SPORTS

Chris McCosky’s final Tigers grades

Go through the gallery to see final Detroit Tigers grades for the 2016 season by Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.
Go through the gallery to see final Detroit Tigers grades for the 2016 season by Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
STARTING PITCHERS
STARTING PITCHERS
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Justin Verlander (16-9, 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP): Once again the strikeout king in the American League. Once again a finalist, if not the winner, of the Cy Young Award. By the end of the year, his stat line closely resembled that of his 2011 MVP season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: A.
Justin Verlander (16-9, 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP): Once again the strikeout king in the American League. Once again a finalist, if not the winner, of the Cy Young Award. By the end of the year, his stat line closely resembled that of his 2011 MVP season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: A.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 4.87 ERA, 1.37 WHIP): A lost season. Groin, neck and shoulder injuries limited the Tigers’ $110 million offseason acquisition to three starts in the second half, and he didn’t survive the second inning in two of them. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D.
Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 4.87 ERA, 1.37 WHIP): A lost season. Groin, neck and shoulder injuries limited the Tigers’ $110 million offseason acquisition to three starts in the second half, and he didn’t survive the second inning in two of them. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Michael Fulmer (11-7, 3:06 ERA, 1.12 WHIP): He wasn’t quite as dominant in the second half, but he was steady and more productive than the Tigers could have hoped. Credit the Tigers, too, for smartly pushing back his starts to limit innings and keep him in the rotation all season. Mid-term grade: Grade: A. Final grade: A-minus.
Michael Fulmer (11-7, 3:06 ERA, 1.12 WHIP): He wasn’t quite as dominant in the second half, but he was steady and more productive than the Tigers could have hoped. Credit the Tigers, too, for smartly pushing back his starts to limit innings and keep him in the rotation all season. Mid-term grade: Grade: A. Final grade: A-minus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Mike Pelfrey (2-10, 5.07 ERA, 1.73 WHIP): There was one stretch, right before the All-Star break, when he seemed to find a groove. But just as he did, his back stiffened, he went on the DL and nothing went right after that. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D.
Mike Pelfrey (2-10, 5.07 ERA, 1.73 WHIP): There was one stretch, right before the All-Star break, when he seemed to find a groove. But just as he did, his back stiffened, he went on the DL and nothing went right after that. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Daniel Norris (4-2, 3.38 ERA, 1.40 WHIP): Once he got healthy, once he made a steady string of starts, he showed how dynamic he can be. The command still comes and goes. But his stuff, his athleticism, play at the big-league level. He seems poised to be the No. 3 starter next season. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: B.
Daniel Norris (4-2, 3.38 ERA, 1.40 WHIP): Once he got healthy, once he made a steady string of starts, he showed how dynamic he can be. The command still comes and goes. But his stuff, his athleticism, play at the big-league level. He seems poised to be the No. 3 starter next season. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Anibal Sanchez (7-13, 5.87 ERA, 1.46 WHIP): If ever you doubted the significance of a player’s confidence relative to performance, witness Sanchez. Even when he was pitching well early in a game, he seemed to sense that disaster was around the corner and invariably it was. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: D.
Anibal Sanchez (7-13, 5.87 ERA, 1.46 WHIP): If ever you doubted the significance of a player’s confidence relative to performance, witness Sanchez. Even when he was pitching well early in a game, he seemed to sense that disaster was around the corner and invariably it was. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: D.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Matt Boyd (6-5, 4.53 ERA, 1.29 WHIP): He faltered in two of his last three starts, and come to find out he was dealing with shoulder fatigue. But in six starts before that, the Tigers were 5-1 and he posted a 2.75 ERA. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: B.
Matt Boyd (6-5, 4.53 ERA, 1.29 WHIP): He faltered in two of his last three starts, and come to find out he was dealing with shoulder fatigue. But in six starts before that, the Tigers were 5-1 and he posted a 2.75 ERA. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Buck Farmer (0-1, 4.60 ERA, 1.53 WHIP): Mercifully, the Tigers seem to have settled, once and for all, on keeping Farmer in the rotation. Once they sent him back to Triple-A and allowed him to get back into an every-fifth-day rhythm, he began to have success. Mid-term grade: C-minus. Final grade: C.
Buck Farmer (0-1, 4.60 ERA, 1.53 WHIP): Mercifully, the Tigers seem to have settled, once and for all, on keeping Farmer in the rotation. Once they sent him back to Triple-A and allowed him to get back into an every-fifth-day rhythm, he began to have success. Mid-term grade: C-minus. Final grade: C.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
RELIEVERS
RELIEVERS
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Francisco Rodriguez (3-4, 3.24 ERA, 44 of 49 saves): A 90-percent success rate is exceptional for just about anybody. But for Rodriguez, it represents his worst since 2011. Still, he gave the Tigers followers something they haven’t had much of recently – peace of mind in the ninth inning. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: B-plus.
Francisco Rodriguez (3-4, 3.24 ERA, 44 of 49 saves): A 90-percent success rate is exceptional for just about anybody. But for Rodriguez, it represents his worst since 2011. Still, he gave the Tigers followers something they haven’t had much of recently – peace of mind in the ninth inning. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: B-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Justin Wilson (4-5, 4.14 ERA, 1.33 WHIP): It was the worst season of his career, and there is a chance he was pitching through more elbow soreness than he or the Tigers let on. Left-handed hitters hit .308 against him. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D-plus.
Justin Wilson (4-5, 4.14 ERA, 1.33 WHIP): It was the worst season of his career, and there is a chance he was pitching through more elbow soreness than he or the Tigers let on. Left-handed hitters hit .308 against him. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: D-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Alex Wilson (4-0, 2.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP): He was again, arguably, the most versatile and valuable reliever this season. He was tough as a middle reliever and trustworthy pitching the seventh and eighth innings. Mid-term grade: C-plus. Final grade: B.
Alex Wilson (4-0, 2.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP): He was again, arguably, the most versatile and valuable reliever this season. He was tough as a middle reliever and trustworthy pitching the seventh and eighth innings. Mid-term grade: C-plus. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Shane Greene (5-4, 5.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP): He gave up just seven runs in 23 innings through June and July. In August and September, he was tagged for 22 runs in 23 innings. A posterior oblique injury was part of the problem. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: C.
Shane Greene (5-4, 5.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP): He gave up just seven runs in 23 innings through June and July. In August and September, he was tagged for 22 runs in 23 innings. A posterior oblique injury was part of the problem. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: C.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Bruce Rondon (5-2, 2.97 ERA, 0.96 WHIP): What a great story. Exiled in 2015. Pitching in critical late-inning situations in a playoff race – and performing well. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B-plus.
Bruce Rondon (5-2, 2.97 ERA, 0.96 WHIP): What a great story. Exiled in 2015. Pitching in critical late-inning situations in a playoff race – and performing well. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Kyle Ryan (4-2, 3.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP): How about this for reliability: He was scored on just twice in his last 20 outings dating back to July 31. Opponents hit .106 with a .197 slugging and .366 OPS off him. Mid-term grade: C-plus. Final grade: B.
Kyle Ryan (4-2, 3.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP): How about this for reliability: He was scored on just twice in his last 20 outings dating back to July 31. Opponents hit .106 with a .197 slugging and .366 OPS off him. Mid-term grade: C-plus. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Blaine Hardy (1-0, 3.51 ERA, 1.44 WHIP): A disappointing year for him, for sure, but in September, he found his form and was a useful left-handed option down the stretch. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C-plus.
Blaine Hardy (1-0, 3.51 ERA, 1.44 WHIP): A disappointing year for him, for sure, but in September, he found his form and was a useful left-handed option down the stretch. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Mark Lowe (1-3, 7.11 ERA, 1.58 WHIP): He was able to knock three runs off his ERA, but he was relegated to low-leverage situations and only showed flashes of what had made him one of the game’s best set-up men the last few years. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: D.
Mark Lowe (1-3, 7.11 ERA, 1.58 WHIP): He was able to knock three runs off his ERA, but he was relegated to low-leverage situations and only showed flashes of what had made him one of the game’s best set-up men the last few years. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: D.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
HITTERS
HITTERS
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
C James McCann (.221 BA, .272 OBP, .358 SLG): A rough year, damaged by a high ankle injury in April. But another growth year. Most importantly, he’s another year seasoned as a pitch-caller. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: B-minus.
C James McCann (.221 BA, .272 OBP, .358 SLG): A rough year, damaged by a high ankle injury in April. But another growth year. Most importantly, he’s another year seasoned as a pitch-caller. Mid-term grade: B-minus. Final grade: B-minus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.171 BA, .284 OBP, .346 SLG): He delivered some huge home runs and his work with the young pitching staff was exemplary. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: C-plus.
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.171 BA, .284 OBP, .346 SLG): He delivered some huge home runs and his work with the young pitching staff was exemplary. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: C-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Miguel Cabrera (.316 BA, .393 OBP, .563 SLG): Greatness. There is no other word. He was hitting just .287 with 18 homers and 53 RBIs 93 games into the season. From that point, he hit .346, with a .635 slugging and 1.057 OPS. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: A.
IF Miguel Cabrera (.316 BA, .393 OBP, .563 SLG): Greatness. There is no other word. He was hitting just .287 with 18 homers and 53 RBIs 93 games into the season. From that point, he hit .346, with a .635 slugging and 1.057 OPS. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: A.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Ian Kinsler (.288 BA, .348 OBP, .484 SLG): Like elite players do, he played his best when the postseason chase was on. At 34, he’s shown no sign of slowing down. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: A.
IF Ian Kinsler (.288 BA, .348 OBP, .484 SLG): Like elite players do, he played his best when the postseason chase was on. At 34, he’s shown no sign of slowing down. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: A.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Jose Iglesias (.255 BA, .306 OBP, .336 SLG): Perhaps no player (other than Bruce Rondon) has grown up and matured quicker in a year’s time than Iglesias. Defensively, he still makes the sensational play, he still has his flair, but he is much more a workman now than a showman. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
IF Jose Iglesias (.255 BA, .306 OBP, .336 SLG): Perhaps no player (other than Bruce Rondon) has grown up and matured quicker in a year’s time than Iglesias. Defensively, he still makes the sensational play, he still has his flair, but he is much more a workman now than a showman. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Nick Castellanos (.285 BA, .331 OBP, .496 SLG): He was hitting .286 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs when he broke his hand Aug. 6. Full credit to him for how hard he worked to get back. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: B.
IF Nick Castellanos (.285 BA, .331 OBP, .496 SLG): He was hitting .286 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs when he broke his hand Aug. 6. Full credit to him for how hard he worked to get back. Mid-term grade: A. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Andrew Romine (.236 BA, .304 OBP, .322 SLG): There should be no more debate about his value. He played seven positions and made two errors all season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
IF Andrew Romine (.236 BA, .304 OBP, .322 SLG): There should be no more debate about his value. He played seven positions and made two errors all season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Erick Aybar (.250 BA, .341 OBP, .350 SLG): He was a good pick-up for the Tigers, another veteran and steadying presence who filled in admirably when Iglesias went down. Final grade: C-plus.
IF Erick Aybar (.250 BA, .341 OBP, .350 SLG): He was a good pick-up for the Tigers, another veteran and steadying presence who filled in admirably when Iglesias went down. Final grade: C-plus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
IF Casey McGehee (.228 BA, .260 OBP, .239 SLG): A pro’s pro. He was a dependable replacement for Nick Castellanos defensively. He didn’t produce enough offensively, though the baseball gods were unkind to him. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C.
IF Casey McGehee (.228 BA, .260 OBP, .239 SLG): A pro’s pro. He was a dependable replacement for Nick Castellanos defensively. He didn’t produce enough offensively, though the baseball gods were unkind to him. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
OF Justin Upton (.246 BA, .310 OBP, .465 SLG): It took longer than he or anyone else wanted, but when he got hot, he sizzled. He tied his career-best with 31 home runs and he knocked in 87. His defense was unspectacular, to be kind. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: B-minus.
OF Justin Upton (.246 BA, .310 OBP, .465 SLG): It took longer than he or anyone else wanted, but when he got hot, he sizzled. He tied his career-best with 31 home runs and he knocked in 87. His defense was unspectacular, to be kind. Mid-term grade: D. Final grade: B-minus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
OF Cameron Maybin (.315 BA, .383 OBP, .418 SLG): Here’s the telling stat: The Tigers were 51-38 when Maybin started. The other side of that is the fact he missed 67 games. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
OF Cameron Maybin (.315 BA, .383 OBP, .418 SLG): Here’s the telling stat: The Tigers were 51-38 when Maybin started. The other side of that is the fact he missed 67 games. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
OF J.D. Martinez (.307 BA, .373 OBP, .535 SLG): The season ended badly for him (2 for 15, 10 strikeouts) but he hit .332 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs after missing seven weeks with a broken elbow. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
OF J.D. Martinez (.307 BA, .373 OBP, .535 SLG): The season ended badly for him (2 for 15, 10 strikeouts) but he hit .332 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs after missing seven weeks with a broken elbow. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
OF Tyler Collins (.235 BA, .305 OBP, .382 SLG): In some ways, he resurrected himself this season. He had some ugly moments in April – at the plate and with the fans. But, after injuries to Maybin and Martinez, he got another chance. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C.
OF Tyler Collins (.235 BA, .305 OBP, .382 SLG): In some ways, he resurrected himself this season. He had some ugly moments in April – at the plate and with the fans. But, after injuries to Maybin and Martinez, he got another chance. Mid-term grade: Incomplete. Final grade: C.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
OF Steven Moya (.255 BA, .290 OBP, .500 SLG): He got extended playing time in June and July and cooled fast after an encouraging start. He struggled defensively, as well, which was alarming. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: C-minus.
OF Steven Moya (.255 BA, .290 OBP, .500 SLG): He got extended playing time in June and July and cooled fast after an encouraging start. He struggled defensively, as well, which was alarming. Mid-term grade: C. Final grade: C-minus.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
DH Victor Martinez (.289 BA, .351 OBP, .476 SLG): He struggled for long stretches. But, when the dust settled, he produced 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. There are two years left on his contract, but you wonder if those knees are going to make it through another season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
DH Victor Martinez (.289 BA, .351 OBP, .476 SLG): He struggled for long stretches. But, when the dust settled, he produced 27 home runs and 86 RBIs. There are two years left on his contract, but you wonder if those knees are going to make it through another season. Mid-term grade: B. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
MANAGER
MANAGER
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Brad Ausmus: The Tigers finished the season with a rookie and three barely second-year starters in the rotation. The regular starting lineup played intact for 11 games all year. Fifteen players were acquired or called up from Triple-A this season. And yet, they won 86 games and were in the playoff hunt until the final Sunday of the season. Mid-term grade: B-plus. Final grade: B.
Brad Ausmus: The Tigers finished the season with a rookie and three barely second-year starters in the rotation. The regular starting lineup played intact for 11 games all year. Fifteen players were acquired or called up from Triple-A this season. And yet, they won 86 games and were in the playoff hunt until the final Sunday of the season. Mid-term grade: B-plus. Final grade: B.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News