McLouth traded to the Braves (1 Viewer)

[Drunken Cowboy]

Yes, McLouth is a good player with a good contract. But he's not a great player and he's not going to be. His gold glove was almost as bad as Jeter's and his first half of '08 is not what you should expect out of him for the next few years. Basically, the Pirates sold high and got 3 good prospects and at this point they need plenty of depth in their organization. And while they didnt get a major league ready bat, they did get a major league ready starter in Morton. With the trades of Bay, Marte and McLouth along with their last draft and international signings, the new ownership has gone a long way in improving the quality and depth of the farm system.

They're not good prospects.

Morton projects as a 3 or 4 starter, Locke as a 2, and Hernandez a great defender with speed but he may never figure out how to hit. They arent elite prospects, they are good prospects.

Serious question, where do you see where Locke is projected as a # 2. His minor league numbers thus far a very underwhelming. I think Morton is a better prospect, and his a # 4 or # 5 type guy.

Believe that was from Keith Law on the radio. Don't have a link. Baseball Prospectus had Hendandez ranked 4 and Locke 7 in the Braves system to start the year - a Braves system many felt was the best in baseball. And Im fairly certain Morton wasnt ranked because he had too much time in the majors last year. This wasnt a fleecing like the Bedard trade, but the Pirates got 1 major league ready pitcher and 2 prospects that project as major leaguers for one above average player. For an organization that needs talent in general, I think it makes perfect baseball sense. Now, in the short term it sucks for the MLB club as an outfield of Morgan, McCutchen and McLouth would be pretty darn good defensively and with potential offensively, but they need help in alot of places.

No, they didn't have him ranked because they don't think he is very good. Scroll down on the same page you are quoting. They have him projected as a 5th starter.You need to include that McLouth is 27 and signed cheap for three more years when you work out the value of this trade. They got fleeced.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Morton called up already

 

[TitusIII]

Don't think this was a wise move for the Pirates, but time will tell. Moves like this are why teams like the Pirates suck more often than not.

 

[dparker713]

No, they didn't have him ranked because they don't think he is very good. Scroll down on the same page you are quoting. They have him projected as a 5th starter.You need to include that McLouth is 27 and signed cheap for three more years when you work out the value of this trade. They got fleeced.

You need to include that they'd suck for the next two years with or without McLouth and that when they have the potential to be good he'll be on his way out of town. So they traded him at the height of his value - sounds like a decent idea to me.

 

[Wrigley]

McLouth will be a solid pickup by the Braves. He led off last night and they scored 8 runs so interesting to see if they keep him there.

You just can't pay for this kind of insight.