The big story surrounding the San Francisco Giants' series opener Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates has nothing directly to do with statistics or strategy or streaks.
The game will mark outfielder Andrew McCutchen's return to PNC Park.
McCutchen, 31, was a homegrown star for the Pirates, a first-round draft pick in 2005 who went on to become the face of the franchise and the 2013 National League MVP. He even named his first child, a son, born last fall, Steel after Pittsburgh's industrial heritage.
Pittsburgh's decision to trade him to the Giants on Jan.