McLouth’s early chill raises some questions for Braves
There's a line somewhere about the bubble bursting on the Braves' season. But I won't go there yet.
It doesn’t make sense to panic only 31 at-bats into a regular season. So I suppose it doesn’t make sense to panic 31 at-bats into spring training. But is it too early to be concerned about Nate McLouth?
The Braves were not completely comfortable with McLouth as their leadoff hitter. We suspected that after he hit .256 last season, and it was confirmed when they pursued Johnny Damon in free agency, albeit belatedly. (Damon ultimately signed with Detroit for $8 million.)
After going 0-for-3 Thursday, McLouth is 1-for-31 in the spring. He has struck out 12 times. His batting average: .032. His on-base percentage: .114.
I emailed a question to Frank Wren, and his response was completely in line with that of any general manager’s in March: “There really isn’t concern. You only have to look at his career to know that he will get it going. Players have 30 at-bat slumps all the time. It only takes a couple of two-hit games and it’s all forgotten. He’s too good a player to worry about a spring drought.”
I know. It’s spring. We’re not supposed to pay attention to statistics in spring. But it’s also clear McLouth is TRYING to hit, not just work out the kinks. And isn’t it somewhat significant that manager Bobby Cox dropped him to sixth in the order Thursday?
“I’m getting there,” McLouth told our David O’Brien. “It’s frustrating not to get hits, regardless of whether it’s spring training. But I’d rather it happen now than in the season.”
McLouth doesn’t have to be great. But if the Braves don’t have even a competent leadoff hitter this season, they’re in trouble. Are you concerned yet?
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182 comments Add your comment
Admiral Ackbar
March 22nd, 2010
8:09 pm
It’s a trap!
Ray Steele
March 23rd, 2010
6:22 am
So what you’re saying is, “It doesn’t make sense to panic, but IT’S COMING RIGHT AT US! Run for your lives!!”
As much as I have bagged on Melky lately, this is a good reason to have him. If Natey Mac continues to not hit after the regular season starts, we have a backup plan. But that’s only after the regular season starts.
http://braveslifer.wordpress.com
Two lead off batter suggestions for Braves
March 23rd, 2010
11:23 am
Consider two names as lead off hiitters:
Nellie Fox and Ty Cobb. Either one will do well.
Problem solved.
Go Jackets
ANOTHER lead off batter suggestion for Braves
March 23rd, 2010
11:27 am
We also could throw Maury Wills name into the lead off batter mix.
This is easy,man.
Go Jackets and Go Navy!!
myra
March 24th, 2010
6:27 pm
nates boring.
Don
March 25th, 2010
10:51 am
I still do not understand so many posters referring to McLouth’s past record as being a solid offensive player. He has been a .250s hitter. He has hit in the .250s or below in all but one season in his major league career. Is this a solid major league hitter????
Paul Hewitt
March 26th, 2010
5:59 pm
The reason Nate is having trouble is the all the fault of those ajc writers and bloggers.
Ralph
March 27th, 2010
11:01 am
Infante in CF, the guy has speed, can get on base and can play center field, I think the braves are overlooking an orchard while searching for a rose.
Robert
March 27th, 2010
12:55 pm
Braves suspend minor leaguer charged in prostitution sting
March 26, 2010
CBSSports.com wire reports
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves have suspended a minor league pitcher who was charged with two prostitution-related misdemeanors after a sting conducted not far from the team’s spring training facility.
Right-hander Deunte Heath bonded out of jail Friday. Kissimmee police spokeswoman Stacie Miller says the 24-year-old ballplayer was arrested Thursday night when he allegedly responded to Internet prostitution ads and agreed to pay $75 for a sex act.
The Braves say Heath has been suspended indefinitely and sent home to Decatur, Ga., while the club gathers details of his arrest. The team says it will have no further comment.
Heath, 24, pitched in 32 games last season with Triple-A Gwinnett and Double-A Mississippi. He went 2-6 with a 5.20 ERA. When questioned about the incident by police, Braves manager Bobby Cox said the sex act was consensual and that all he received was two sugar cubes and a pat behind his long donkey ears. “Cox has always had my back” said a grateful and relaxed Heath as he and his favorite manager cuddled and shared a cigarette
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
jfreak
March 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
No, McLouth will hit this year. In fact, I think because of the bats behind him if you assume he’ll hit leadoff, McLouth will have a really good year .285 avg, 19 hr, and 68 rbi? If the braves pitching staff stays healthy “Hudson” and the bullpen “Wagner” has good year the braves are going to be a very good baseball team. I like them winning 93 games this year?? If they stay healthy?? Big if!
Robert
March 27th, 2010
5:40 pm
I think McClouth is gonna come around and be himself. .260-ish hitter with 50-60 extra base hits and 60-70 rbi.
Thing is, he is NOT a real leadoff hitter.
My concern is that his manager has decided he is the leadoff hitter – and that’s that as far as Bobby Cox is concerned
My concern is whether he is his usual self, whether he goes hog wild and hits .400 with 50 HR, or whether he is 1 for 401 80 games in, he will still be pencilled in to the lineup every day without fail
My concern isnt so much that this piece is broken or flawed, but more that should this piece prove to be broken or flawed, it will still be used as if it were working well and the proper fit
John A.
March 28th, 2010
12:10 pm
We should have gotten more for Vasquez…throw in McLouth and get a good CF and leadoff man. or trade with B’more and get Brian Roberts…now we do have versitility
Braves Fan
March 29th, 2010
12:06 pm
Here we go again. Last year it was the Kelly Johnson experiment when you had a better 2nd baseman all the time (Prado). Now we want to make Nate a leadoff batter when you have one of the best hitters (Infante) playing back up. Stop the stupidity right now!
bvillebaron
March 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
The criticism of McLouth on this site is ridiculous. I concede that his lifetime BA of .260 and his strikeouts leave something to be desired. However, his lifetime OBP (you know which is like what leadoff hitters are supposed to do) is .342 which is better than Jimmy Rollins (.329) or Jose Reyes (.337). He also is one of a handful of centerfielders who hits 20 or more homers and steals 20 or more bases annually (his percentage of successful steals is one of the best ever). McLouth is a good if not very good, but not star or superstar player. Finally, Braves Fan your comment that Infante should be starting (presumably ahead of McLouth) is what is really stupid. Did you ever watch Infante play outfield? As far as him playing regularly in the infield, who would you have him replace in the starting lineup? Chipper, Escobar? Prado? Glaus? Get real will ‘ya.
Greg Norton
April 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
Hey Bobby: No fear. I’m ready to come back and provide some offensive muscle if McLouth continues to stumble.
AB Fan
April 1st, 2010
8:09 pm
Bobby Cox is loyal to a fault. If McClouth is struggling like this when the games count, it will likely be the All-Star break before he gets replaced. And why start the season with Lowe when we have three better pitchers? Loyal to a fault.
Tea
April 2nd, 2010
8:09 am
Yes. Start Melky and send Nate to the burbs till he gets his stroke back. Building momentum from Day 1 is important this year.
cdog
April 2nd, 2010
12:01 pm
Mclouth is going to hit when it counts.i remember hank aaron never hit good in the spring games.no need to worry about this.
ohnowIseetheforest
April 2nd, 2010
12:54 pm
Don’t forget about Schafer. If he’s healthy..why not give him another shot?
steveh
April 7th, 2010
5:04 pm
I never saw McLouth as a Lead off hitter. At his best, he still strikes out quite a bit and does not walk enough.
I was not crazy about the trade when they made it. McLouth was only an “All-Star” in Pitt one year because every team has to have a representative and he was having the best season of the guys on the worst team in baseball. Now, having said that, I do like the guy and think he can be a contributer. I like the energy and competiveness he has. But keep him toward the back of the lineup. He has some pop and will drive in some runs on occassion.
I still have not given up on Schafer. His time is coming.
Will Nate McClouth Be Thorn To Braves? | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
April 7th, 2010
8:52 pm
[...] I am not the only one putting Nate McClouth under the microscope. farkItButton("Your headline goes here", "http://fansided.com/", [...]
Tomahawk Take--Dan Telvock
April 7th, 2010
8:57 pm
I do not think it is unfair or too early to put pressure on Nate McClouth. We just saw him hurt the team in the outfield with a horrible throw home with bases loaded. 2-1 Cubs.
I thought he was going to be a good pick. He seemed to be at the top of his career when we took him from the Pirates. But he’s still a .240 type hitter who might hit 20 home runs. He came cheap. I couldn’t be too critical of the Braves, who were blindsided by Andruw Jones’ implosion at the plate.
But man, I swear, I hope he doesn’t haunt us. He can play better than this.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
April 8th, 2010
12:08 pm
Heyward reminds me of the 1995 buzz – remember, that was when they had African players.
Heyward thsnks for bringing back excitement – like the Hawks (The only winners in the city).
John A.
April 11th, 2010
9:24 am
If you want to show some concern let’s take a look at Chipper. Put his butt on the bench, have Infante at 3rd and bat leadoff. That makes more sense than anything I have read. I am like many others when thinking of Melky….if he is so good why did the Yankees let him go?
Mitchell
April 11th, 2010
10:27 pm
I like the Braves.
another season of excuse's
April 12th, 2010
6:34 am
Same old excuse chipper hurts butt swingin now hurts Back i say time to release him n get a lead up man Pittsburgh laughin now at McLouth hittin.yes let TP get a hold n he be in Ny in a met uniform next!
another season of excuse's
April 12th, 2010
6:37 am
Hey Matt choke ryan how odd u say Braves have african players well they had rico carty dusty baker n TP n others where u been oh wait i know u always hate Matt Ryan cause he not into killin Pit bulls for fun like u!
richbrave
April 12th, 2010
8:18 pm
How about tonight’s opener in SAN DIEGO? 11-0 PADRES in the top of the fifth. Raise any questions about this year’s team. Apparantly they’re getting 84+ millions worth. Thank you LIBERTY MEDIA.
Too tough 44
April 13th, 2010
12:44 pm
Jeff, I gotta to tell ya, the past 2 out of three games, the TEAM has looked horrid! ( lets take out the Heyward “fluke” thorow of how the old ball bounced, skidded) the play of the infielders, horrid! Hitting, OMG! I like Bobby C. but, have always disliked how he leaves players on the mound, in the field making errors, and in the line-up when they are NOT hitting. Look, the way I see, it, if B. Cox wants a shot at the playoffs and world series, he best change his mindset and attitude and look at who in “hot” hitting, fielding, etc..play those players! And, oh, my, whats happening to Diaz’s concentration, you remember last yr his mental collapse?
Skeezix
April 15th, 2010
9:52 pm
The leadoff situation is pathetic. I say give Infante a shot at it. I just don’t get Diaz leading off—I mean the guy will swing at anything and doesn’t even believe in taking walks.
Mitchell
April 20th, 2010
11:33 pm
Jeff Schultz… write a new blog!
This one is out of date.
Navigator
April 21st, 2010
12:47 pm
As always, the Braves front office thought that McLouth would be different once he was Brave. How many players have they brought in for rehabilitation with few actually working out. That thought process has to change, remembering you get what you pay for. They got several players who hit for average that can leadoff, which brings up the most obvious question: Why is he on this team?