McCutchen headed to All-Star Futures Game
The game, which features many of the top Minor League prospects, is set up in a United States vs. World format. Each roster includes 25 prospects selected by Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the 30 big league clubs, MLB Scouting Bureau, MLB.com, Baseball America and USA Baseball.
Each Major League organization is represented and the World Team features players from 10 different countries and territories. Players from all full-season Minor League teams were eligible to participate.
"Andrew is very deserving of this honor," Tribe Manager Trent Jewett says. "He has a lot of athletic ability, and the unusual combination of speed and power. Andrew also has a lot of versatility. He's assumed several spots in our batting order, and he's played both center field and left field very well.
"It's a good feeling when you have a 21-year-old who can hold his own against experienced Triple-A players and former big leaguers. Andrew is the type of guy who will continue to grow and gain confidence as his career moves along."
McCutchen owns a .281 batting average, .421 slugging percentage, .361 on-base percentage, eight home runs and 31 RBI through 77 Triple-A games this season. The 21-year-old ranks among the International League leaders in stolen bases (4th, 21), hits (5th, 85) and doubles (T-9th, 18).
McCutchen recorded a career-best 27-game on-base streak (.309 BA, 34-for-110, 20 R, 14 RBI) from April 7-May 5. He also posted a career-best 13-game hitting streak (.352 BA, 19-for-54, 10 R, 8 RBI) from April 11-25.
"Andrew has shown a lot of improvement in the past year," Jewett adds. "He continues to get better in crucial situations during the course of a game. His strike-zone discipline has improved, and he's doing a much better job of recognizing pitches. Andrew has a lot of potential and he's capable of reaching a very high level of success.
"Andrew is well respected and liked by his teammates. He has a lot of confidence, but at the same time his ego is in check. A lot of guys in Andrew's position turn people off, but his humble nature helps create good chemistry in the clubhouse."
McCutchen was ranked by Baseball America as the Pirates' No. 1 prospect in 2007 and 2008 after occupying the No. 2 spot in 2005 and 2006. He was named Pittsburgh's Best Minor League Athlete heading into 2007 and 2008, and the organization's Best Defensive Oufielder entering 2008.
Originally from Fort Meade, Fla., McCutchen was recognized as the Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year in 2006. He was taken by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2005 draft.