List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 19
34. Andrew McCutchen
The right hander produced incredible performances during his time in Pittsburgh’s Minor League system. He validated the hype almost immediately after taking over as Pittsburgh’s centre-fielder in the 2009 Major League season. The speedster made his mark
as a catalyst hitter as he went on hit 12 home-runs with 54 RBI’s and 22 SB, batting with a decent .286 average.
The guy improved with every passing game in the Majors and he is now one of the finest centre-fielders in the game. Although the Pirates were unable to live up to expectations, McCutchen produced some great individual performances in the last few seasons.
If he continues his impressive run in 2012 as well, he will have the chance register his name in the list of all time greats in Pittsburgh franchise history.
It will not be wrong to say that McCutchen is a staggering athlete as he is faster than anybody else in baseball right now. His splendid speed has made him a terror on the base paths.
Although he had a decent start to his MLB career, it was not until late 2011 when he truly realised his immense talent. After posting a combined 15 Fld in his first two seasons, he achieved a remarkable Fld of 3.5 in 2011.
McCutchen will be looking to maintain his sensational form through 2012 to earn a huge pay day at the end of the season. However, consistency and persistent hard work are going to be the key to his success at this level.
“That's the best part of all. Just knowing that my performance had something to do with it and that the manager wants to see you for himself. It felt very good to be part of that. To get a hit and an RBI, it just let me know I can handle this,” said McCutchen
in an interview.
35. Nelson Cruz
After playing in the Minors for years, Nelson Cruz finally earned a place as the Rangers’ starting right-fielder. He immediately established himself as one of the best sluggers in the game, hitting 33 home runs in the season.
He also finished second to Prince Fielder in the home-run derby. The guy kept improving with each game he played in the Majors to record the best season of his career in 2010. Hitting 22 home-runs with 78 RBI’s and an incredible .950 OPS in 108 games, he
looked on top of his game.
“It's special, you know. When you get a chance to get a W, that's the most important thing. Besides that, everything happened on the field. Usually when I get a W, that's the most important thing,” said Cruz in an interview.
Although he had his share of health and fitness issues in 2011, he was absolutely unstoppable during the Rangers’ post-season campaign. In the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, the right hander blasted 13 home-runs with 13 RBI’s
to achieve an amazing feat. He is also very good in defence as he has posted a 12.4 Fld since 2009, which is the tenth best among all right-fielders during that period of time.
Continued in Part 19
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