Detroit Tigers Midseason Grades

Jul 3, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Tigers beat the Blue Jays 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

BULLPEN

Drew Symly A+

You can’t pitch any better out of the bullpen than Drew Symly has for the Tigers.  In fact if any middle reliever deserved a spot on the All-Star team he does.  Symly has been asked to fill multiple roles by Jim Leyland out of the pen this season and has excelled in every one.  Without Drew Symly the Tigers wouldn’t be ahead by 3 in the American League Central Standings.

Joaquin Benoit A

He has been clutch again for the Tigers and has been worth every penny of his lucrative contract. Benoit has dominated despite uncertainty in the back-end of the bullpen. Even though it is not his strong suit, Benoit has held down the closer role well converting 7 of 7 save opportunites.

Phil Coke D

When the bullpen door opens and you see Phil Coke sprint out of the bullpen, you wonder way he is in such a hurry. He has been getting clobbered in the first half and hasn’t been much of a fireman. In fact,  Coke has been more arsonist then fireman this year posting a 5.83 ERA and a 1.500 WHIP.

Al Alburquerque D

Alburquerque was called up after Jose Valverde was designated for assignment.  He has shown traces of that devastating slider but has lacked control of his fastball resulting in too many walks. He has walked 22 batters in 24 innings and he won’t be with the big club long at that pace.

Luke Putkonen B+

Luke has been up and down between the Tigers and Mudhens this year but has performed well despite the uncertainty. He has been consistently throwing strikes and keep the walks to a minimum. If he continues on this pace he will be a key component to the Tigers bullpen rotation.

Evan Reed INC

Evan Reed has been called on to eat some innings late in games and has been good doing it.  However he has been up and down between Detroit and Toledo and doesn’t have enough of a track record to judge yet.

Bruce Rondon INC

Rondon was anointed the Tigers closer before spring training but showed he wasn’t ready for the pressure.  Now he si back with the big club in a 7th inning role and has shown off his big arm but needs more of a sample size to determine whether he will be able to e help the Tigers with his arm or as a tradable asset.