Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 preview
Article By rfagan.tsn on 14th March, 2010
The goal, as has been the case for more than the past decade, is to finish .500. Pittsburgh's streak of 17 consecutive losing seasons is a record not only for MLB, but for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The last time the Pirates finished above .500 was 1992 -- Barry Bonds' final season with the team. The 2010 Pirates have a lineup that is good enough to reach .500, but the rotation is a question mark.
Up-and-comer for the 2010 season? Andrew McCutchen.
Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates' prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn't look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He's a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn't pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don't think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle ...
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Three questions
1. How good is center fielder Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen was drafted 11th overall in 2005, just after Cameron Maybin and right before Jay Bruce. The Pirates' prospect took longer to reach the majors than Maybin or Bruce, but he clearly had the best 2009 season. "The trade of Nate McLouth to the Braves opened the door for the speedy outfielder and he didn't look back," MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said. "He's a five-tool player who hit three home runs in one game last season. He could be a 30-30 (player) in the very near future."
In 108 games as a rookie last season, McCutchen had 12 homers, 22 stolen bases and 54 RBIs (second on the team) from the leadoff spot. Although McCutchen wasn't pleased with the pace of his rise though the minors, the Pirates wanted to make sure he was ready when they brought him up for good. McCutchen is closer to being an All-Star than a minor leaguer again.
2. What about Pedro Alvarez?
If McCutchen is Mr. Right Now, Alvarez is The Next Big Thing. Although he might be ready for the majors offensively, there is little chance the Pirates will break camp with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 draft on their roster.
Between advanced Class A and Class AA last season, Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. "At the end of the day, I don't think he performed as poorly at Lynchburg or as exceptional at Altoona as it appeared on paper," Pirates director of player development Kyle ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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