BaseballHappenings.com

One player that has been on my radar for several years was Nate McLouth. The first time he showed up in the CBS sportsline system he was listed as a 2B. However, he played outfield for most of his minor league career. We all heard the projections that his future was as a reserve outfielder. I always thought if he was given regular at bats, he would show that his minor league numbers were just the beginning, and that he could build on that. He out hit Chris Duffy two spring trainings ago, but the Pirate regime at that time wanted Chris Duffy in the mix.

Duffy finished 2006 hot and going into 2007 Duffy was the starter with McLouth playing strictly as a reserve. As what usually happens with Chris Duffy, he got hurt and McLouth got another shot at more playing time. He got two months as an everyday outfielder.

It seems Bill James was pretty pleased at what Nate was able to contribute in 2007:

Consider that a player the Pirates’ evaluators long have labeled no better than a fourth outfielder:

• Took 61.6 percent of the pitches he saw, eighth-highest in the league. Barry Bonds’ 67.2 was tops.

• Had the league’s highest success rate in stealing bases, 95.7 percent. He stole 22 of 23, a year after stealing 10 of 11.

• Scored 38 percent of the time he reached base, 11th-highest in the league. One reason: He went from first base to third on a single 3 of 7 times.

• Had the league’s ninth-best on-base percentage, .360, when leading off.

• Had the best on-base plus slugging percentage — the statistician’s dream offensive measurement — of any player in the majors when seeing a slider, at 1.242.

This spring Nate McLouth beat out Nyjer Morgan for the CF job. Since the season started McLouth is tearing the ball off the cover with his speed / power combination. Good for him. His time has finally arrived.

I for one am pleased at the new Pirates regime. They seem to have done nothing. However, they did one thing and did not sign anyone to a stupid contract like the previous regime has done. They are going with their kids and taking a long term appoach to this team. Jason Bay is not happy. Don’t blame him as he wants to win. In time, Bay will be sent off to greener pastures and talent will be sent the Pirates way.

In other Pirate new, they called up one of their top prospects in Brian Bixler, and send Jack Wilson to the DL.