Despite receiving opportunity after opportunity to have success for the Pirates, the Jeff Locke era in Pittsburgh must finally come to a close.
After three consecutive appearances in the National League wild card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates were absent from the postseason in 2016. The regular season was a roller coaster ride of sorts and one of the main contributors to the team’s woes was left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke, who has proven to be inconsistent for years.
Locke’s Contributions to Disappointing 2016
Prior to the 2016 season, there were many questions regarding the Pirates starting rotation. One of the main questions surrounded Locke and whether or not he would be in it.
Locke indeed made the rotation out of spring training, even though many believed it wasn’t going to happen. In 30 appearances (19 starts) this past season, Locke finished second on the team with nine wins. Locke pitched in a team-high 127.1 innings, but also finished with the worst ERA (5.44) amongst Pirates pitchers with at least 20 appearances.
The veteran had more success after he was taken out of the Pirates rotation and placed in the bullpen. The 28-year old sported a 3.38 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched through 11 relief appearances. However, hitters did compile a .322 batting average against Locke out of the pen.
Let’s face it, Locke’s days as a starter should be over. However, it is possible that Locke could serve as an okay bullpen option in 2017 if the Pirates choose to keep him around. Despite this slim possibility, Locke’s struggles this past season shouldn’t be rewarded with further opportunities with the club.
Long Lasting History of Inconsistency
Ever since he arrived in Pittsburgh as a 23-year old in 2011, Locke has struggled with consistency. In his first season in the major leagues, which included 12 appearances (10 starts), Locke posted an ERA over 5.50 along with a 1-6 record.
The beginning of the 2013 season had people thinking things had changed. Things did change, but it didn’t last.
Locke sported an 8-2 record with a 2.15 ERA in 18 starts prior to the All-Star break and was named to the NL All Star squad for the first and only time. However, that was the only consistent success Locke could maintain.
Locke went on to sport a 2-5 record and a dreadful 6.12 ERA in 12 starts throughout the second half of the year. Overall, Locke went on to win a career-high 10 games and finished with a career best 3.52 ERA in 30 starts. Locke also sported a career high 4.55 BB/9 rate as well as a 6.76 K/9 rate.
In the next two seasons, Locke didn’t get any better. In 2014 and 2015 combined, Locke went 15-17 with a 4.23 ERA in 51 starts. In that span, Locke also compiled a 6.5 K/9 rate and a 3.0 BB/9 rate.
Due to the Pirates success from 2013-2015, it is possible that Locke got a pass despite his struggles. However, at this point, the organization should know what to expect from the lefty and should consider other options either within the system or elsewhere.
Pirates Must Send a Message
Though the offseason just recently began, the rumblings regarding free agency and the Pirates needs haven’t stopped. There is no doubt that the front office has work to do this offseason and that Locke wasn’t the only issue with last year’s squad. However, the Pirates have an opportunity in front of them. The opportunity involves sending a message and proving that past failures will not be rewarded with future opportunities.
On twitter, I wanted to get thoughts from Pirates fans. I wanted to see if I was the only one who thought this way. We asked our followers the question, “Is there any reason Jeff Locke should be on the 2017 Pirates” and got mixed responses. While some were against the possibility of Locke returning to the Pirates, there were others who thought he could serve in a different role for the Bucs.
@pbcbreakdown No. Money could be better spent elsewhere, enough AAA pitching depth in case of injury.
— Paul McDaniel (@paulmcd1232) November 17, 2016
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@pbcbreakdown nope. Same reason Jarvis Jones should not be on the Steelers next year. He sucks
— rob glies (@rizzosarge) November 17, 2016
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@pbcbreakdown no, absolutely none
— Matt Voit (@THEREAL_MV25) November 17, 2016
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Only as an innings eater if they feel they cannot compete https://t.co/zg1MJ6KnZ2
— Dylan ?? (@DB8771) November 17, 2016
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@pbcbreakdown sure…if he comes back after being cut at a bargain rate and we don’t trade for someone.
— Halvy Buckets (@halvybuckets) November 17, 2016
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I think it’s safe to say most of our followers who responded would agree with what I’m saying here.
Last offseason, the Pirates tendered Locke’s contract as he was in his first year of arbitration. That move served as yet another chance for Locke to redeem himself, yet he didn’t. That should be his last chance.
The Pirates must make a different decision this time around. They can either deal him in a minor trade before the non-tender date on Dec. 2 or non-tender the southpaw to show that his inconsistency will no longer be tolerated.
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