The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates cut outfielder Craig Monroe for failing to hustle during a play against the Minnesota Twins.

With his team down 8-2 in the eighth inning, Twins pitcher Glen Perkins struck out Monroe, but the ball got away from catcher Joe Mauer, allowing Monroe an opportunity to reach first base.

Monroe reached the bag safely, but only because Mauer made a throwing error. According to the paper: "He ran casually -- somewhere between a jog and a run," and coaches were "livid."

Monroe was benched the next three games, and designated for assignment on Friday. The Pirates subsequently called up outfielder Steven Pearce to take Monroe's spot on the roster.

Monroe, 32, was batting .215 with three home runs and 16 RBI.

Kudos to the Pirates coaching staff, this has become somewhat of an epidemic in the game today. Several players often fail to hustle on numerous occasions. Given the salaries that are currently being paid to players, I don't feel it's a great deal for a fan to ask for continued effort throughout a full game.

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