Pittsburgh Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen fielded a barrage of questions on a potential trade out of Pittsburgh, and addressed a potential position move.
To the surprise of no one, Pittsburgh Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen was the subject of a near media and fan frenzy at the 2016 Piratefest fan convention. His comments were simultaneously boilerplate and revealing.
The Trade Talk Whirlwind
Before lining up to face the fan questions, McCutchen and other Pirates were made available to assembled media. As our friend Matt Gajtka tweeted, McCutchen is well aware of the realities of his situation.
McCutchen addressed reporters for first time since rampant trade reports: 'Nowadays contract doesn't mean that much.' pic.twitter.com/PjyK66ABqD
— Matt Gajtka (GITE-kah) (@MattGajtka) December 10, 2016
By all accounts, McCutchen’s words were well chosen and measured, and that can be expected. The mad whirlwind of rumors that was the Winter Meetings has given McCutchen time to reflect and decide how he would like to address them. Between today’s comments and his recent tweets showing a dedication to commenting as little as possible to prepare for the upcoming season, McCutchen clearly has a plan to navigate tricky offseason waters.
https://twitter.com/BiertempfelTrib/status/807655667557249025
Some other choice comments from McCutchen came during the player’s Q&A:
"I didn't like almost being traded. I don't know anything outside of Pittsburgh. It's very tough. It can be a part of the game." – Cutch
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) December 10, 2016
Little kid thinks McCutchen was already traded. Huge laugh from the audience. "Did you see something on twitter already?" – Cutch
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) December 10, 2016
Getting Ready For A Switch
One of the most well-known criticisms of McCutchen from Pittsburgh Pirates fans was his diminishing defensive capabilities. While McCutchen himself stated that he felt no need to move from centerfield at the end of last season, his comments today indicate that he has at least allowed the possibility to creep in.
"I'll be in a corner spot eventually. Hopefully it's after I play this game for a long time." – Cutch
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) December 10, 2016
Cutch expressed no preference between LF and RF if he has to move from CF
— Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) December 10, 2016
This much is known: the Pittsburgh Pirates will reportedly be getting back to a better approach to run prevention in 2017. If a move to a corner outfield spot can jumpstart them towards that improvement, then a position switch may come earlier than McCutchen thinks.
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Photo Credit – Daniel Decker Photography
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