CHARLIE CUTLER
CATCHER
  Born: July 29, 1986
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drafted: 14th Round, 425th Overall Pick, 2008 (Cardinals)
How Acquired: Rule 5 Draft, Minor League Phase
College: University of California, Berkeley
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES
The Pirates selected Cutler from the Cards in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft, which means St. Louis didn’t think highly enough of him to put him on their AAA roster.  He was considered a decent prospect at the time of the draft and has hit well in the minors, but he hasn’t moved up quickly and has generally been old for the levels he’s played at.  The Cardinals have had a habit in recent years of stocking their system with low-upside, low-risk college players, which probably includes Cutler.  He doesn’t seem to be highly regarded defensively and has thrown out 25% of opposing base stealers for his career.

2008
A-:  303/365/408, 142 AB, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 10 BB, 17 K

Cutler had a good debut, hitting for average and making good contact, but not showing much power.

2009
A:  351/410/455, 242 AB, 11 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 24 BB, 25 K, 1-2 SB
A+:  274/406/390, 146 AB, 10 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 25 BB, 22 K, 2-2 SB

Cutler had little trouble with low A, even hitting for a little power.  He didn’t hit as much after a mid-season promotion to high A, but continued to show an excellent eye at the plate.  He got a little playing time in the outfield and at first.

2010
A+:  292/368/409, 174 AB, 11 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 17 BB, 17 K
AA:  218/329/252, 119 AB, 4 2B, 15 BB, 16 K

Cutler opened the season in AA, but he struggled enough that the Cardinals demoted him.  Even with the struggles he continued to control the strike zone well.  Back in high A he had about the same year as 2009.  His seasons ended early due to a broken foot.

2011
AA:  333/398/475, 204 AB, 8 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 21 BB, 28 K

Cutler returned to AA and fared much better, including decent power.  He missed time due to several stints on the DL and the inactive list.

2012
AA:  296/407/421, 152 AB, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 21 BB, 17 K, 1-1 SB

Cutler spent the year with Altoona.  Initially, he was the 3rd catcher behind Tony Sanchez and Ramon Cabrera, which meant he didn’t catch much.  He served time as the DH, then became the backup catcher after Sanchez was promoted to AAA.  He hit for average and showed very good strike zone judgment.

Cutler isn’t ready for minor league free agency yet.  He’ll return in 2013 in a similar role, initially as Carlos Paulino’s backup at Altoona.
STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2013: Minor league contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2008
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2014
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 6, 2008: Drafted in the 14th round, 425th overall pick, by the St. Louis Cardinals; signed on June 10.
December 8, 2011: Selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft.