MLB

Andrew McCutchen Correctly Criticizes Pittsburgh Pirates’ Front Office

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Pittsburgh Pirates Andrew McCutchen

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Most of the time when a player calls out the front office of the team, his time in town is tentative at best. When the best player on that team calls out the front office, though, heads start to turn. That was the case recently, when Pittsburgh Pirates’ All-Star Andrew McCutchen had some comments for the Bucs front office in an interview with Trib Total Media writer Rob Biertempfel. The comments weren’t malicious, and he followed them up by saying he wants to play his entire career in Pittsburgh, but there was still a statement of displeasure. Normally these statements would not be acceptable, but with McCutchen, the comments are justified and need to be heard.

McCutchen’s comments, in a nutshell, were that he felt the front office didn’t do enough last offseason to make the team competitive, and he hopes that that changes this offseason. He said that he wants to go into spring training feeling like the team will win the division and compete for a World Series. McCutchen’s concerns are legitimate because the moves that the Pirates made last offseason were not earth shaking, and there were still questions at right field and first base to start the year. Unless the team makes an attempt to bring in more talent, McCutchen might reconsider his desire to stay in Pittsburgh.

It seems as though the Pirates are willing to stretch the budget from last year in an attempt to keep catcher Russell Martin. If the catcher leaves, though, the Pirates need to take that money and spend it on other players who will keep the team competitive in the tough NL Central division. One area of concern that McCutchen mentioned was first base. He said that the platoon of Gaby Sanchez and Ike Davis didn’t cut it, and he would like to see a full-time first baseman there this year. Pittsburgh could bring in a new first baseman or could use players already on the team (Davis, Pedro Alvarez or Andrew Lambo).

While some people might think that McCutchen voicing his concerns is uncalled for, it is clear that if anyone can make the front office alter their approach, it is McCutchen. If he were a player who continually showed frustration and called out the organization, this would be a different story. McCutchen is a selfless player who always puts the team first, which is why these comments can have the power to make change. Ownership needs to look at McCutchen’s statements and see what they can to do appease their star player. Re-signing Martin would go a long way to keeping the Pirates competitive, but with all of the other suitors trying to sign the catcher, Pittsburgh might be out of luck. If that is the case, then the Pirates need to take that money and bring in some free agents to help the team win games.

After two extremely productive years where the Pirates made the playoffs, it is understandable that McCutchen wants to keep those winning ways going. Because he is trying to light a fire under the front office and his statements weren’t malicious, McCutchen is justified in making those comments. Pittsburgh fans now have to hope that the Pirates’ ownership will take notice and try harder to build around McCutchen this offseason.

Andrew Lenz is a Blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealAndyLenz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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