In Case You Missed It: What to make of Andrew McCutchen

Check out some important information and interesting reads from the last week or so:

Pirates

• The case for optimism for Andrew McCutchen can only get so optimistic.
• The case for pessimism rings a little too true.
• McCutchen was pulled in a double switch on Tuesday. He was upset — with himself for underperforming.
• Jameson Taillon wants to be an advocate for early detection of testicular cancer.
• Stephen J. Nesbitt penned a perfectly enjoyable piece on Francisco Cervelli’s pitch framing.

Around the NL Central

• Paul Sullivan wondered whether anyone could hit Wrigley Field’s center-field scoreboard in a game. This got me to these pieces from Bleed Cubbie Blue touching on Roberto Clemente’s legendary homer there. (What’s that? Those FanPosts are pretty neat? Well, try your hand here.)
• The Brewers are hitting few pop-ups and many home runs.
• The Brewers and Cubs had a rainless rainout in Chicago.
• The Cubs will likely need starting-pitching help, reminding Derrick Goold of the (non-playoff) 2016 Cardinals.
• Meanwhile, the Reds staff is operating in emergency mode.

Elsewhere

• Old friend Charlie Morton found a little more in Philadelphia and Houston, and he’s been (what’s the word I’m looking for) electric for the Astros.
• I keep meaning to make time to read this; to be honest, I’ve yet to do so, but I wanted to pass it on. MLB Trade Rumors has a three-part series on the 1992 expansion draft, which just sounds like all kinds of fun.