Three Really is a Magic Number.

I bought a box of 2009 Topps Series II back in June. While I will get to what was in that box another time (I've been promising this for months), one thing I can tell you is that I got this in amongst the box:


It was announced on June 23, 2009, that the subject for card #3 in the 2009 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption program was Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates.


I'm thinking, "Fantastic!!!" in a sarcastic tone. Why???

• Plays for the Pirates.
• All-Star Nate McLouth, already the CF.
• Rookie that had potential, (his stats as of June 23, 2009 were: .333 (26-78), with one home run, thirteen RBI's, and stolen two bases, but...
• Plays for the Pirates.

So basically, I have not decided whether or not to "cash it in" and redeem the card.

Needless to say, I should apologize for my thinking. Here's why. Since June 23, he is hitting .270 (37-137), with five home runs, 18 RBI's, and seven stolen bases. Not too shabby, and with McLouth off the team (traded to the Braves in June), McCutchen is getting more playing time.

Then, I'm watching the MLB Network, and saw this...

Please don't try to click on the pause button. This is only a picture, not a video. Screenshot courtesy of MLB Network and MLB.com.
If you want to see the video of all three home runs, click here.

I think I'm redeeming mine now. He looks like he has a good chance to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. According to ESPN, the only two other Pirates to hit three home runs in a game are both Hall of Famers (Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente). McCutchen is now the third Buc to do it. And as long as the Pirates front office stops the yearly fire sales (which this year saw an overhaul), he has a good future ahead of him in the Steel City.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama