Prospect Analysis: Andrew McCutchen

Name: Andrew McCutchen
Organization: Pittsburgh Pirates
Position: Outfield
Born: 10/10/1986
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 2005, 1st Round (11th Overall)

The Pirates, mired in a "culture of losing", did everything necessary to purge the organization of the old regime this offseason. GM's, managers, farm directors, and the team president were fired, replaced, or eased out. The only holdover was the hot dog salesman in section 39.
The future for the Bucs, however, may begin to get a little brighter. McCutchen is the jewel of an otherwise barren farm system, outside of 1B/OF masher Steve Pearce.
Despite struggling in Double-A last season, McCutchen was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis, playing in seventeen games. McCutchen caught a fire, batting .313, up from .258 in Altoona. In the Arizona Fall League, McCutchen helped his team win the championships, but his numbers again fluctuated. He finished the season batting .286, but hit .342 in the last 10 games of the season.
To say McCutchen is streaky, is an understatement.

Baseball Roundup: 2/6/08

Spring training is right around the corner and here's a look at some early February activity around the league;

The Phillies are looking into signing Kris Benson to a one year deal, according to MLB.com. While remaining quiet about the possibility of adding Benson into the rotation, the Phillies have scouted him on two different occasions, liking what they saw in the 33 year old right hander.

The reigning National League Champion Rockies signed Scott Podsednik and Victor Zambrano to minor league deals and invited them to spring training.

The Detroit Tigers have pulled off a minor trade with the Rangers to add depth to their farm system, acquiring right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga from Texas in exchange for outfielder Michael Hernandez.

Remember me? Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press reports that Randy Keisler will be in line to compete for a shot at cracking the Twins Rotation.

The Pirates avoided arbitration with Freddie Sanchez, giving him a new deal that could net him up to $19 million for three seasons.