Pirates' McCutchen cut, assigned to Altoona

[83-Steelers-43]

Pirates' McCutchen cut, assigned to Altoona
Sunday, March 25, 2007

By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates today reassigned outfielder Andrew McCutchen, their top prospect, and two other players -- reliever Jim Brower and infielder Yurendell DeCaster -- to the minor-league camp in spring training.

McCutchen, 20, will open the season with Class AA Altoona, something of a surprise considering management was weighing the possibility of sending him to Class AAA Indianapolis. General manager Dave Littlefield explained that because McCutchen has spent only 25 games above Class A -- all with Altoona at the end of last season -- the team felt that level was the better choice.

"I just think it makes sense," Littlefield said. "He spent a short time there last year. It's a very good environment, and he'll be comfortable having already been there. It will be his second full season in the minors. He'll start there, and we'll take it from there."

And how long might McCutchen stay in Altoona?

"The ball's in his court," Littlefield said. "That's the great thing about this. He's done a great job. We're very pleased with his progress. He's very advanced and performing well in all phases of the game."

McCutchen batted .308 -- 16 for 52 -- with a home run, three RBIs and a steal. He also was exceptional in the outfield.

"I think I had a terrific spring training," McCutchen said after being told of the cut. "I had a lot of at-bats, a lot of chances to play and ??? to still hit above .300 and do well, it feels good to perform and show Jim Tracy and everyone that I can handle this level."

He showed no disappointment at being sent to Altoona rather than Indianapolis.

"That was my mindset coming in. I've just got to get revved up for the season, and we'll see what happens from there."

Brower and DeCaster were assigned to Indianapolis.

Also this morning, Littlefield said that second baseman Freddy Sanchez and reliever John Grabow could be placed on the disabled list if their injuries do not improve soon. But it still has not been ruled out that one or both could start the season on time. Sanchez has a sprained right knee, Grabow a sore elbow.

More details in tomorrow's Post-Gazette.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07084/772511-100.stm

[SteelCityMan786]

I don't mind seeing him at Blair County Ballpark this season. It was fun watching him late last year. I think a good year is in store for him this year.

[polamalufan43]

Although he was a great player for us, I'm not really that sad to see him go.

~Polamalufan43

[Black@Gold Forever32]

Shit send McCutchen to AAA. I'm only 3 hours from Indy. I would have liked to see this kid. Hell I hope he blows up and gets to the majors quick. I'm very excited about his future.

[SteelCityMan786]

Originally Posted by Black and Gold Forever 32

Shit send McCutchen to AAA. I'm only 3 hours from Indy. I would have liked to see this kid. Hell I hope he blows up and gets to the majors quick. I'm very excited about his future.

I'll be seeing him hopefully April 12th in Altoona when they play Reading. That's the home opener down here for anyone interested in seeing BCB on a gameday.

[83-Steelers-43]

Originally Posted by polamalufan43

Although he was a great player for us, I'm not really that sad to see him go.

~Polamalufan43

It was expected. The kid is still young. The question wasn't if they were going to send him down, but where was he going to go. He will be in AAA in no time and maybe next season he will be in the starting lineup.

On that note.........

Duffy is having a horrible Spring. Grabow and Sanchez on the DL. LaRouche is not hitting. Gorzy is stinking up the joint.

Sounds like typical Pirate baseball to me.