Buccos come up big in post-season awards

On November 14th, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen became the franchises first player to win the Most Valuable Player Award since Barry Bonds in 1992. McCutchen beat out St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to win the award. McCutchen won the award easily, as he recieved 28 of 30 first-place votes. Goldchmidt finished in 2nd and Molina 3rd.

McCutchen is already the face of the franchise, an icon to Pittsburgh sports fans, and now becoming a recognizable name nationwide. McCutchen was selected by the Pirates in the 1st round of the 2005 MLB draft and he is now locked up under contract through the 2017 season. McCutchen helped his club achieve not only its first winning season since 1992, but also its first playoff berth. McCutchen put up great statistics this season, he finished the year with a .317 batting average, 21 home runs, 84 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases. He also led the league in wins above replacement (WAR).

Pittsburgh Pirates Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen
photo courtesy of pittsburghsportingnews.com

Along with McCutchen winning the MVP, another Pittsburgh Pirate received a prestigious award this offseason. Clint Hurdle was named the National League Manager of the Year. Hurdle is the first Pirate to win this award since Jim Leyland in 1992. Hurdle led his team to a 94-68 record this past season and a wild card playoff berth. Hurdle has been with the Pirates for the past three years and holds a 245-241 record in those three seasons. Hurdle beat out Don Mattingly of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Fredi Gonzalez of the Atlanta Braves, and Mike Matheny of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle
photo courtesy of pittsburghsportingnews.com

Overall the 2013 season was an extremely successful one for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They finished with their first winning season in 20 years, ending the longest losing season streak in all of professional sports. They made the postseason and advanced to the National League Championship Series by defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the wild card game. The Pirates will look to build off of their success this past year and show the league that 2013 was not a fluke. Having a MVP and Manager of the Year on their team will give them the confidence they need to make that happen.