Braves Acquire McLouth; Hanson Gets Call Up

Written by: David Lee on 3rd June 2009

Braves Acquire McLouth; Hanson Gets Call Up | read this item

A big day for the Braves keeps getting bigger. They have announced the acquisition of Nate McLouth from the Pirates and the promotion of top prospect Tommy Hanson.

Lets get it started with the acquisition of Nate McLouth from the Pirates. (McLouth @ Pittsburgh: .256, 9 HR, 34 RBI). The Baseball Cube Profile

McLouth is a solid center fielder that will improve the Braves offense immediately for a rather cheap price. Anything of higher value would have required much more in return. He doesn’t hit for high average or OBP but has a good combination of power and speed, and his power is improving more every year. What may be the most intriguing part of McLouth is he is guaranteed for either three or four more years (I’ve heard both, but I don’t feel like looking it up). I am guessing we won’t be seeing Jordan Schafer anytime soon.

In return, the Braves send Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke, and Gorkys Hernandez to the Pirates. Morton is of no value, Locke has struggled with a 5.52 ERA in 10 starts for High-A, and Hernandez’s plate discipline is declining as he moves up. Hernandez is also not stealing as many bases as expected, which is what the Braves were looking for from him.

Perhaps the most exciting news of the day is the promotion of Tommy Hanson, who is scheduled to make his highly, highly, highly anticipated debut on Saturday. The Braves will be at home facing the Brewers. It will be a historic game for the Braves. Kris Medlen will make the move to the bullpen to make room for Hanson.

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Topics: Braves, charlie morton, gorkys hernandez, jeff locke, kris medlen, Nate McLouth, tommy hanson