Braves Trade For All-Star McLouth

Written by Colin on June 3, 2009 – 7:42 pm

The Braves traded for All-Star centerfielder Nate McLouth today, sending three prospects to the Pirates. McLouth will provide a much needed solid power bat in the middle of the lineup, adding punch to the outfield as well as speed. The Braves part with Gorkys Hernandez (came from the Tigers with Jurrjens), Charlie Morton, and pitcher Jeff Locke.

McLouth is hitting .256 this year. Last year he finished with a .276 average, 26 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. He’ll provide some protection for Chipper and McCann – which is something they need to remain productive.

With this activity today, the Braves appear to be making a move to make a run this season – and they’re not afraid of committing early. We’re only 4 games back in the NL East and have the pitching to take us a long way – even without Hudson coming back later this year. It’s good to see the Braves make the moves necessary to get some more offense ready to go. I’m impressed – this isn’t something we’re used to seeing the Braves do. What are your thoughts? Is McLouth the answer or do we need to make additional moves?

One thing is certain in my mind – Jeff Francoeur’s on the hotseat. We’ve got a LOT of outfield talent coming up and if he doesn’t produce, he’s not around forever.


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Posted in Roster Moves | 6 Comments »


6 Responses to “Braves Trade For All-Star McLouth”

  1. By Jack on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    This is a good trade to get some good power for the outfield and speed in the lineup. We will have himin Atlanta for a couple of years! Jeff on he other hand is done. He can't take the pressure @ the Major Lague level. When under pressure he folds like the Mets in September.

  2. By Keith on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    I agree about Francouer. We would be better of with several guys in the minors than Jeff. Maybe, the deal for Nate will open up that possibilty up with no rookies in the everyday lineup since Jordan was shipped out. I hope that we don't wait too late hoping that Francouer will turn things around because it will never happen.

  3. By Keith on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    Comment on the question where will the Braves finish. To the 4% that said the Braves will finish….were you dropped on your head? Or, have you been on deserted island all season long and returned home today. The Nationals have one of the worst pitching staffs EVER. These guys are currently on pace to win less than 50 games. Hate the Braves if you want but please be realistic. Most AAA teams will beat up on these guys.

  4. By Matt on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    I don't like McLouth. He has below average fielding stats (I don't understand the gold glove) and he's hitting .250. Why trade 2 good prospects for a guy who had a fluke year?

  5. By Mark on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    because we went on 2 week stretch where our outfield hit 0 HR's……we need something to boost a little power in the 6 hole. And for the nationals….who in gods name thought it was a good idea to bring baseball to washington??? they are one of the worst teams in sports

  6. By jakfon on Jun 4, 2009 | Reply

    I think we are a 500. third place team with a shot @ second place. The only way we will finish first or win a wild card will be if we play more standard baseball or if the two @ the top just suck it up. One of those two teams does have a history @ doing just that! But to get better we have to focus on the basics. Work the count ot our favor, base stealing (need speed for that), hit and runs, hitting the ball the other way. Just put the ball in play. We have a better team than what we are showing. Let's get some runs cause we have the pitching to win. BRAVES4LIFE !!!!!!!!

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