PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If you are Andrew McCutchen there is a potential downside to returning to the team you led to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. What if it's not as magical as the first time?
He's not at the same point in his career. What if he struggles? What if he can't help this franchise for a second time? Is he tarnishing his legacy in Pittsburgh?
"I have nothing to prove," McCutchen said. "I don't have anything to prove to anyone. I'm here because I know that I can still play the ballgame and that ballclub and that front office, they believe that. I don't need to put more pressure on myself. I never have and I never will."
McCutchen reported to camp on Thursday, days before he had to after signing a one-year contract with the Bucs in January. He played 134 games with Milwaukee last year hitting 17 home runs and driving in 69 while hitting .237 with a .316 on base percentage. The previous season in Philadelphia he played 10 more games and hit 10 more home runs with 80 RBI with a .222 batting average and .334 OBP.
He won't be surrounded with the same quality of bats in the lineup as either place, but says he's ready to start this return.
"I'm out there and I'm enjoying myself," McCutchen said. "I know with being back and being around, just being somewhere that I'm familiar, that's going to be very helpful for me. Sometimes, it's really hard and tough to be on other teams and try and get acclimated to the culture and used to the city and used to a lot. People don't put that in hand when you're going through that. That can be tough in itself."
The first time around was special. The Most Valuable Player in the National League as the Bucs returned to the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. Seven times he hit at least 21 home runs in a season, six times at least 30 doubles and 83 RBI, five times at least 20 stolen bases, four times with an on-base percentage .400 or above., three times hitting over .300. The Bucs first-round pick in 2005 hit .400 in three Wild Card playoff games. Plus, he embraced his off-field relationships in Pittsburgh, winning the Roberto Clemente Award.
"There's no legacy to protect; just show up and do what I've always done," McCutchen said. "Everything else will take care of itself."
