Burnett has done a nice job of late, and John Russell is finally willing to let him pitch some important innings. He is by no means a dominant reliever, but can get lefties out. It’s great to see Burnett finally contributing to the big-league club.

Midseason Grade: C

Denny Bautista, RP

He gives the Pirates a power arm, which is something they have always sorely needed, and is a much-better long man than Franquelis Osoria. Then again, so am I.

Midseason Grade: C-

Franquelis Osoria, RP

Given the Pirates’ offensive prowess, and starting pitching woes, they are a team that needs a good long-reliever more than most, and a team for which a good long-reliever can mean the difference between several wins and losses.

In Osoria’s case, he has meant few wins and countless losses. He needs to get off the team.

Midseason Grade: F

John Russell, Manager

He hasn’t been perfect—who would expect a new manager to be?—but he has done a nice job with this team. From a strategic standpoint, batting the pitcher eighth seems to be working, while Osoria needs to pitch less innings and Sanchez should not be batting in the No. 2 spot.

However, Russell also should get some credit for the tremendous improvement shown by many of his young players—namely McLouth, Doumit, and Maholm—and it is important to note that the Pirates became one of the best offensive teams in the league without adding a single piece.

Midseason Grade: A-

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