I dont know the situation or McCutheon, but I have a feeling its not all about the money with this guy....I am thinking Cutch doesnt see this team dramatically improve over the next couple of years - he may walk. Maybe he is waiting for the moves? I dont know.

One factor is that the team can pay him peanuts (well you and I might think of it as exorbitant, but in baseball terms it's "peanuts") for another season. He might be thinking he wants more sooner. That will play in our favor, but I'm guessing we're going to have to get to 50 million. I'm sure that's keeping the Nutter awake nights.

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Playing football was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. If I could go out today and suit up, I would do it.--Jack Butler

I don't think the Pirates have a prayer of signing McCutchen to an extension. But that's just me!

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Six callers ahead of us, Jimmy!

Until he starts playing to his potential, he doesn't deserve a new deal.

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And then you take a good look around and they stole your rock n roll
And once it's gone you'll never get it back

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Cutch has holes in his game. He slumps greatly for extended periods of time. He also carried the club when he was hot, essentially the only legitimate offense the club had at times during the season.

His arm sucks. Not sure that will ever improve much. He sometimes does not use his speed to his advantage on the basepaths. At times, he can appear to be explosive, other times, he's flat. That can be improved, I believe.

He's 24, and in the 2.5 years he's been in the majors, he's shown he's a quality player, and probably the best overall player we've had on this team in quite a long time. Certainly the best player we've drafted in a long time. We have no idea if Marte or Hernandez, or both, will ever amount to anything on the major league level. We know Cutch will and has. And there is plenty of room for the 24 year old to improve on what is already a very quality performance.

I have had the chance to watch this player a lot over the past 2 years. At times, he's frustrating as hell, but at times, he's magical. He's very, very young. As is a lot of the team. Both should be allowed to grow together.

He could regress. He could become injury-ridden. Lots of risk with a small market team. The Yankees wouldn't blink twice, just pay him and if bad shit happens, oh well. The Pirates have to be careful. I believe, with this player, in this situation--drafted by the team, the best player on the team, young and with the promise of the short-term future which looks brighter than it has in years--you have to try to make a deal. Lock him up for 6, with the 1 year option, for as reasonable as you can, but get it done.

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Playing football was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. If I could go out today and suit up, I would do it.--Jack Butler

McCutchen's near future involves lots of ice.

He was nailed right in the ding-a-ling by a Derrek Lee hit ball during BP.

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And then you take a good look around and they stole your rock n roll
And once it's gone you'll never get it back

OUCH!!!

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Six callers ahead of us, Jimmy!

If only the Pirates could draft and develop more than one impact positional player each decade... Then maybe we wouldn't have to pay Mccutchen over the top money.

If only giving Mccutchen money wasn't a long debate about dollars and cents. I wish the owners would commit the dough to our organization.

If only the front office could pay the man and we'd be assured that our future isn't going to implode if he has a few crappy seasons. I remember Jason Kendall and Brian Giles.

They might not have to.

If Marte keeps hitting improving at the plate he could be even better than McCutchen.

Marte's development is key for this team. If he develops and soon they could even trade Cutch and get a shitload for him.

_________________
And then you take a good look around and they stole your rock n roll
And once it's gone you'll never get it back