hasn’t been able to last at least six innings in seven starts. Often times when he’s left out for the sixth or seventh innings, he still has given up multiple runs in the game. His WHIP currently sits at 1.41, and he’s given up a staff-leading seven home runs. He’s a serviceable fifth starter for many teams, but his frustrating inconsistency and the fact that the Pirates’ are in the unfortunate position of being in the same division as the Cardinals and their remarkable pitching staff means that the team may look to improve by adding another starter before the trade deadline.

Antonio Bastardo would also be a worthy choice for this award. He’s been better as of late, but he hasn’t been what the Pirates’ had hoped he’d be when they acquired him from the Phillies in the offseason. His 4.01 ERA and 1.34 WHIP speak for themselves.

Next: Least Valuable Player