Mark Melancon: 'I'll Take My Cutter Over The Cubs'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Pirates closer Mark Melancon joined The Fan Morning Show on Tuesday morning to talk about the Bucs as they prepare to face the Chicago Cubs in a blockbuster doubleheader at PNC Park.
During the interview, Jim Colony asked Melancon about a ROOT Sports package that detailed how a number of the Cubs' top hitters - such as Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant - are able to hit cutters well when they're down in the strike zone, as Melancon's often is.
Melancon told the guys that he isn't worried about that.
"I'm going to take my cutter over [Anthony] Rizzo or [Kris] Bryant any day," Melancon said. "It's a nice package, I'm sure, they put together, but I'm going to stick with my stuff and I'm pretty confident with that."
Melancon also told the guys that he doesn't shy away from keeping an eye on the St. Louis Cardinals, Cubs, or any team in baseball.
"I pay attention to the whole league, really," Melancon said. "It's fun. It's been a fun race, it has been the last couple years. Obviously, we respect the Cardinals, and the Cubs, and all the other teams. Shoot, the Brewers have kind of had our number the last few years, and fortunately, we were able to get this series, this last home series from them. You've got to respect every team, especially ones in your division you [play] 16, 18 times a year. So every game is important, but it is fun. We enjoy watching our division and the race that we're in, and we know where they're at."
Finally, Melancon informed the guys that he and his wife have their third child due in a few weeks, and told the guys what the plan will be should the birth coincide with a crucial Bucs game.
"My wife knows she's on her own," Melancon said. "She'll have some help, I'm sure, but for those couple hours, I think she's on her own."
The interview can be heard here: