Written by Greg Fertel
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24 May 2007
- Age: 24
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Drafted: 13th Round in 2006 out of the University of Oklahoma
- Position: Starting Pitcher
- Throws: Right
Scouting Report: McCutchen throws an average little 92 mph fastball. He backs it up with two good breaking pitches: a curveball and a split finger fastball. Hitters have a lot of trouble picking up the pitches off his hand. His control is a tick above average, especially on the curveball. He walked three per nine in college, but has walked 1.88 per 9 so far in the minors. He was throwing 94ish in the bullpen before being moved to starting.
History: McCutchen got a late start to his baseball career. He started his college career in 2002 with division II Central Oklahoma. He transfered to the University of Oklahoma, but was forced to sit out in 2003. He spent 2004 and 2005, and in 2006 he was finally given a chance as a starting pitcher. As a result, his 4th-5th round stuff went mostly unnoticed on draft day, and the Yankees grabbed him in the 13th round. He pitched very well after signing, throwing 29 innings between Staten Island and Charleston, allowing just 6 earned runs on 29 strikeouts and 6 walks. However, he was suspended for 50 games following a violation of baseball's drug policy. McCutchen tested positive for a prescription amphetamine. The suspension continued into 2007.
This Season: McCutchen missed the first three weeks of the season serving the tail send of his suspension. He has been very good since. McCutchen has pitched 37 2/3 innings with an ERA of 2.39 ERA work, striking out 27 and walking 8. He has been eating innings well, going into the 8th inning three times and never pitching less than 5 2/3 innings.
Outlook and Movement: Daniel is already 24 years old. There is a reason why 5th year seniors rarely get drafted. If he does not move very quickly, McCutchen will be past him prime. His future is probably in the bullpen. McCutchen doesn't have the time to patiently wait his turn behind the Ian Kennedies, Tyler Clippards, and Brett Smiths of the world. He has plus velocity out of the bullpen and two solid breaking pitches, so he might turn into an effective reliever. Of course, as long as he's putting up these great - and durable - numbers as a starter, they'll keep him there. I can't see the Yankees keeping him at Tampa by August if he keeps his ERA under 3.00. They just don't have the time. The problem? There may not be a rotation spot for him in Trenton. It'll be a tough decision to make for the Yankees.
Ranking: It's hard not to like an underdog. McCutchen really shouldn't be a major league prospect - but he is. I love his fastball/curve/split approach, and the command numbers are impressive. I just feel like McCutchen will wind up on a major league roster some day. His problem is going to be the ticking clock of age. I don't doubt that he can steadily rise through the minor leagues, but can he do it before he's Scott Patterson's age? He turns 25 in September.
Next up: #24 Juan Miranda
