Andrew McCutchen among finalists for NL MVP
By Matt Shetler
After the season he had, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone, but Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen was officially announced on Wednesday to be among the five finalists for the National League’s most valuable player award.
October 2, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) reacts after being called out on strikes by home plate umpire Bill Welke (right) against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
Cutch joins the likes of Buster Posey of the Giants, Ryan Braun of the Brewers, the San Diego’s Chase Headley and the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina.
After slumping late in the season, McCutchen probably doesn’t have much chance to win the award, but he still put together an MVP-type season. McCutchen carried the Pirates for much of the season and finished up with career-highs in homers (31) and RBIs (96), while also earning his first Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence. He also led the league with 194 hits, while finishing runner-up in the batting race to Posey with a .327 average.
Baseball’s postseason awards are voted upon by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America with the winners being announced during a series of hour-long programs on MLB Network on Nov. 12 (rookie of the year), Nov. 13 (managers of the year), Nov. 14 (Cy Young) and Nov. 15 (MVP). Each show is scheduled to air at 6 p.m. EST.