Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen finishes third in NL MVP – MLB News
Pittsburgh Pirates' centre fielder Andrew McCutchen on Thursday, November 15, finished third in the National League Most Valuable Player Award – voted by the members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Earlier announced to be among the top 5 nominees finalised for the prestigious award, McCutchen was preceded by the winner, San Francisco Giants' catcher Buster Posey and runner-up Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Andrew McCutchen won the 6 second-place votes along with 13 of third which gave him 245 points, while Posey collected 27 first-place votes along with 4 second-place, finishing it on top with 422 followed by Braun’s 285.
"It was an honor just to be nominated for National League MVP this season along with some of MLB's best players," said McCutchen. "I want to congratulate Buster Posey on an amazing season.”
For McCutchen, being among the top 5 nominees and then finishing third were actually an acknowledgement of the player and the team’s improvement.
He said, "I believe that being an MVP finalist shows true improvement both from myself and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, and that we are moving in the right direction.”
McCutchen also vowed he would work harder for the coming season.
He added, "Media members, players and fans alike are beginning to notice this progress as well. I am motivated to continue to work hard, and I'm already looking forward to the 2013 season."
A quick look at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ performance this year brings to fore McCutchen’s name quite prominently. Thanks to his breakthrough season, one which was unanimously agreed upon, McCutchen was the most prolific hitter and consistent centre fielder to solidify the club’s defence.
His appearance in 157 games of 162 that the Pirates played was another proof of consistency and indispensability. That he won the Gold Glove, despite how the season ended for the Bucs, was in itself evidence of his superiority and excellence.
He not only became Player of the Month in June by hitting .370, but was also the only Bucs' player since Hall of Famer Paul Waner to hit .373 just when the latter was at .375.
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