The Braves continued a busy day by trading three prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates for center fielder Nate McLouth, one day after sending struggling center fielder Jordan Schafer to Class AAA Gwinnett.
Right-hander Charlie Morton, center fielder Gorkys Hernandez and left-hander Jeff Locke are going to the Pirates in exchange for McLouth, 27, who made the National league All-Star team and won a Gold Glove in 2008 in his fourth season in the majors.
After hitting .276 with a league-high 46 doubles, 26 homers and 94 RBIs in 2008, McLouth has hit .256 with nine homers, 34 RBIs and a .349 OBP this season. He also has seven stolen bases, after stealing 23 in 2008 and 22 in 2007.
The Braves paid a big price, trading away Morton, who was 7-2 with a 2.51 ERA in 10 starts at Gwinnett, and Hernandez, 21, one of baseball's top 100 prospects according to Baseball America.
Hernandez was batting .316 with 11 doubles, two triples, 19 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 52 games at Class AA Mississippi, despite being one of the youngest players in that league.
About the Author
