May 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
columnist Rob Biertempfel
"
Perhaps it's only coincidence Andrew McCutchen rediscovered his power stroke about the time Pedro Alvarez started batting cleanup. Since May 5, when Alvarez took over the No. 4 spot, McCutchen, who bats third, was 14 for 30 with three homers and seven RBI entering Thursday night's game. Conventional wisdom is McCutchen will get more fastballs when he's backed by the threat of Alvarez's boomstick. But manager Clint Hurdle said unless it's Barry Bonds or Albert Pujols, the guy on deck usually doesn't have much effect on a pitcher. "We talk a lot about protection in the lineup," Hurdle said. "But from what I've seen in the game the last five years, pitchers go at hitters the way they go at"
May 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
columnist Karen Price
"
Andrew McCutchen knew it was a good sign when he woke up hungry Tuesday. The Pirates' center fielder had Sunday's game off followed by Monday's off-day to try to recover from the stomach flu, and he was back in the lineup for last night's series opener against the Washington Nationals. "I'm starting to feel like my normal self, starting to feel good now," said McCutchen, who belted his first home run of the season during the fourth inning. "The past couple days I've been getting back to eating quite a bit, so I was happy about that. I was losing weight and just wasn't feeling as good because I wasn't getting the food I need. But now I'm getting my appetite back and able to eat.""
April 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
columnist Dejan Kovacevic
"
Andrew McCutchen is an extraordinarily wealthy young man, you might have heard. That six-year, $51.5 million extension he signed with the Pirates a couple of months ago launched him into a spending bracket most of us can't fathom, much less attain. As McCutchen loosely acknowledged Sunday morning, "It's a heck of a lot of money. A lot more money than I'd ever be able to spend on my own." Must be nice, huh? But here's another way to think about all that cash: If McCutchen takes 500 at-bats a year over the life of the extension, he'd be paid $17,167 for every time he steps into the box. That can exact a price of a different kind. It can bring pressure. It can have a player squeezing his bat"
March 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Nate McLouth evidently wants nothing to do with the Mendoza Line-level hitter he was the past three seasons in Atlanta. "That guy's gone," he said. "You won't see him again." That remains to be seen in real games, of course, but McLouth's return to the Pirates is at least off to a strong spring: His two-run home run in the seventh inning Wednesday beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-5, at McKechnie Field, and it raised his average to .400 — 8 for 20 — with two doubles and three RBI. "I really was hoping for a good start. That was going to be very important," McLouth said. The home run, in his first at-bat as a late replacement, came off a 2-0 fastball and wound up in the water beyond right field."
March 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen hit a career-high 23 home runs last season, but the Pirates weren't exactly tickled that his sudden swinging for the fences cost him 27 points off his batting average, lowering it to .259. So, it might have raised an eyebrow that McCutchen homered in his first at-bat of the Pirates' 10-3 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. It was his second home run in as many games. "I'm not going for the fences," McCutchen said. "I'm looking for something over the plate, trying to drive it to center field, staying within myself." Indeed, the entire at-bat was a beauty. McCutchen fell behind New York's terrific youngster Michael Pineda, 1-2. But"
March 21
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen hit a career-high 23 home runs last season, but the Pirates weren't all that pleased that his sudden swinging for the fences cost him 27 points off his batting average, lowering it to .259. So, it might have raised an eyebrow that McCutchen homered in his first at-bat of the 10-3 loss to the New York Yankees tonight at George M. Steinbrenner Field. It was his second home run in as many games. "I'm not going for the fences," McCutchen said. "I'm looking for something over the late, trying to drive it to center field, staying within myself.""
March 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Quick: Think of the greatest outfielders in Pirates history. Who came to mind? Roberto Clemente and Barry Bonds, probably. Good choices. That covers right field and left field. So who's in center? "I don't know. I guess we'll find out," Andrew McCutchen said, smiling because he was quick to pick up on where this question was heading. "There have been some great ones here. We had (Andy) Van Slyke, (Omar) Moreno. Those are the main two I hear a lot of talk about, as far as guys from the past." McCutchen paused and smiled again. "We'll see.""
March 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen was eager to get the announcement about his $51.5 million contract extension out of the way quickly Tuesday morning. "I was looking forward to it being over so I could exhale," McCutchen said. "I signed and shook hands with the owner (Bob Nutting) and (general manager Neal) Huntington, then I was able to breathe and say, 'All right, let's go play the Yankees.' " It was worth the wait. McCutchen singled, doubled and drove in two runs in a 7-2 rout. In the first inning, McCutchen bounced a run-scoring single to left field off left-hander CC Sabathia. In the third, McCutchen doubled over the head of center fielder Dewayne Wise to score Clint Barmes from first base."
March 6
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
The multiyear contract All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen agreed to means Pirates fans can finally put Barry Bonds behind them. After the 1992 season, Bonds left the Pirates and took a six-year, $43.75 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Ever since, the Pirates have been searching for their next great young star. McCutchen could be that player, and this time the Pirates will not let him get away. McCutchen, 25, agreed to a six-year contract worth $51.5 million. The deal, which will be finalized today, is the second-largest package in team history. Jason Kendall got a six-year, $60 million contract in 2000. This year, McCutchen will make $500,000 plus a $1.25 million signing"
February 28
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen is using a more open batting stance this spring, a change he decided to make on his own in the offseason. So far, manager Clint Hurdle likes the results. "The first guy I ever saw use an exaggerated open stance was (Andres) Galarraga, when he was trying to find a way to get back to a more squared position when his front foot hits the ground," Hurdle said. "Different body types can present different challenges. Andrew feels really comfortable with that little opening on the front side and setting it down soft. It's getting him back toward the pitcher and getting him squared up, keeping the barrel in the zone longer.""
February 27
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Although talks remain stalled, the Pirates are willing to work out a multiyear contract with center fielder Andrew McCutchen. A team source Sunday told the Tribune-Review that the Pirates do not consider the initial gap of about $10 million between the sides to be insurmountable. McCutchen, the No. 11 pick in the 2005 draft, turned down offers before the 2010 and '11 seasons. No substantial talks have been held since last year, when the sides were far apart on financial terms. McCutchen's camp likes the $51 million deals given to Arizona's Justin Upton and Cincinnati's Jay Bruce, two other standout outfielders from the 2005 draft class. The Pirates prefer a package closer to $40 million."
December 17
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Fans made it clear Friday night at PirateFest that they want All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen to be with the team a long time. During an hour-long Q&A session with president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington, several season-ticket holders asked -- if McCutchen will get a multi-year contract. One fan practically shouted into the microphone that manager Clint Hurdle and second baseman Neil Walker also get long-term deals. "Hurdle, Walker and McCutchen are important parts of our future, and we're going to try to keep them here," Coonelly said. Hurdle already is signed through the 2013 season. The Pirates have approached McCutchen and Walker about new contracts, but"
November 29
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
The Pirates have not entertained any trade offers for All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, a high-ranking team source said Monday, and have no intention of doing so. An ESPN report yesterday said the team would listen to offers for McCutchen this offseason. The team source emphatically denied that and added that McCutchen will remain in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future."
September 25
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Justin Upton, Jay Bruce and Andrew McCutchen have much in common. All three are budding stars in the National League, top-notch outfielders and 24 years old. The trio was part of MLB's blockbuster 2005 draft class. The Arizona Diamondbacks chose Upton with the first overall pick. The Pirates got McCutchen with the 11th selection, one spot before the Cincinnati Reds snagged Bruce. Yet, there is one area where McCutchen differs dramatically from Upton and Bruce. Upton is making $4.25 million this year. Bruce is getting $2.75 million. The Pirates are paying McCutchen $453,000, only $38,500 more than the MLB minimum."
August 28
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Talks between the Pirates and outfielder Andrew McCutchen about a long-term contract extension are at a standstill. However, McCutchen's agent indicated on Saturday that they remain interested in exploring a new deal. "We have been in discussions before but not now," agent Steve Hammond said. "It didn't lead anywhere, so there have been no more discussions. Now it's time to focus on playing baseball and winning games. We'll see what happens down the road." Pirates management also has said the team is open to resuming talks. However, when outfielder Jose Tabata's six-year, $15 million contract was announced last week, general manager Neal Huntington did not sound optimistic about working"
August 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen needs four home runs and one stolen base to become the eighth 20/20 player in Pirates history. Manager Clint Hurdle believes McCutchen is capable of even more. "He's got a big future," Hurdle said. "There's a ceiling, but I don't know where it is. I'm a firm believer in, 'Let the kid draw his own chalkboard and just try to help him along the way.' " The franchise's gold standard is Barry Bonds, who had 33 homers and 52 steals in 1990 and 34/39 in 1992. McCutchen, 24, is in just his third year in the majors and is only beginning to reach his prime. On Wednesday, he bashed a 451-foot home run, one of the longest ever hit at San Francisco's AT&T Park. He also swiped two bags"
August 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Manager Clint Hurdle expects to see Andrew McCutchen try for more bunt singles. The play worked Monday and led to a run. "It's something he's decided he wants to have in his (repertoire)," Hurdle said. "When he does it a couple of times, it's going to keep the third baseman in closer. If he can get to a point where he doesn't do it on just the first pitch or the first strike, if he can keep him in until two strikes, he does have the ability to turn on balls. It's all part of him trying to become a more complete player and taking advantage of that one weapon that he has every day, which is his speed.""
August 2
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen hit leadoff for the first time in nearly six weeks, and he might want to get used it. With the arrival of middle-of-the-lineup bats Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick, manager Clint Hurdle is looking for a dynamic spark at the top of the order. "We decided to reset this trap," Hurdle said. The manager said McCutchen will be hitting primarily leadoff for about two weeks, when either Alex Presley or Jose Tabata is expected to return. McCutchen may then slide to the No. 2 hole, especially against right-handers, to balance the lineup. "When (Presley) comes back, he's going to be there at the beginning of the order and I will probably be right behind him," McCutchen said. "(We) are"
July 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen insists he wasn't trying to validate his All-Star credentials, and there really is no reason he would have to. Still, the Pirates' center fielder picked a great time to have a monster game. On Sunday afternoon -- about 18 hours after getting his first All-Star invite -- McCutchen smacked a three-run homer and collected five RBI. The Pirates hammered the Chicago Cubs, 9-1. Just another day at the office for McCutchen, who's batting .291 with 14 home runs. "I plan on doing that even after the All-Star Game," McCutchen said. McCutchen will join teammates Kevin Correia, who yesterday was named to the National League squad, and Joel Hanrahan at the All-Star Game on Tuesday in"
July 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Andrew McCutchen is an All-Star, after all. The Pirates center fielder was named to the National League All-Star roster Saturday in place of injured Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun. McCutchen was chosen by San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who will manage the NL squad. "Regardless of how it happened, I'm on the team," McCutchen said. "It's definitely a good feeling for me." In his third season in the majors, McCutchen, 24, is batting .289 with 13 homers, 49 RBI and 15 stolen bases. "He's earned his way," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We're so proud of him." Braun was the top vote-getter in the National League. He has sat out the past seven games due to a strained left"
July 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Clint Hurdle held his tongue for one day. Then the fireworks flew. The Pirates manager ripped into anyone involved with the All-Star voting process after center fielder Andrew McCutchen was omitted from the National League's 33-man roster. "I think everybody whiffed on this one," he told reporters during an animated pregame media session in his office at PNC Park. "Absolutely whiffed." Hurdle singled out NL All-Star manager Bruce Bochy of the Giants, who had nine discretionary picks; the NL players, who voted for 16 spots, including three outfielders; and the MLB's commissioner's office, which left McCutchen off the five-man list for the "Final Vote." After the Pirates' 5-3 victory, Hurdle"
July 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
columnist Dejan Kovacevic
"
You could see it in Joel Hanrahan's hey-mom-I-did-it smile Sunday morning. He had just heard he was an All-Star, and, better yet, he knew he deserved it. This was no sigh-of-relief smile, nor should it have been: The Pirates' closer is 24 for 24 in save opportunities with a 1.41 ERA, a 98-mph fastball, an equally unfair slider and a snarly mound presence to match the stuff. So much for the "obligatory Pirate," as had become the annual vernacular for Pittsburgh's All-Star. But, really, just one this year? Making a case for multiple Pirates in the past was as laughable as discussing their playoff prospects. But this year is different: They're 43-41 after the 10-2 wipeout of Washington on a"
June 17
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
For a few minutes Thursday, Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen had a 15-game hitting streak. McCutchen singled in the sixth inning of a 5-4 win against the Houston Astros. A little while later, though, Major League Baseball announced it overturned a scoring decision from the Pirates' June 11 game against the New York Mets, changing a McCutchen double to an error and wiping out the streak. "Oh, well," McCutchen said. "We won. That's all that matters. ... I'm all right with it as long as we're winning." Official scorer Tony Krizmanich gave McCutchen a double on a third-inning grounder down the third base line at PNC Park. The play now goes down as a two-base error by Mets third baseman"
June 12
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
The Pirates and center fielder Andrew McCutchen have made no progress toward a multiyear contract extension since they last talked in April. The sides had been discussing the extension for several months before word of the negotiations became public in early May. There have been no new approaches from either side in the interim, even though both are believed to remain open to an agreement. Pirates president Frank Coonelly declined comment Saturday, citing club policy on contract matters."
June 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
The Diamondbacks seemed poised to win tonight's game in the 11th inning. Reliever Daniel McCutchen gave up a leadoff double to Xavier Nady. Henry Blanco showed bunt, then slapped a single to right, moving Nady to third. "I had a little magic up my sleeve," McCutchen said with a wink. On a 2-2 count, Ryan Roberts went down chasing a slider that was well out of the zone. "I was going for a ball there," McCutchen said. "If he'd have laid off it, then I'd have to see what I'd do 3-2. But I threw a good one in there." That brought up Kelly Johnson - a lefty hitter who had not grounded into a double play in 40 opportunities this season. Johnson smacked a sharp grounder to first baseman Lyle"
June 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
When the ball jumped off his bat, Andrew McCutchen did not believe it would leave the park. "I didn't hit it that good," McCutchen said. "I hit it off the end of the bat a little bit." The ball arced toward left field, then descended quickly as it neared the foul pole. Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Xavier Nady was poised to try a leaping catch at the wall, but the ball cleared the fence, giving the Pirates a 3-2, 12-inning victory Wednesday night. "I got just enough of it," McCutchen said, grinning. "Just enough. That's pretty good." "The longer I watched it, the better our chances got," manager Clint Hurdle said. McCutchen's second career walkoff hit moved the Pirates (30-30) back to"
May 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Pirates first-year manager Clint Hurdle made it clear Thursday that a lack of effort will not seep into his clubhouse. "I think there are certain things," he said, "that are non-negotiable." Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was benched for Thursday night's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers after failing to run out a play in a 2-0 loss Wednesday night. "It's the game of baseball, and it needs to be played the right way," McCutchen said. "It's not the way I play ball. I know that's not the type of person I am." With the Pirates trailing, 2-0, McCutchen struck out swinging to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning, but the ball kicked away from Dodgers catcher Rod"
May 12
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
"
Center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who has a team-high seven home runs, will remain in the leadoff spot for now. Manager Clint Hurdle said he envisions McCutchen as a No. 3 hitter but doesn't want to move him during a hot streak. Entering Thursday, McCutchen was hitting .326 in his past 11 games, lifting his batting average 35 points to .242, and homered twice against the Dodgers on Tuesday. "He seems to be more comfortable," Hurdle said. "I'm going to leave him right there." Added McCutchen: "I feel a little more confident as far as my swing is going. I'm feeling pretty good now." Left fielder Jose Tabata, mired in a 2-for-16 slump, was held out of the starting lineup. Tabata, who hit .354"