Andrew McCutchen is doing it all for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season.
In fact, his season has been so impressive that he’s starting to trend in the national media as a bona fide MVP candidate.
Check out this CBSsports.com piece on the Bucs’ center fielder.
McCutchen, with his team-leading figures in batting average (.325), home runs (11), RBIs (37), stolen bases (11), etc. …, is one of the top reasons Pittsburgh is near the top of the NL Central. He’s been nothing short of sensational in a lineup that is ranked near the bottom of the majors in several offensive categories.
The Pirates are 29th out of 30 teams in batting average (.225). Not surprisingly, the team has shown little patience at the plate, with the fifth-most strikeouts (493) and MLB-worst total in walks (137).
McCutchen and strong starting and relief pitching have carried the Pirates thus far. But the Bucs likely are going to have to come out swinging by the trade deadline if they want to avoid another second-half swoon.
There have been reports of interest of corner infielders in Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox), Chase Headley (Padres) and Bryan LaHair (Cubs). Also, the Pirates could pursue of one of the top hitters on the trade market — Carlos Quentin of the Padres. The Bucs could have the upper hand on some teams because of their pitching depth. They’d just have to be willing to deal it.
