Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Andrew McCutchen's rookie season with the Pirates went about as well as he could have hoped."There's nothing I would change," McCutchen said Monday. "There are a few things I'll fine-tune this winter and get better at, but as far as how I did during the season, it all was good."
The analysts at Baseball America agreed, as they named McCutchen the magazine's major league rookie of the year.
"It's a great honor," McCutchen said by phone from his home in Lakeland, Fla.
McCutchen, 23, batted .286 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases. He topped National League rookies with 47 extra-base hits and ranked second in multi-hit games, runs, walks and total bases.
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America voted McCutchen the Pirates' MVP.
Voting for Major League Baseball's major awards, including Rookie of the Year, is conducted nationally by the BBWAA. Ballots are submitted before the end of the regular season, and the winners are announced after the World Series.
McCutchen and Pirates first baseman Garrett Jones — whom Baseball America also named to its all-rookie team — are generally considered among the top candidates for the National League rookie award. Also in the running are Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan, Milwaukee Brewers infielder Casey McGehee and pitchers Tommy Hanson of Atlanta and J.A. Happ of Philadelphia.
"Whatever happens, happens," McCutchen said. "I did all I could, and it's up to (the voters) to make the decision. We'll see. For now, I'm happy to take the Baseball America award."
Only two times in the past 10 years has Baseball America's choice not been one of the two league Rookies of the Year selected by the baseball writers.
In 2004, Baseball America selected San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene, while the writers voted for Pirates left fielder Jason Bay and Oakland shortstop Bobby Crosby.
In 2003, the magazine tabbed Arizona pitcher Brandon Webb, while the media honored NL pitcher Dontrelle Willis and AL shortstop Angel Berroa.
This winter, McCutchen will train in Lakeland. He also plans to work out with left fielder Lastings Milledge, who grew up in Palmetto, Fla., a 20-minute drive from Pirate City.
Notes: The Pirates requested outright waivers on reliever Tyler Yates, who then opted for free agency. Yates missed most of last season after having reconstructive elbow surgery. There are 38 players on the 40-man roster, plus pitchers Evan Meek and Jose Ascanio, who both are on the 60-day disabled list.
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