Forever Linked - Andrew McCutchen vs Adam Jones

"Cutch" or Jones - Whos Better?

For me, if someone asks me to compare Andrew McCutchen to another player of similar capabilities in MLB, I immediately think of Baltimore Oriole's CF, Adam Jones.  Jones has an extremely similar skill set as both a hitter and a fielder.  Both players have been linked as MVPs for their respective teams, reasons for optimism for the future, and have garnered awards like a "Golden Glove" and a "Silver Slugger".  Statistically, lets take a look at "Cutch" and Jones and see not only why their careers will always parallel one another, and who would be put atop this list...

Andrew McCutchen - Pittsburgh Pirates - CF - 4 years experience (26 yrs old)
Career Stats
BA - .296
RBI - 369
HR - 99
OBP - .379
Strikeouts - 512
Slugging - .488
Stolen Bases - 125
Fielding Errors - 20

2013 Stats
BA - .323
RBI - 74
HR - 17
OBP - .400
Strikeouts - 82
Slugging - .508
Stolen Bases - 27
Fielding Errors - 5

Adam Jones - Baltimore Orioles - CF - 7 years experience (28 yrs old)
Career Stats
BA - .281
RBI - 468
HR - 134
OBP - .322
Strikeouts - 706
Slugging - .460
Stolen Bases - 72
Fielding Errors - 37


2013 Stats
BA - .295
RBI - 95
HR - 27
OBP - .295
Strikeouts - 104
Slugging - .505
Stolen Bases - 12
Fielding Errors - 2

Some may ask why I am drawing the comparison between two players that are in different Leagues, but to me these players mirror one another in many ways.  Everything from the way they play the game, their youth, and the way they impact their team...to me Andrew McCutchen and Adam Jones will always be linked and will always be considered 2 of the best 'complete' center fielders in MLB.

Looking at the statistics, some of them are skewed due to the simple fact that Jones has more experience at the major league level (3 more years).  Therefore, his strikeouts, batting average, and on base percentage might be lower considering the increased number of at bats.  However, "Cutch's" lack of years in MLB will also hurt his RBI, slugging, and HR totals compared to Jones.  Nonetheless, looking at the statistics it isn't hard to draw comparisons, but the differences are there if you look hard enough.

Plain and simple, as similar as these two players are, they are just as different from an offensive standpoint.  Simply looking at their size should tell the tale.  McCutchen stands at 5'10" and 185lbs.  Jones stands at 6'3" and weighs 225lbs.  Looking at that there should be no surprise that McCutchen hits for average, on base percentage, and takes advantage of stolen base opportunities when on the base paths.  Jones is much larger and hits for power better than McCutchen.  Simply watch the two swings side by side and you see "Cutch" using his entire body to provide the power, whereas Jones can simply "muscle" balls out of the park.  Both players have tremendous batting averages, both career and seasonal, but Jones' power outmatches McCutchen just as McCutchen's OBP and average tell the story of a base hitter, and not so much a power hitter.  The difference in pitching between the two leagues is also something that cannot be ignored in this comparison.  Jones, drafted by the Mariners, has played 7 seasons in the American League, while Andrew McCutchen has played all 4 years of his MLB career in PNC Park.  Both stadiums are not friendly to right handed hitters.

These two both inked long term deals within months of one another, and the comparisons will always linger as to "who is better".  I ask you this...put your fan hood aside for a second...look at the statistics...and answer the question:  If you were starting a team and needed one of these players to be your CF, who are you picking?  Who is better?  Leave your comments in the comment section below...I look forward to hearing what everyone thinks!