Reactions to the Pirates’ Nate McLouth Trade
First off here’s the trade - OF Nate McLouth (age27) to Atlanta for OF Gorkys Hernandez (21) LHP Jeff Locke (21) and RHP Charlie Morton (25).
The trade is a clear indication from the Pirates that they aren’t where they should be and expected to be at this time. It indicates, as we all know they’re lacking major league talent, but also have many holes in the lower system. I’ve always said Nate McLouth is not a Center Fielder and his gold glove was about as silly as Al Gore winning a Noble Peace Prize. But certainly with his reasonable contact and abilities, he would have been a good fit in right for the Pirates. Why trade him now? Certainly his value would rise as the season continued with more teams looking for OF help. Now trading McLouth for solid young starting starting pitcher on paper is of course a good move, if it works out. However this trade is nothing but a roll of the dice by the Pirates as all trades for prospects are. Recent history also suggests not to beat on the Pirates when it comes to developing young players especially pitchers.
As a side note at least it will be interesting to see how Andrew McCutcheon, works out at PNC Park.
I believe we should have brought up andrew McCutheon to see if he is really hear to stay or will need to be sent back down to the minors before we would trade anybody let alone somebody like Nate McLouth, also nate is only 27 years old and we could have him for a long time.