Wednesday, April 02, 2014

New goals motivate Pirates CF McCutchen after winning NL MVP

By Karen Price 
http://triblive.com/sports/
Published: Tuesday, April 1, 2014, 10:00 p.m.
Barry Bonds and Andrew McCutchen - Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

Former Pirate MVPs Dick Groat and Barry Bonds stand with 2013 National League MVP Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during Opening Day at PNC Park on March 31, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(March 30, 2014 - Source: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)


Andrew McCutchen heard the familiar “MVP” chants cascading down from fans at PNC Park. They began during the pregame ceremony honoring his big award and continued until his final at-bat in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day.
While it was nice to hear, McCutchen said, the Pirates center fielder is not dwelling on what happened in 2013 when there's so much to look forward to in 2014.
“That was last year,” he said. “I'm ready for new beginnings, turn the page. Ready to just make some more history.”
The Pirates showcased the history McCutchen helped them make last season prior to Monday's first pitch, when seven-time NL MVP Barry Bonds and 1960 MVP Dick Groat presented McCutchen with the award for the NL's most valuable player.
Jack Wilson was also on hand to present Silver Slugger awards to 2013 recipients McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez, and the former Pirates shortstop said he remembers walking out with Freddy Sanchez after a Sunday day game at PNC Park and seeing McCutchen taking part in his pre-draft tryout.


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/5864167-74/mccutchen-mvp-pirates#ixzz2xj2puGhR 
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