The Atlanta Braves have acquired Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for starters Jeff Locke Charlie Morton, and center fielder Gorkys Hernandez.
McLouth has 9 HR and 34 RBI in 168 at bats this season. He’s hitting .256 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .470 slugging percentage. McLouth is signed through 2011, with a club option for 2012.
What do you guys think? Does this make the Braves condenders for the NL East once again, or do they need more?
Quite honestly, this is a pitiful move for the Pirates to make. McLouth is young, cheap, and a solid player; which means by trading him away they’re admitting that they won’t compete in their division for a number of years. What kind of message does that send to their fanbase? From the Braves standpoint, this is an excellent deal. They might be one key player away from making a run at the division.
Thanks to MTR for the story…
110 comments
jaded1983
6/3/2009-7:38pm at 7:38 pm (UTC -4)
He will certainly help them, but how will their bullpen hold up for the rest of the year?
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:38pm at 7:38 pm (UTC -4)
Matt Cerrone of Metsblog believes that this leaves the Braves with enough remaining prospects to still acquire Jake Peavy should they choose to try and do so. If that analysis is accurate, the Braves will be a force to be reckoned with and the Mets better get at least healthy if not a viable bat.
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
I know Peavy wants to head to the Mid-West but I haven’t heard any anti-Atlante sentiment like he has for the North East. It would be a great team for him and I really hope that doesn’t happen.
trs86
6/3/2009-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
I just don’t see them having enough left or the cash.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
I just thought it was fun to write that here. It was a “scoop” of sorts for TRDMB.
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
lol
dirtysanchez
6/3/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
going to be a tough rotation
lowe/peavy/vazquez/jair
dirtysanchez
6/3/2009-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
it helps…but i dont think they have enough…we have feliciano for mcclouth and mccann…we just gotta worry about chip who doesnt play everyday anyway
trs86
6/3/2009-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
That’s huge for the Braves. BOLD.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
very bold but they have a good gm also btw do we still have bob keilty and if so why isnt he up?
trs86
6/3/2009-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
Injured I believe, of course.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
thanks btw did u find any of my questions/ comments out of line for matt?
trs86
6/3/2009-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
We tried to post what we could. Believe it or not there were a lot of questions. Hope we got your general questions asked.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:46pm at 7:46 pm (UTC -4)
I was a little freaked when he answered one of my questions that never appeared on the screen.
trs86
6/3/2009-7:46pm at 7:46 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, I did notice that??
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:48pm at 7:48 pm (UTC -4)
same here i thought it was the immaculate question lol
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
I was hearing Twilight Zone music at that point. I started thinking of when Chris Carlin called him “The Blogfather.”
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:46pm at 7:46 pm (UTC -4)
Was there any stuff that was really out of line?
trs86
6/3/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
Not really. It just became clear that we were going to get the same answer over and over.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
ok so it wasnt just me that thought that way lol
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
I knew it by his opening response.
prismo
6/3/2009-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. Talk about two teams making completely opposite statements to their fanbases in the same trade. Pirates – “We’re going to suck for the next few years, deal with it.” Braves – “We’re going to do all that’s in our power to win NOW.”
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
Hmm. What statement are the Mets making to their fanbase?
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
buy the jerseys with the dominos patches and visit the acella club with the museum that isnt there lol
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
“We have enough money on the DL and don’t need any more”?
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
lets have a 20 game sat plan but let it be for 5 saturdays and 15 wensdays lol
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
oh jeez i guess this means we overreact and resign kingman lol on a serious note i appreciate Matt cerrones comments and explanations – albeit as misguided as i thought thery were but it is his blog and if thats his vision who am I to judge
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
Agree it’s his blog and he knows what direction he wants. I was on it for less than 2 years, so it sounds like he is overwhelmed and is making a course correction. I personally want to share my pain with other fans.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
agreed salty i started on there right after the ’07 collapse and i loved the sense of community – but i guess i can understand why he wants it the way he has it now
gipperpdx
6/3/2009-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
1.) I think Matt was pretty stand up in the Q and A.
2.) McClouth is a player – good pickup for the Braves, but he cannot pitch.
3.) I’d reserve judgment on whether we need a bat until we see how things shake out through June with the return of Reyes, Cora, Beltran, Church, etc. And, see how Delgado is progressing in rehab. If we get Delgado back in decent shape in August – and the rest of the offense is workig well, I’d still focus on a SP.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
hey gipper whats your name on facebook?
trs86
6/3/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
By the way guys, I am in the process of developing a facebook page for the site. I don’t really know what the hell I am doing but….
johan4cy
6/3/2009-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
i was looking around today and i saw a facebook page
gipperpdx
6/3/2009-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael_Carew/574189307
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
ok if u see a ed marcus that be me
gipperpdx
6/3/2009-7:56pm at 7:56 pm (UTC -4)
But, but, but you’re RUSTY!!!
johan4cy
6/3/2009-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)
lmao, rustysillegitimateson
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:00pm at 8:00 pm (UTC -4)
Shhh Ed is my stage name LOL
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:02pm at 8:02 pm (UTC -4)
Wow, so “quality time with the wife” equals 10 minutes?
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:08pm at 8:08 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah well what can I say ok on the sofa with the iPhone while she shoots me dirty looks
dirtysanchez
6/3/2009-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
does anyone else think they didnt give up too much for mclouth
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:46pm at 7:46 pm (UTC -4)
well its easy to fleece the pirates
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:48pm at 7:48 pm (UTC -4)
I am so glad I am not a Pirates fan. What a waste of a great stadium.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
IMO it depends on Jeff Locke. I have heard lots of good things about Gorkys Hernandez, and I have seen and not been impressed with Charlie Morton. So depends on what sort of prospect Locke is.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-7:51pm at 7:51 pm (UTC -4)
Also, so far Nate McLouth is a one year wonder. Not exactly lighting up the world this year.
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
Hopefully he doesn’t start another steroids cycle.
You never know what will happen to him now that he’s out of Pitt.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-7:50pm at 7:50 pm (UTC -4)
ok guys im outta here for now – wife wants some quality time
saltygary
6/3/2009-7:55pm at 7:55 pm (UTC -4)
Me too room service just got here.
trs86
6/3/2009-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
Damn, I like Mclouth. But there is a silver lining here. He won’t be in the lineup tomorrow. LOL
gland
6/3/2009-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
lol TRS – that was actually the first thing I thought of!
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)
I still cant see the braves as legit contenders until they do something with their pitching. one above average hitter isnt going to transform a team. two might, but not one
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:03pm at 8:03 pm (UTC -4)
If I was a Pirates fan, Id wish I were a Nats fan.
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:06pm at 8:06 pm (UTC -4)
lmao, i dont know about that… the nats arnt that great either. especialy if they are in a division with a team as dirty as the mets…
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:08pm at 8:08 pm (UTC -4)
Atleast the Nats made an effort this offseason with Dunn, Willingham, Olsen etc?(albeit neglected their pitching), the Pirates have a good thing and let it go.. Nady, Bay etc
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:04pm at 8:04 pm (UTC -4)
My Facebook – Marc Nunes
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:08pm at 8:08 pm (UTC -4)
i saw a real dirty metsblog page on facebook today but i only saw 3 members there…
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:09pm at 8:09 pm (UTC -4)
(GASP) The “mets” and “blog” is not ONE WORD!!! lol
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
lol but seriously, are more people going to become members or is it just the “selected few” over there..?
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:17pm at 8:17 pm (UTC -4)
Only the important people will become members.
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:18pm at 8:18 pm (UTC -4)
lol… I wonder how I could say such a thing? Was I ever subjected to something similar?
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
LOL we allwere
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:04pm at 8:04 pm (UTC -4)
So the Braves also released Tom Glavine. Think the Phillies will pick him up? I can dream can’t I?
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:06pm at 8:06 pm (UTC -4)
or the Mets? (Snicker)
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:10pm at 8:10 pm (UTC -4)
Somewhere outthere jeff wilpon is looking for his cell phone amongst the pile of money on his desk
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:19pm at 8:19 pm (UTC -4)
Rusty, we’re now Facebook friends! (Skipping along)
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:22pm at 8:22 pm (UTC -4)
Kool
mrose
6/3/2009-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
so i’m late to the party…ello everyone
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
But you ‘re the host? How can you be late, and have a British accent to boot?
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:15pm at 8:15 pm (UTC -4)
haha!
mrose
6/3/2009-8:15pm at 8:15 pm (UTC -4)
hahaha
def no british accent
did i do ok in the chat?
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
Did fine in my opinion. Kept it moving along.
I was kind of freaked out when he answered one of my questions that never appeared on the screen though.
mrose
6/3/2009-8:20pm at 8:20 pm (UTC -4)
yea i have no idea how that happened
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:23pm at 8:23 pm (UTC -4)
I was a bit snarky in the question because I thought you guys would see it in queue and decide not to use it. I said:
“Assuming (we can use that word here) that Metsblog pays the bills, what would Matt Cerrone be doing for a living if that hadn’t worked out?”
It was really nothing more than busting chops about what words were censored.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:19pm at 8:19 pm (UTC -4)
U did a great job – it was matt that came off a little condecending IMO
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:22pm at 8:22 pm (UTC -4)
And what was that part about him feeling left out on the Comments Board and that it was his? Did anyone else catch that? Talk about “Me, Me, Me!”
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:25pm at 8:25 pm (UTC -4)
I thought smug. But he did come into the Lions den and I probably would of come off a little defensive.
gland
6/3/2009-8:32pm at 8:32 pm (UTC -4)
I always think he comes off that way. A few years ago he actually returned one of my emails and was very rude.
I thought it was cool that he came on here and took the time, but his answers didn’t do much for me. His answer to my question on editing was pretty worthless. He “values speed over spelling”. Well he’s not particularly fast, and editing is for more than just spelling.
QnsNative718
6/3/2009-8:36pm at 8:36 pm (UTC -4)
I feel the same way. My opinion of him hasnt changed.
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
read my question differently than i had hoped. i asked if his mets fan experience was a season, which would it be and why? he said 1999 w/no explanation but i was shooting for summer/fall/winter/spring.
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:27pm at 8:27 pm (UTC -4)
I read it the same way he did and came up with the same year. Lots of hope finally got the team we wanted and f’n blew it. Typical.
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:28pm at 8:28 pm (UTC -4)
i was hoping for fall because the dark and cold endings…
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
I think ’99 finished dark and cold.
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
but still, i wanted to see his choice and why… i am disappointed that i didnt make it a clearer question…
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:37pm at 8:37 pm (UTC -4)
You could of phrased your question anyway, he was in no mood to elaborate.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
The whole thing confirmed my worst fears. “We” were the problem, and now “we” are eradicated because “we” are all safely over here talking amongst ourselves.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:23pm at 8:23 pm (UTC -4)
so much for a free thinking blog over there
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:28pm at 8:28 pm (UTC -4)
I was never a part of the problem but I look forward to being a part of the solution.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:31pm at 8:31 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed
sabermetrician
6/3/2009-8:26pm at 8:26 pm (UTC -4)
With this, Reyes suffering another setback, our reluctance to get another starter, and the general health of our team we are in rough shape. I like this team and I like what it has been able to do through the injuries, but we can’t overcome every setback. This is big for the Braves. We need to get healthy fast and now Reyes could be out another couple of weeks. I worry that it may be even more serious than that.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:32pm at 8:32 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know what to think about Reyes. “Reports” say that he’ll be ready Tuesday for the Phils, but other reports have been telling us almost every day for 3 weeks that he’ll be back the next day. There is no one who can replace what a healthy and motivated Jose Reyes brings to the Mets. Cora is competent, but he’s a bench player and he’s got an injured thumb. I don’t see what player the Mets can acquire to help them with their problems, I think they will need to play an intense version of small ball and minimize mistakes for the foreseeable future.
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:36pm at 8:36 pm (UTC -4)
I agree there isn’t a acquisition that will really help, plus they have no leverage due to there overwhelming need. The need to grin and bear it and just push on through. If they can stay in the race which is doable and players return, they will have a better shot at a trade.
sabermetrician
6/3/2009-8:37pm at 8:37 pm (UTC -4)
Totally agree Heb. The Reyes injury is starting to worry me. If he’s not back Tuesday I really don’t know what to think.
I agree too that acquiring a player does not solve our issues. You don’t replace Jose Reyes (unless you have Hanley Ramirez, which ain’t happenin’). I don’t mean to be in a downer mood but I’m starting to worry a bit.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:43pm at 8:43 pm (UTC -4)
Usually I’m pretty upbeat and can find the positive view on almost anything, but I’m afraid I can’t help here. Back to back seasons of overwhelming simultaneous injury are hard to bear. Only thing close to a positive spin I can put on it is the idea that all these guys will eventually be back, healthy, and contribute before it’s too late.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
Hey Rusty, you lamented Brian Bannister’s loss today in your post which now holds the record by a big margin for most views of any post this blog has ever had. Too bad Bannister just gave up a grand slam and is losing 8-0 in the 4th inning.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:47pm at 8:47 pm (UTC -4)
LOL what can I say it’s a gift but on all seriousness why give up ok the kid he coulda been a good #5 starter
fongy2
6/3/2009-8:52pm at 8:52 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed Rusty. This kid
is gonna be an Innings
eater and 10-12game a
yr Winner for a long
time.
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-9:01pm at 9:01 pm (UTC -4)
That’s precisely why IMO. “Coulda been a good # 5 starter” is not exactly a great endorsement.
rustyjr
6/3/2009-9:09pm at 9:09 pm (UTC -4)
And Burgos coulda been a setup man – u never know
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
this has nothing to do with nate mclouth, but we should join the facebook group and help spread word that way
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:47pm at 8:47 pm (UTC -4)
Just joined it.
saltygary
6/3/2009-8:48pm at 8:48 pm (UTC -4)
I also joined this one last week:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=76525832421
johan4cy
6/3/2009-8:50pm at 8:50 pm (UTC -4)
LMAO… thats great..
rustyjr
6/3/2009-8:55pm at 8:55 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah I’m on there since last week
fongy2
6/3/2009-8:50pm at 8:50 pm (UTC -4)
Boy oh boy! We don’t play today yet
we lose again! Why even have a team
in Pittsburgh anymore if they’re gonna
make moves like this? Are the Braves
and Yankees the only teams who can
get this kind of help from baseball’s
also-rans w/o ever giving up much?
Really,over the yrs how many of these
Braves or Yankee “prospects” ever work
out for the team to which they’re traded? This is real bad news for us.
We are right now,today the 3rd best
team in the NL East and that ain’t good enough to make the playoffs.
gland
6/3/2009-8:56pm at 8:56 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think that McClouth makes the Braves better than the Mets.
trs86
6/3/2009-8:58pm at 8:58 pm (UTC -4)
I am not sure the Yankee’s got the best out of the Nady deal
fongy2
6/3/2009-9:00pm at 9:00 pm (UTC -4)
Because hes hurt right
now.What did they actually give up?
Karstans,Ohlendorf&
Tabata..2 journeyman type Pitchers and a bust of afmr prospect?
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-9:03pm at 9:03 pm (UTC -4)
Well, all they got was an overrated middle relief pitcher and a 4th OF.
fongy2
6/3/2009-9:08pm at 9:08 pm (UTC -4)
Understood BUT if Nadys
a 4th OF
what does that make Ryan Church.
But pls
dont pull me
off my
point.
What exactly
did the Braves give up
here to get McLouth?
And when
do we get to make an
in season deal like this?
AND how
many of
these vaunted
Brave (0r yankee)
prospects ever work out?
And dont other GMs know this by know?
GravediggerHebner
6/3/2009-9:21pm at 9:21 pm (UTC -4)
I think it makes Church a AAAA OF.
Which in the grand scheme is what he’s been.
At least Omar doesn’t acquire Yankee and Brave “prospects” so we can give him credit for that.
I have no idea when we get to make an in season deal like this, and given the uncertainty surrounding the health of so many members of the current roster, I don’t think this is the year.