His name is Nate McLouth, as in, ‘Get him OUTTA here’
Nate the Great draws a bead on a fly. Note that the ball is in fact behind him. (AP photo)
It’s difficult to hit any worse than .176, but Nate McLouth has done the deed. That skinny number is what he was batting when he went on the disabled list after his noggin clashed with Jason Heyward’s knee. Since returning last week, McLouth is 1-for-15, which represents a Twiggy-like .067.
(And the hit, we should note, was a flare that dropped into right field McLouth’s first game back. That gift should offset the live drive that became a double play Sunday.)
We have seen Braves struggle over the years — Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Yunel Escobar, the legendary Greg Norton — but we have never seen an everyday Brave perform worse than this. Nate McLouth is hitting .168 on the season. He has three home runs, 14 RBIs, four stolen bases. The highest his average has climbed since April 8 is .208.
He wasn’t very good in his half-season as a Brave in 2009 — a .257 average, 11 homers, 36 RBIs — but today the Braves would take that tepid yield and be ecstatic. McLouth has been so bad for so long, starting in spring training and continuing apace, that there’s no cause to believe he is a big-league starter, or even a big-leaguer, any longer.
There were whispers around baseball that the Pirates had noted a decline in McLouth’s skills and were thrilled to unload him before the rest of the sport caught on. If so, that marks the first time in two decades the Bucs have outsmarted somebody. (Not that losing Charlie Morton was any setback.)
The hope when he returned from the DL was that McLouth might get going enough to satisfy the team’s modest requirements in center field. (The Braves don’t need Willie Mays; they just need a guy who’ll hit a little bit and play D, but McLouth, who astonishingly won a Gold Glove in 2008, isn’t A. Jones with the leather. Or the arm.) Either that, or he’d catch the eye of another team in need of an outfielder. But now the Braves are stuck.
They can’t keep running McLouth out there because he drags down the team, and they can’t trade him because nobody would want him. (Remember when having a former All-Star under contract through 2011 — and with a club option for 2012 — seemed a capital idea?) They can’t promote Jordan Schafer because he just got demoted again, and their most viable trade targets seem to be left fielders.
Unless Frank Wren can swing a trade this week for a real center fielder — B.J. Upton or Matt Kemp — the Braves’ options at the position can be boiled down to two: They can promote Gregor Blanco, who’s back yet again at Gwinnett, or make a deal for a corner outfielder and bump Heyward, who’s a classic right fielder, over to center. Neither is the optimum, but both beat the status quo.
Put simply, Gregor Blanco is a better center fielder right now than Nate McLouth. Heck, Henry Blanco might be a better center fielder than Nate McLouth. And Henry Blanco is a catcher.
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727 comments Add your comment
Joey
July 26th, 2010
10:41 am
ppaddy123, what about Nate’s arm. I don’t think he can work on that. I agree on Melky. I think he has been part of the new, scrappy, hustling attitude on the Braves. The same attitude that Escobar lacked.
O'Brien
July 26th, 2010
10:41 am
Mark,
We were all complaining about Glaus in April. And then he had an unbelievable May. However, he is struggling again.
When can we expect another article on Glaus?
By the way, could the Braves struggles of late be (partially) attributed to the infamous Bradley jinx?
Gigga
July 26th, 2010
10:43 am
Headline…. KK …Chavez… and Nate have been traded to milwakee for $1 million dollars. Brave fans are trying to raise the $1,000,000
Joey
July 26th, 2010
10:44 am
The Wad: ” We can win with this team as it is curently constituted if Cox will play the correct people at the correct time. It really is that simple………….”
*********************************************
And you trust Bobby to do that??
kjoy04
July 26th, 2010
10:47 am
This should be the Starting Position/Depth Chart for the remainder of the season.
Prado 2B
Hayward RF
Jones/Infante 3B
Carbara/Blanco CF
McCann C
Glaus/Henski 1B
Gonzalas SS
Infante/Diaz LF
Jim Crosby
July 26th, 2010
10:49 am
How many more rallies are gonna go down the drain because Mclouth comes up at the wrong time? What was Bobby thinking, keeping Diaz on the bench all three games (I know the old lefty vs righty strategy). Diaz had three hot games in a row and usually hits about a zillion against the Marlins. I’m sure after 3 days on the bench he’s cooled off. That was a series the Braves should have won, with a little common sense and a lot less Mclouth.
59bulldawg
July 26th, 2010
10:53 am
DON’T TRADE MEDLIN! Bring Blanco back if we can’t find the player we want at the price we want. Trading a promising pitcher like Medlin for a band-aid on our hitting would be a travesty. That and STUPID decisions like letting McClouth hit with the bases loaded yesterday is why Bobby’s won only one World Series when he should have won at least three. I’d rather keep Medlin, bring up Blanco, and go with what we have than make a STUPID trade.
James
July 26th, 2010
10:54 am
Mark, If the Braves had a DH, would you rather he hit for the pitcher or McLouth?
tuckerfan
July 26th, 2010
10:58 am
When I think about players that Bobby Cox just can’t let go of, I always think of Chris Reitsma—nice guy, but Bobby kept trying to make him into a closer. It was agony for me every time he started warming up. I think Cox keeps hoping if he puts McLouth in, McLouth will save the day and the resulting confidence boost will be all he needs to return to his prior form (although with McLouth, I’m not sure that that is good enough). Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you keep sticking him into tight situations and he fails, his confidence level goes down and the spiral continues. He needs to be somewhere else right now.
Don
July 26th, 2010
11:01 am
Bobby Cox keeps on doing these absurd, unbelievable things on and on and on. We are not talking about questionable strategy moves that you can argue about one way or the other. We are talking about absolutely absured things that are obvious to everyone (well almost everyone).
The most amazing thing is that he still has strong supporters who think that he is a good manager.
Long Time Braves Fan
July 26th, 2010
11:01 am
NO WAY trade Medlen! I feel better with him on the mound then with Hanson after his last few starts.
DC3
July 26th, 2010
11:02 am
tim hudson has a better average than mclouth i would have rather seen him up there in the 11th.
Long Time Braves Fan
July 26th, 2010
11:03 am
I am not saying trade Hanson
Jason Lee
July 26th, 2010
11:05 am
Mark Bradely, are you even a braves fan. Everything you have to say is negative and you always think you can run the team better than Cox, Wren, Schuerholtz, etc… There is no value in getting rid of McClouth now. He has speed, can lay down a bunt, and will be valuable off the bench why they try to figure out what went wrong. If they do decide to get rid of him it will be because they have better options. You are what I call a headline writer. You write things to get people’s attention, but I like most of my friends that read AJC on a daily basis, have learned to completely ignore your moronic statements.
Ralph
July 26th, 2010
11:08 am
I am so happy that Nates line drive did not get through and drive in the winning runs, just think if that had happened we would be stuck with his sorry ass for the res of the season. Remember last year when Norton would be 0 for 12 and everone would be shouting the same as they are now for Nate to go, anyway then Norton would get a bloop hit and Cox would be convinced he had found his swing, what a dumm ass “Bobby Cox” is.
Ramblin Wrecker
July 26th, 2010
11:09 am
Agreed. McLouth is not an answer for this team. Gregor Blanco offered skills that fit with this Braves team. He has speed, he can play small ball with bunts and moving runners over and he seems to be a better personality fit for this team as well. McLouth very often looks confused and spaced out.
braves guy
July 26th, 2010
11:10 am
Jason are you oblivious to what has been going on? McClouth came off the bench yesterday and the results speak for themselves. We are better off with anything right now than having McClouth anywhere near the ballpark. Wake up man and pay attention to what has been going on.
mclOUTh
July 26th, 2010
11:10 am
Jason Lee,
You my friend are an idiot. Speed is worthless if you can’t get on base. When is the last time a CF laid down a bunt for us? Oh that’s right…it was BLANCO…and multiple times! 98% of Braves’ fans agree with this article and are happy somebody finally had the nerve to write it! Wait a minute…are you Nate’s PR guy?
Nacho Daddy
July 26th, 2010
11:10 am
… Nate has to put on some padding (like omar) and go up to bat and just get hit by the pitch. problem solved.
Paddy
July 26th, 2010
11:10 am
ppaddy123….I would guess the UPC would prevent an assignment to AA without Nate’s consent. Or to any affiliate for that matter.
David Granger
July 26th, 2010
11:10 am
This illustrates one of the biggest problems with Bobby Cox, Mark. He’s just too loyal sometimes to players who are clearly not getting the job done. In some cases…with a young player who’s PROVEN he can play well at AAA…it might be OK to show a little faith in him. (We’ve probably all heard the famous story about how Willie Mays went hitless for three games, and begged Leo Durocher to send him back to the minors.) But many times over the years Bobby Cox has depended on a player who just didn’t get the job done, way PAST the time when he should have sought another option.
Dwayne
July 26th, 2010
11:11 am
McOUT has to go, he can TP with him too.
Larry
July 26th, 2010
11:12 am
Jason Lee is right. You are an embarrassment to Braves fans, Bradley. McClouth probably does need a change right now, but you being an asshole isnt gonna help.
fan blogs are much better than Bradley’s whining
http://ijustwanttofitin.com/category/sports/
JeanE
July 26th, 2010
11:12 am
Mark, totally agree 100% with you on Mclouth but the bloggers have been saying this way before now. If he can’t be demoted to AAA, sit his butt down and never use him again in any crucial situation. Maybe it’s all in his head but doesn’t matter, results are the same, horrible. All he had to do yesterday was stand there and look at pitches and Omar was up next. He did the abolute worst thing possible in that situation and I knew he was gonna do that! Troy did it, yes, but Troy gets a break because he hasn’t played poorly like Nate has overall. I also have been saying why doesn’t Hinske every play 1st, that’s what we got him for and Troy looks banged up and tired to me. Hinske should spell him more at 1st and he can also platoon in left with Matty D. But I am against trading any pitching for another so-so CF, I’d rather stick with Melky and Gregor. Go Braves.
southga brave
July 26th, 2010
11:12 am
Trading Medlen for Ross would not be a good move. Look at the record since Medlen was moved to the rotation from the bullpen. Yes McLouth needs to go as well as Jessie. I am sure we have a pitcher in AAA that can take his place. Another thing if we are not going to use Kawakame why take up the roster space? If you dont feel he is better than Chavez then dont they both need to go? We are working with a 23 man roster here! McLouth, Chavez and KK are holding back the team efforts. If we have such good pitchers in AAA can’t we replace them and maybe Blanco for Nate? I dont think Blanco is the answer but it is an improvement. For those of you raking on Glaus right now, yes he is slumping, but he plays a good defense and he carried the team for about 40 days earlier. Troy is a streak hitter always has been even with the Angels. Yes he needs a few days here and there off and we DO have someone to do that. When he starts hitting again (and he will) talk to me then. To put him in Nates class is ludacrious. He has about 45 rbis and around 255 avg. He will end the season around 255-265 avg and 80+ rbis and 20hrs. You guys are raking on him but want Cody Ross who will be around the same at the end of the year (265-275 20hrs 75+ rbis. They both play good defense. Now give a good 5th pitcher away for Ross but rake on Glaus! He isnt the problem. Bobby is a boob though!!!!! Yesterday is an example of why the Braves won 1 WS in 14 tries! Go Bobby, the Braves win despite him not because of him. Oh and the Brave will not eat a contract like Nates.
Dirty Dawg
July 26th, 2010
11:14 am
Don’t know if it’s just me, but you get a pretty good idea how the Braves management feels about a player by the way the announcers treat their ‘play’. Seems to me that they, and particularly Simpson, never seemed to give Yunel the ‘benefit of the doubt’ – not that he deserved it – while they would others. Same with McClouth…whatayabet we’re gonna be hearing about Nate’s ‘upper-cut’ swing from now until he’s gone…and while they also mention it, I don’t think they do it enough, the kid’s afraid to throw the damn ball. What’s his problem? Does he think that if he actually turns it loose the other team, or maybe even his own, will find out that he can’t throw a lick? He gives up on plays quicker than anybody I’ve ever seen. Even Melky, who seems to have no arm at all, can get himself in position and turn it loose – as he did the other night – McClouth just won’t.
I feel badly for the kid. Obviously he wants to contribute but simply doesn’t seem capable of turning it around. Of course I can’t feel too badly for him, with just the contract that the Braves gave him he’s already assured of making more money than I’ve ever made. Suppose you’ve got to ‘pay him’, but you don’t have to ‘play him’.
Marc in FL
July 26th, 2010
11:14 am
You guys blaming Cox are idiots. We wouldn’t be in first without him this year, he’s been pushing the right buttons all season. He has always been a loyalist. It’s becoming painfully obvious that McLouth just doesn’t have it anymore and they’re hesitant to cut him because of his money, but he’ll be replaced soon enough and Cox will continue to win.
heartofdarkness
July 26th, 2010
11:14 am
McClouth was not put into the game to hit, he was put in to pinch run and score the go ahead run if the Braves were able to deliver a key hit. It was a by the book move that says you play to win on the road when the opportunity presents itself. The likelihood of McClouth’s performance reverting to the mean in the day’s ahead is statistically greater than his remaining mired at the present level. Besides, he hit the ball hard and a couple of degrees difference off the bat and he would have been a hero today. Panic would be trading young parts of the team that are performing well in a desperate attempt to halt a slide in team performance that hasn’t happened yet.
toby
July 26th, 2010
11:16 am
i agree,he must go,he’s been given ample oppurtunity,but sometimes when it goes it goes for good,ala francouer???? i mean sunday against florida a simple fly ball would have gave the braves the lead….i dont care who we put out there,blanco,cabrerra,they cant do better than .168 avg im sure!!!! we need to trade for a htting outfielder!!
L. Jones
July 26th, 2010
11:17 am
I pray they don’t trade Medlen for some rent-a-player. He’s going to be very good. Blanco was doing pretty well in center for the Braves. Hinske & Diaz platooning in left have good offensive production. If they can get their centerfielder or third baseman for the next ten years, that’s different. You have to give up something to get something.
ben
July 26th, 2010
11:17 am
I feel bad for the guy. I thought he did a decent job last year. But I still like the team the way it is, though we kinda stumbled out of the All-Star Break. Leave things as is. The Braves shouldn’t do anything to jeopardize any young talent (such as Kris Medlen).
And what’s the deal with Bobby Cox using Medlen out of the bullpen? Things were going well, and Bobby decides to change things up. He shouldn’t mess with what was working for the Braves.
Mike
July 26th, 2010
11:17 am
FYI, B.J. Upton might be a better defensive player but NO better with the bat! He strikes out at least twice a game! I know, I go to alot of Rays games. Check out his low average!
goherd
July 26th, 2010
11:19 am
to many posts to read but yes McClouth does need to go. the double play was hit on a 2-0 count, at least take a strike before you start swinging with the bases loaded. a 2-1 count is still a hitters count
braves guy
July 26th, 2010
11:20 am
Now that everyone agrees McClouth needs to go, What are the options the Braves have seeing there may be a problem with anyone wanting to take a chance on McClouth?
Knockahoma
July 26th, 2010
11:21 am
Seriously, as well as Blanco was playing, why the heck did we send him down for McLouth? I hope it’s not because the Braves are trying to boost ticket sales in Gwinnett.
Roberta
July 26th, 2010
11:23 am
Bobby Cox will go into the HOF but not because of his ability to manage. He can’t protect his usual methods by using the best players he has instead of keeping them on the bench in favor of using losers who he feels sorry for. It’s just in his nature. He has a good team now but does not have John, Tommy,and Mad Dog to make him look good. He simply refuses to adjust to situations instead of sticking to his agenda.
I wish him well in his retirement but his departure will help the team.
mclOUTh
July 26th, 2010
11:23 am
Ben, obviously you are a casual fan. Medlen was in the bullpen due to the All-Star break and the off days. We didn’t need a 5th starter for a couple weeks so he went to the pen to give depth. He started Saturday and will be in the rotation from this point on.
Nacho Daddy
July 26th, 2010
11:24 am
next Braves mngr. should hire Nate as his batting coach.
Lenny D. from Philly
July 26th, 2010
11:27 am
I’m normally not the “kick em while they’re down” type but McLouth is god aweful. I cringe when comes up to the plate.
Can Omar play center? I’m sure that Bobby knows the answer to that already but what would it hurt at this point?
OR, why not put Heyward in CF? Does he not have the legs for it?
mclOUTh
July 26th, 2010
11:28 am
I was kind of hoping someone would lock him in a closet in FL and just leave him there. First team to find him could have him.
SC Ace
July 26th, 2010
11:28 am
Mark – Would anyone in the Braves clubhouse hold a candlelight vigil for McLouth if he’s traded or released?
droopydawg
July 26th, 2010
11:31 am
I agree, Mark, I would rather have anyone in CF than McLouth (except maybe Yunel). However, I have no idea where you are getting the idea that Matt Kemp is a viable target. This is the second article you suggested it, but without giving up at least Freeman and a major pitching prospect, there is absolutely no way the Dodgers (who are in a pennant race) would give him up.
Kemp is not yet 26 (he hasn’t even entered his prime in baseball, which is considered to be about 26-28); he hit .290 and .297 in his first two full seasons. he hit 26 HR and 101 RBI last year. He would immediately be our best player, and you somehow think this is a conceivable trade?
droopydawg
July 26th, 2010
11:32 am
I agree, Mark, I would rather have anyone in CF than McLouth (except maybe Yunel). However, I have no idea where you are getting the idea that Matt Kemp is a viable target. This is the second article you suggested it, but without giving up at least Freeman and a major pitching prospect, there is absolutely no way the Dodgers (who are in a pennant race) would give him up.
Kemp is not yet 26 (he hasn’t even entered his prime in baseball, which is considered to be about 26-28); he hit .290 and .297 in his first two full seasons. he hit 26 HR and 101 RBI last year. He would immediately be our best player, and you somehow think this is a conceivable trade?
He is the very definition of a 5-tool future star. To me, this is the equivalent of the Angels saying they are going to shore up their OF by trading for Heyward.
Labalt
July 26th, 2010
11:34 am
62 games mcclouth has played in the braves are 35-27 (.565)
36 games he isnt played in 22-14 (.611)
GPB
July 26th, 2010
11:35 am
Mark, BJ Upton is awful. Have you even looked at his numbers? Stop pushing for a 0.228 hitter. Keep Blanco and demote McLouth.
droopydawg
July 26th, 2010
11:39 am
That is an interesting stat Labalt. Not surprising but interesting.
I posted about this before, too. Other than speed, B.J. Upton brings nothing. He is a .228 hitter, as GPB said, he is a complete a**hole who would ruin the clubhouse chemistry, and he has no power and loafs in the field. What a great idea.
Brave New World
July 26th, 2010
11:41 am
Trade McClouth for Carl Crawford.
beer angel
July 26th, 2010
11:41 am
How can an article like this be written and not include Chavez?
BuckheadBrave
July 26th, 2010
11:41 am
What about Melky? I think he has turned into a more than servicable outfielder and has a great arm and plays great D in center. Why not trade for a corner outfielder and just have Melky be your everyday CF, he is exactly what you described the Braves as needing in CF.
Brave New World
July 26th, 2010
11:44 am
Good point beer angel. Trade Mclouth and Chavez for Carl Crawford and David Price.