30 Worst Starting Players in Major League Baseball

With 750 players divided amongst the 30 MLB teams, it is an almost inevitable conclusion that each season will feature players that are just not performing up to expectations.

Make no mistake about it, any player that reaches the major league level has done so because he has worked extremely hard at his craft for many years, often since grade school. This is in no way a condemnation of their skills or achievements. Reaching the highest level of any profession is a worthy accomplishment indeed.

Upon reaching that highest level, however, a certain level of performance is expected of each player; in the 2011 season, there have been massive disappointments in terms of actual execution versus expectations.

In this article, Bleacher Report takes a look at players who are having what can only be considered horrible seasons. In some cases, their failures have either limited their playing time or gotten them traded or released.

For the purposes of argument, we have also included starting pitchers and regular relief pitchers.

Here, then, in no particular order, is a look at the 30 worst starting players in MLB.

Bobby Jenks, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox signed former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks to a two-year, $12 million contract during the offseason to both act as setup man to incumbent closer Jonathan Papelbon and to spell Papelbon on occasion as closer.

Jenks imploded. He posted a 9.35 ERA in his first 11 appearances before being put on the 15-day disabled list for back issues.

Jenks has attempted to come back twice, and is now on the DL for the third time, rehabbing from what the team is calling left back tightness.

With a 6.32 ERA in 19 appearances, don’t look for any miracles if in fact Jenks does make it back this season.

Jeff Francis, Kansas City Royals

There is at least one positive statement that can be made about Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jeff Francis this season: he’s been durable.

Other than that, the evaluation of Francis’ 2011 campaign quickly goes downhill.

In 26 starts, Francis is 4-14 with a 4.89 ERA, opposing hitters are hitting a lofty .299 against him, and his ERA+ is less than half that of the AL leader (Jered Weaver, 178).

Anyone think that Francis will be invited back to Kansas City after his one-year contract expires?

Nick Blackburn, Minnesota Twins

Entering his fourth year as a full-time starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, Nick Blackburn was expected to continue his development as a solid middle-of-the rotation starter. While not an overpowering pitcher, Blackburn has enough of an arsenal to keep hitters guessing.

After lowering his ERA to 3.15 in late June, however, Blackburn has been positively dismal. After walking four batters in the first inning and a third in Sunday’s outing against the New York Yankees, Blackburn was pulled for what the Twins called a strained right forearm.

Sure enough, the following day, Blackburn was on the DL. Is it really any wonder, considering his performance? This season, Blackburn has struggled with his command and location, with a career-high 1.598 WHIP.

Brad Penny, Detroit Tigers

When Brad Penny originally broke through with the Florida Marlins in 2000, he was part of a contingent of young pitchers that included Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett and Ryan Dempster.

While all of them have had varying degrees of success, Penny has proven to be somewhat of an enigma. His best years came in Los Angeles, when Penny tied for the league lead in victories in 2006 (16), and followed up with an outstanding 2008 season, during which he went 16-4 with a 3.03 ERA in 33 starts.

Since that time, however, Penny suffered a rash of injuries, and while he has been healthy thus far in 2011, Penny’s performance has been far from stellar. In 25 starts, Penny is 9-9 with a 4.82 ERA (over half a run higher than career ERA), a 1.48 WHIP, and ERA+ of 81 (20 points higher than career average). Opponents are hitting .295 against him.

The Tigers only made a $3 million investment in Penny, but on any given night it’s difficult to know which Brad Penny will show up.

Fausto Carmona, Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Fausto Carmona has been a complete enigma for the past several seasons now, and one has to wonder when the Tribe will finally throw in the towel.

After a great 2007 season during which Carmona posted a 19-8 record and 3.06 ERA, Carmona hasn’t come anywhere close to approaching those numbers. Since that time, Carmona is 32-45 with a 4.87 ERA, and in 2011, Carmona is 6-12 with a 4.76 ERA.

Carmona is signed through this season with options for the next three years. Considering Carmona’s ineffectiveness, it would be a HUGE surprise to see the Indians exercise the options at this point.

Aubrey Huff, San Francisco Giants

Last season, first baseman Aubrey Huff helped lead the San Francisco Giants to their first World Series championship in 57 years, hitting .290 with 26 HR and 86 RBI during the regular season and adding a homer and four runs batted in against the Texas Rangers in the five-game win over the Texas Rangers.

The Giants rewarded Huff with a huge raise, giving him a two-year, $22 million contract with an option for a third year. The deal made sense, given the Giants’ need for production from the left side of the plate.

But Huff has had difficulty putting together back-to-back strong seasons, and this year is no exception. Huff is currently hitting .248 with 12 HR and 54 RBI, well below last year’s numbers, and at 34 years of age he doesn’t figure to suddenly find the power stroke that defined his career in the early-to-mid 2000s.

J.D. Drew, Boston Red Sox

Right fielder J.D. Drew is in the final season of a five-year, $70 million contract, and Red Sox fans couldn’t be happier that his time in Boston is ending.

Drew has suffered through a miserable fifth year in a Red Sox uniform, hitting just .219 with a meager .305 slugging percentage before landing on the DL on July 20 with a left shoulder impingement.

Drew is likely to return when rosters expand on Sept. 1, but it will no doubt be his last month in a Red Sox uniform, discounting the playoffs.

Oh well, at least the Sox will have $14 million extra to play with next season.

Reid Brignac, Tampa Bay Rays

When 25-year-old shortstop Reid Brignac was named starting shortstop in spring training by Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon, he was selected based on a fairly strong showing in 2010, during which Brignac batted .256 with 8 HR and 45 RBI.

This season has been a completely different story. Brignac has struggled right from the get-go, hitting just .194 with one home run and 10 RBI, and has lost playing time to Elliot Johnson, who is only hitting .181 himself.

Juan Uribe, Los Angeles Dodgers

Murphy’s Law hit the Los Angeles Dodgers in just about every possible way this season.

A Giants fan was badly beaten on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium, Frank McCourt filed for bankruptcy, MLB appoined a monitor to oversee day-to-day operations in the Dodgers’ front office, and the roster suffered a myriad of injuries.

On top of that, the Dodgers spent $21 million on third baseman Juan Uribe in hopes that he could provide the type of offense he gave the World Series-winning Giants the year before.

For their money, the Dodgers have seen exactly four home runs from Uribe along with a .204 batting average and two trips to the disabled list. In fact, a recent MRI showed that Uribe’s recent hip flexor area had healed (he indicates that pain is still there).

Funny, that’s what I was thinking the last time I saw him on the field…the pain was still there.

Jonny Gomes, Washington Nationals

Oufielder Jonny Gomes has played so well this year that he was shipped out of Cincinnati in order to play for a contender…oh, no…wait, that’s wrong.

The player who put up decent production in both 2009 and 2010 for the Reds was actually given up on by the Reds, who traded him to the Washington Nationals for what amounted to a bag of beans—two minor leaguers who were clearly not elite top-tier prospects for the Nats.

That’s what happens when you’re only hitting .211 with 31 RBI halfway through the season.

Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs

If one were to make a movie and title it Angry Young Man, Chicago Cubs disqualified starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano would be a perfect leading man.

Following a start earlier this month against the Atlanta Braves during which Zambrano surrendered five home runs and threw at one of the most popular players in Braves history (Chipper Jones), Zambrano was booted from the game, and then essentially booted from the Cubs, who placed Zambrano on the disqualified list for one month after he angrily announced to clubhouse officials he was retiring.

And that’s just the latest of behavioral issues displayed by the fiery Zambrano, who has clearly lost any kind of filter in his brain.

Oh well, the Cubs ONLY have about $20 million or so left to pay Zambrano.

Ted Lilly, Los Angeles Dodgers

Maybe there’s something in the water in Los Angeles. Wait a minute, I live in the LA area, I already know there’s something in the water.

Whatever the case, something threw things awry in Dodgertown. Starting pitcher Ted Lilly, who was rewarded with a three-year, $33 million contract by the Dodgers during the offseason, has been very un-Lilly-like this season, posting a 7-13 record with a 4.58 ERA.

The southpaw must be crafty in areas other than the baseball field, because he sure hasn’t been that this season when he takes the ball every fifth day.

B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

You know how Baltimore Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. got hit with the talent stick and his brother Billy—well, not so much? That certainly appears to be the case with the Upton brothers.

While Justin Upton is becoming the face of the Arizona Diamondbacks, his brother B.J. has become the farce of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Well, maybe that’s a bit harsh. But when an outfielder struggles to hit above .240 for three seasons, an organization is bound to be just a bit more than frustrated.

And for the record, I’m only kidding about Billy Ripken.

Derek Lowe, Atlanta Braves

After losing to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe is now 8-12 on the season with a 4.63 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.

Not exactly what I would consider stellar numbers for a $15 million per year pitcher.

Jason Hammel, Colorado Rockies

Just a random thought here—at what point does a manager or management team come to the realization that a starting pitcher really doesn’t have what it takes to be a starting pitcher?

At some point soon, that decision may be made about Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jason Hammel.

Hammel is now 7-12 with a 5.24 ERA this season, and after almost three seasons as a starter, Hammel has yet to post an ERA lower than 4.33 or a WHIP lower than 1.39. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not sure I want starters with that kind of production.

John Jaso, Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays catcher John Jaso recently returned from the DL after suffering an oblique injury, and he has a long way to go to get anywhere close to last season's .263 batting average.

Jaso’s struggles at the plate led to him sharing time with Kelly Shoppach, who hasn’t exactly lit it up offensively either (.179 average). Seems like the Los Angeles Angels aren’t the only team struggling to find offense from anyone behind the plate.

Jeff Mathis, Los Angeles Angels

Speaking of the Angels and catchers, Jeff Mathis, who claimed the starting role in spring training after Mike Napoli was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays, has completely spit the bit offensively.

Mathis, currently hitting just .176, is manager Mike Scioscia’s choice in terms of defense, but when one particular spot in the batting order becomes an automatic out, defense alone just doesn’t cut it.

Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners

To quote the long-time popular television game show To Tell the Truth, will the real Chone Figgins please stand up?

That's the question that the Seattle Mariners have asked themselves every day for the past two seasons.

Figgins, acquired as a free agent before the 2010 season, hasn’t come anywhere close to the production he provided for the Los Angeles Angels during his tenure in Anaheim.

Figgins has been on the DL since straining his right hip flexor at the beginning of the month after providing the Mariners a lovely .188 batting average.

Two more years at $17 million with that kind of production certainly has Mariners fans salivating for more.

Okay, I have to tell the truth. No they’re not.

Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals

Wow, that Scott Boras is REALLY a good agent. Look at the bill of goods he sold to the Washington Nationals in the form of Jayson Werth?

The Nats have seen their $126 million investment thus far turn into a .232 season with 15 HR and 48 RBI, far below Werth’s production during his last three years with Philly.

In this case, Werth doesn’t exactly spell worth—certainly not worth the $126 million investment.

Jason Bay, New York Mets

Speaking of worth, does anyone think the New York Mets have gotten their worth from outfielder Jason Bay? Anyone? Didn’t think so.

A four-year, $66 million investment has resulted in a spate of injuries combined with a complete lack of production. Bay is currently hitting a robust .236 with 9 HR and 43 RBI.

Is there really any wonder why Omar Minaya is unemployed?

David DeJesus, Oakland Athletics

When the Oakland Athletics traded Vin Mazzaro and a minor leaguer to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder David DeJesus, the thinking was that Oakland’s offense would be upgraded.

A .232 average, 8 HR and 35 RBI doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade to me. Maybe I’m wrong.

Honestly, I could have listed half of the starters for the A's on this list, and it still wouldn't have been enough.

Bobby Abreu, Los Angeles Angels

Outfielder/designated hitter Bobby Abreu of the Los Angeles Angels had a vesting option for the 2012 season kick in when he surpassed 1,110 plate appearances combined for both 2010 and 2011, which he surpassed several weeks ago.

Considering Abreu’s production is nowhere near last year’s levels, which were already down from previous seasons, the Angels just might be regretting that $9 million option.

John Lackey, Boston Red Sox

When you have a starting pitcher with a 5.98 ERA, you certainly don’t expect that pitcher to sport a winning record. However, that’s what Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey possesses.

At 12-9, Lackey has clearly been the recipient of terrific run support. Not bad for a No. 3 starter making $15.25 million annually.

Where do I sign up for that gig?

A.J.Burnett, New York Yankees

In just under three seasons, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett has produced a record of 32-34 with a 4.72 ERA for the New York Yankees. That kind of sterling production netted Burnett over $50 million thus far for his efforts.

I swear, I am in the wrong profession.

Kelly Johnson, Toronto Blue Jays

 Second baseman Kelly Johnson played so well for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he got traded for another disappointment at second base—Aaron Hill.

Johnson will have exactly six weeks to turn around a disaster of a season to warrant any kind of decent contract from his new team, the Toronto Blue Jays, or any other team for that matter.

Aaron Hill, Arizona Diamondbacks

Ditto what I said about Kelly Johnson. Second baseman Aaron Hill has been unable to repeat his 2009 season (36 HR, 108 RBI), and will now have his chance to show his new team, the D-Backs, that he can turn things around.

For Hill, this is a huge wake-up call, after spending his entire career with the Blue Jays and finally being given up on.

Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie put together a nice seven-inning effort in beating the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night, raising his record to 6-16.

Yes, I said RAISING his record.

Guthrie leads the American League in losses once again, after doing so in 2009 with 17 as well.

With a 27-47 record in his last three seasons, I would say Guthrie easily qualifies for this list.

Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox

After a decent showing in his first full season in Chicago last season (.284, 21 HR, 88 RBI), outfielder Alex Rios has looked more like Jose Rios at the plate this season (.212, 8 HR, 31 RBI).

I really hate to keep harping on money, but seriously, when you're being given a salary of $12 million to produce, then earn it, for crying out loud.

Vernon Wells, Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels left fielder Vernon Wells is absolutely, positively one of the nicest guys in all of baseball, no doubt about it.

But we all know what former manager Leo Durocher said about nice guys.

General manager Tony Reagins pulled off the deal that brought Wells to Anaheim, and in the process made Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos look like an absolute genius.

Wells collected two hits on Wednesday night in the Angels' 8-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox, and it raised his average to nine points above the Mendoza line, along with 17 HR and 46 RBI.

I'll say it again. Nice guys...you can finish it off.

Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

To say that Chicago White Sox designated hitter/first baseman Adam Dunn has had a difficult year is akin to saying that Pete Rose enjoyed a friendly bet now and then.

Dunn's performance this season has been in a word—shocking.

While Dunn has never been accused of being a great hitter, no one expected a .165 with just 11 home runs at the end of August.

Dunn has talked about thinking about retiring if he can't turn things around and enjoy the game while he's playing.

If he keeps hitting the way he is now and does decide to walk away, at least the White Sox will save $44 million.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.