Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen (the organizations #2 prospect) feels he’s ready for the majors but even if is he has a strong spring training, it likely won’t matter. Indications are the team plans on starting McCutchen in AAA no matter what

Andrew McCutchen
| Position: CF | Born: 10/10/1986 | Birthplace: Fort Meade, FL |
| Height: 5′ 11″ | Weight: 180 |
Bats: R | Throws: R |
Drafted: 2005, 1st (11)
#2 Prospect in the Pirates organization
Scouting Report: McCutchen is a five-tool player and his greatest asset is his athletic ability. He is not a power hitter but has great bat speed and will be a tremendous asset for the Pirates at the top of their lineup. Bring one of the youngest players in AAA last season, it took McCutchen sometime to adjust to AAA ball.
In 135 games for AAA Indianapolis, McCutchen hit 9 HR – 50 RBI and finished the season with a .283 batting average. McCutchen also finished eighth among Triple-A hitters with 34 stolen bases. In the second half of the season McCutchen performed very well. In the month of August he hit .324 including an impressive .415 on base percentage.
Spring Training Report: Through seven workouts McCutchen has hit the ball well and is much improved defensively than he was last season. Every year he continues to show improvement in all assets of his game. In center field, McCutchen covers a lot more ground than gold glove winner Nate McLouth and his arm is much stronger than McLouth’s.
McCutchen also has the ability to also play right field but to this point he has only fielded balls in center field. At the plate he is showing a lot more patience than last year and that‚Äôs an area of his game that started to develop for him in the second half of the 08 season. The argument now is is whether starting the season in AAA will do McCutchen any good. He seems to think it won’t based on his recent comments.
Current Outfield Depth Chart
Left Field: Hinske, Morgan
Center Field: McLouth – McCutchen РMorgan
Right Field: Moss – Pearce