Get To Know: Andrew McCutchen

SI Staff | Oct 13, 2010

Get To Know: Andrew McCutchen /

Get To Know: Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen's explosive speed makes him a threat to swipe a bag every time he reaches base. Through his first two years in the majors, he's raced for 55 steals, a total that ranks sixth in the National League over that span.

McCutchen had the best game of his career on May 14, 2010 in Chicago, when the Pirates' outfielder went five-for-five with four singles, a home run and two stolen bases in a win over the Cubs.

Known primarily for his speed, McCutchen showed flashes of power during Pittsburgh's 2010 season. The outfielder blasted 16 home runs, a number that finished second on the Pirates' roster behind first baseman Garrett Jones' 21.

Fast, athletic and with a strong arm, McCutchen has played an efficient center field in PNC Park since being called up from the minors. He's tallied 18 outfield assists over the past two years, as well as posting a fielding percentage of .989.

McCutchen has been a run producer in his limited opportunities with runners on, batting an impressive .315 with men on base. He was even better with the bases loaded, hitting .429 with eight RBIs with the bags full in 2010.

Demonstrating patience at the plate as well as power, McCutchen drew 70 walks last season for the Pirates. That placed him ahead of perennial NL sluggers like David Wright, Matt Holliday and Chase Utley in that category.

McCutchen is part of a young core for the Pirates' that showed signs of springing to life in 2010. Fellow outfielder Jose Tabata hit .299 during his stint in the majors, third baseman Pedro Alvarez hit 16 home runs and drove in 64 runs in 95 games and middle infielder Neil Walker cranked 12 home runs despite limited playing time. That group will try to reverse Pittsburgh's fortunes next year, as the franchise has suffered 18 consecutive losing seasons.

A three sport standout during his tenure at Fort Meade High School in Florida, McCutchen excelled at both track and football in addition to baseball. He was one of the most highly-touted wide receivers in the state, eventually signing a letter of intent to play football at the University of Florida. The Pirates drafted McCutchen, who had played for the Junior Team USA in 2004, in the first round of the 2005 MLB draft, prompting him to give his full attention to the baseball diamond.

Published Oct 13, 2010

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