This as a weekly article running every Tuesday here at Roto Savants. I have gotten some questions about players, but if you have minor league drafts and want someone reviewed, let me know and I will put them at the top of the list.
Andrew McCutchen - OF - Pittsburgh Pirates
Injury and Health
McCutchen has no injury history in the majors, but as always with speed comes potential value loss with hamstring and leg problems that will sap your value. He doesn't have any warnings yet though, so don't worry about his health for now.
Skill Set
McCutchen was initially an average contact talent, but truly evolved at AAA in 2008. His K rate went from 20% to 17% and his walk rate went from the 8's to 11.7%. He may regress slightly from these rates, but looks like he's gaining in his hitting skills.
His power has regressed a bit, but he could gain and likely has a 20 homer ceiling. His power will dictate if he is a leadoff hitter or a heart of the lineup type and what to expect in his run and RBI production.
His speed is elite and as he learns how to move on the bases he will gain more steals. He had 34 in 2008, but with 19 caught stealing's he still has a lot of work to do. Even if he tops out at 20/30 he would be a great option in any outfield.
Major League ETA
He's on pace for an arrival in the majors this season, but it might not be right away. If for any reason there is reason to believe that he has a chance to break camp with the team then push him on to your radar ASAP.
Conclusion and Advice
In 2007 Baseball Prospectus labeled him a 5 tool player with no weaknesses. High praise for such a young player. You can't draft him in standard leagues though without a time line, but with any news push him to sleeper status.
After looking at Maybin last week I thought these two made an interesting match up. I think I would still take Maybin as the better talent even with the higher strikeout rate, but how close is it. Also the addition of a presumed starting job makes Maybin the better player for 2009 drafts as well.
