Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Notes: February 17, 2017

The Pittsburgh Pirates have wrapped up day five of Spring Training 2017, here are some news and notes from the day in Bradenton.

As of this afternoon, every player invited to Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training were in Bradenton except for two. However, at this point, all the key figures, minus Jung Ho Kang, are in camp. All eyes are now pointed toward the 2017 Major League Baseball season.

Friday was a slow news day in Bradenton with the biggest pieces of the day being what Andrew McCutchen had to say. However, there is still baseball to talk about and that is always a great thing.

McCutchen Speaks Out

On Friday, new Pirate right fielder Andrew McCutchen met with the media. McCutchen was asked about the move to right field and discussed it openly on Friday. He was also asked about the trade rumors that swirled around him all offseason.

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As always, McCutchen remained a great team player through everything. And he made that clear on Friday. According to Pirates.com, when asked about this past offseason this is what McCutchen had to say: “Looking forward to just getting out on the field and playing. I know you’re all sick of hearing about everything that’s happened — and I am, too,” McCutchen said. “I’m ready to get my feet out there. Ready to show that this is just the beginning of some good stuff.”

I for one agree. Like Andrew McCutchen, I am ready to get this season started with.

Andrew McCutchen also released this on the Player’s Tribune on Friday. McCutchen admitted he did not want to move out of center field when Clint Hurdle told him that would be happening. But he admits he realizes this was a selfish move.

McCutchen has always been a team first player and this has continued with his position change. He said he knows he needs to do what is best for the team and that is exactly what he is doing. Additionally, he once again reiterated his wishes to spend his entire career in Pittsburgh.

I really do believe Cutch will have a monster bounce back season in 2017.

Next: Andrew McCutchen, The Selfless Superstar

Watson Loses Arbitration Case

Yesterday, we found out that Tony Watson lost his arbitration case against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates filed at 5.6 million dollars, while Watson and his agent requested 6 million dollars. In the end the arbitrator sided with the Pirates.

Due to this, Watson will received 5.6 million dollars in 2017 instead of 6 million. Do not feel too bad for Tony though, he will still receive a 62 percent raise over what he made during the 2016 season. And this comes after the worst season of his Major League career.

That will do it for day five of Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training 2017. News should only be picking up in the coming days. Especially as the outcome of Jung Ho Kang’s trial should be known soon. As always, stay tuned here at Rum Bunter for all the latest Pirates’ news.