As many expected, Nate McLouth was officially activated from the disabled list this afternoon. Gregor Blanco was sent down to Gwinnett to free up a roster spot. McLouth suffered a severe concussion while colliding with Jason Heyward in Arizona, and he's been out more than a month.
McLouth spent a week in the Minors and put up a line of .258/.281/.355. That's not very good, but as we've seen with Jair Jurrjens, stats are meaningless for Major League players on rehab assignments. I imagine Nate was really working to shorten up his swing, as the Braves had asked him, along with getting his timing back.
I'm sad to see Blanco go, though I'm sure he'll come back up in September. He's certainly not the most talented guy in the organization, but you have to love a guy who gives everything he has on every play. Best of luck to Gregor in Gwinnett.
This is a big week for Nate and the Braves. Matt Diaz and Jason Heyward are back to help the offense. If Nate McLouth comes back to something of his 2008 or early-2009 season, I'd imagine the Braves will stand pat at the trade deadline. If McLouth doesn't hit, I'm guessing Cody Ross will be in Atlanta within a week or so. There's just too many signs of him coming to Atlanta if McLouth still doesn't have it.
McLouth is in the lineup tonight, hitting 8th.
Welcome back, Nate. Good luck, and stay away from Jason Heyward.
0 recs | 127 comments
I hope Nate gets it together
I really don’t wanna see the Braves trade away too much talent for a Cody Ross
JC29 - July 21, 2010
this
mos def this
ROBravo - July 21, 2010
A NY paper said Mike Dunn was discussed...
that’s not too much imo. I’ve read someone say Medlen too though, which would be too much imo.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
If we trade Meds for Ross, I’ll hit something. That’s WAY too much. Mike Dunn and a lower-level prospect seem fair to both sides.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
But if we add Ross...
and can’t move Melky or McLouth, then who goes down to make room on the 25 man roster? Maybe McLouth has currently unknown “lingering effects” from his concussion?
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
Like Oliver Perez or Mike Gonzalez and their injuries? Sounds good to me.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010 via mobile
That makes me sick to my stomach to just think about.
gramsey712 - July 21, 2010
i really
would love to keep Dunn. I dont think Ross would be much of an upgrade.
drumzalicious - July 21, 2010
Depends on which McLouth we get back...
and which Ross plays the rest of the way. May and June Ross was a good one, July Ross not so much. Last year McLouth would do just fine, first half McLouth not so much.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
Please be 2008 McLouth now. Pls pls pls.
Richard R - July 21, 2010
dear nate
an outfielder known as nate
at hitting was not very great
and also his throw
but what do we know?
he’s reborn, so why don’t we wait.
blazon - July 21, 2010
I was trying to write a limerick
But I couldn’t get the middle lines right, so I’m stuck with:
There once was a boy named Nate
Who was not very good at the plate
la la la
la la la
And now we’re hoping he’ll be great!
Sarahbeth - July 21, 2010
He got knocked in his crown
And was soon sent down…
BahamaBrave - July 21, 2010
GREGOR NNNOOOOO!
I’m sad.
RichmondBraves - July 21, 2010
Color me excited
I have fingers crossed that he doesn’t take ginormous, pop-up generating swings any longer. I’d really like to see this alleged Nate McLouth of 2008 which made him a valuable commodity.
DuPu - July 21, 2010
I bet McLouth will be sitting far, far away from Heyward in the dugout. He’s afraid of Jason now
MBL1 - July 21, 2010 via mobile
I was at the game in Arizona when they collided
and it was honestly like watching a Nissan Titan hit a Prius.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
maybe now he's learned
that Heyward can handle the whole outfield. Best to just let him have it.
ROBravo - July 21, 2010
So he’s basically going to be recovering from an injury, trying to get back up to game speed, and working on a new swing at the same time?
How is it that I don’t see this going too well?
Lennox - July 21, 2010
what would it take to get cody ross?
I’m not hoping for him… but if we did trade him, what would send? just curious? any thoughts?
Braves Biceps - July 21, 2010
Too much probably
but in my dreams, we send McClouth and Chavez.
BrockSamson - July 21, 2010
in MY dreams
we send mclouth and melky
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
Melky is fine as a 4th OF. In fact, he’s one of the best.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
sure
but i’d rather have gregor over melky
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
This
Excellent, excellent point.
sag969 - July 21, 2010
Hey Pac, you up for a post investigating this claim? I don’t doubt the former, but the latter- well, I’m on the fence for him being one of the best
GoBravesNY - July 21, 2010
Find one better.
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
Does Angel Pagan count?
How about Fowler or Spilbroughs with Colorado?
Mr. Sanchez - July 22, 2010
I thought Dexter was a starter…?
I could be wrong though. If not, he would certainly be better than Melky, but he would be one of the few.
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
They can't all be starters...
Colorado has Carlos Gonzalez, Brad Hawpe, Seth Smith, Dexter Fowler, and Ryan Spilbroughs. I’d consider all above Melky depending on whichever is their “4th” OF. But then, overall I think our OF options of Heyward, Diaz, McLouth, Melky, and Hinske compare favorably to those 5, at least it does if McLouth can regain his past production. There’s may be better, but not by enough to really matter (again that is IF McLouth is back to his old level, if not, then they are clearly better).
Mr. Sanchez - July 22, 2010
Look below.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
Interesting tidbit from DOB
If we can get Ross for Mike Dunn and a low prospect, I’m all for it. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always had a man-crush on Cody Ross.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
for some reason, i don't think the marlins would go for dunn + low prospect
but if they do, go for it.
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
Well it sounds like the Fish would DFA Ross in the off-season because of his $5-6MM in arbitration, so they won’t ask for much. A ML-ready, cheap LOOGY and a guy like Cody Johnson might work.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
Dunn is too much …
Lennox - July 21, 2010
my thoughts exactly
a Power throwing lefty who could be a closer possibly in the future. The last thing we need is him punishing our LH hitters for 5-6 years
drumzalicious - July 21, 2010
We've got so many quality left handed relievers in the system...
I’d disagree. Maybe you don’t think Ross is an improvement, and in that case I can see your point. But if McLouth is struggling like he was in the first half, and Ross plays at his career norms, I don’t think one of our extreme excess of left handed relievers is too much.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
The thing with Ross is that he sucks against RHP, so really he’s not even an upgrade over the people we could run out there against RHP. Even if Nate doesn’t get right, against a right handed starter I’d probably rather have Blanco or Melky in CF than Ross.
Dunn, IMO, is better than just another LOOGY, he’s got potential to be a really good back end of the bullpen guy for years.
Lennox - July 21, 2010
I just remember...
Joe Simpson saying his picture looked like a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. Boog was entertained.
sddbaker - July 21, 2010
Some people are squirrel-handed.
Gregor is a weird name.
GeneParmesan - July 21, 2010
LOL
Props on the SB reference
Norman Johnson - July 21, 2010
it's his throwing too!!
in a real way Melky’s throw last night was a reminder that Nate’s problems are twofold – is he doing a Salty in reverse? is there a real mental block, it sure looked like it first time around and that was over a whole string of games…
it would be great if he came good in both areas and we didn’t have to trade away young talent to get a questionable replacement…but for me he’s going to have to show both skills.
blazon - July 21, 2010
Yeah, the Heyward collision had nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that more times than not, refuses to throw the ball in from center.
Lots of yelling at my TV earlier this year because of that.
NCChopper - July 21, 2010
yea
i miss Schafer so much. His throws from center were rockets
drumzalicious - July 21, 2010
Or Melky. Damn if he doesn't have a rifle.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
Why are so many of you afraid the Braves are going to offer the Farm for Cody Ross?
They aren’t. So stop thinking that way.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010
i called Wren he said he is gonna offer
HASON AND HEYWARD 4 CODY ROSS
Erihury - July 21, 2010
I'm not worried they'll offer the farm
I’m worried they’ll offer anything of value at all for a mediocre upgrade at best. To me, a prospect like Dunn is too much.
BrockSamson - July 21, 2010
Relievers are a dime a dozen.
An average outfielder (which Ross is) is more valuable than all but the most elite relievers (which Dunn is not, and is not guaranteed to ever be).
J-Turn14 - July 21, 2010
i disagree
we can get Ross’ production from someone like Melky and keep Dunn
drumzalicious - July 21, 2010
That's a different argument.
I was just saying that Ross is worth more than Dunn as a baseball player.
J-Turn14 - July 21, 2010
Ross historically...
is much more productive than Melky at the plate. He’s a solid defender in CF, and produces double the HRs and SBs as Cabrera. They are not similar in production when at their best. McLouth is, but not Melky. Of course, the question remains whether McLouth or Ross would be at their best (or even career averages) down the stretch.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
In general yes
but I think you can use a reliever like Dunn in a package with a starter and other pieces to get back a real legitimate player in the offseason.
Ross at best is a minor upgrade over what we have. We’ve already got plenty of average outfielders.
BrockSamson - July 21, 2010
Maybe
Heyward knocked some smarts into Nate and he will be a better player nowErihury - July 21, 2010
how do you do the sarcasm font?
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
put @
in the beginning and end of your text
Erihury - July 21, 2010
testing, testingatl192485 - July 21, 2010
SIMULATE.HUMANEMOTION/ TEAMMATE MCLOUTH NATE DID NOT RETIRE AFTER COLLISION & NOW HIS WORTHLESSNESS RETURNS TO CITY ATLANTA
TradeAndruw - July 21, 2010
That one about Heyward for Franchise MVP was hilarious. So was the one about immigration laws in Arizona.
Scott Coleman - July 21, 2010 via mobile
I've got my fingers crossed
I love Nate McLouth, and I really feel bad for him and his recent struggles. Here’s to hoping you turn around tonight!
BigG1392 - July 21, 2010
Dear Nate,
Please don’t suck anymore? If you keep sucking, we’ll end up with Cody Ross and a couple missing prospects. Keep that in mind.
Sincerely,
Braves Fans
EricGreggWasPaidOff - July 21, 2010
Freeking this
DolphinNation - July 21, 2010
Really this could be good but very, very doubtful on this issue
Nate’s needs to rip it up to stay with the Bravos after the 31st of July; I have a feeling a deal is coming I just pray it is not for Corey Hart; I would prefer to keep a crappy Nate over Corey Hart any day. Now if we talked Jose Bautista who knows at least he brings something to the table and we could have Melky starting in CF and Gregor recalled as the part time backup.
Nate you are out of chances and this is it ~ better make the most of it.
Go Braves.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - July 21, 2010
I know everyone wants the best possible team out there...
But at the risk of sounding complacent, I’m stoked that we’re being largely nit-picky with this whole “best-option-at-CF” debate. Not that anyone needs reminding, but we haven’t made the playoffs since Chris Burke made me lose my security deposit in ‘05. The fact is this team with these players have the best record in the NL, and are what? 3 1/2 games behind the Yanks for the MLB’s record? Having Nate out there, or Melky, or Gregor for that matter is NOT gonna make this team any worse, and that’s a very comforting thought…
Which is why I think that unless we trade for a SUBSTANTIAL upgrade (which I don’t consider any of the rumored candidates to be) this team is not worth tampering with nor selling prospects…
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
truf.
Xshare - July 21, 2010
Now that second paragraph is what I've been saying all along...
we’ve got the pieces up and down the system to make a major deal, why not go for the gusto with Mark Reynolds, Ryan Braun, Adam Jones, Franklin Guitierrez, or another top notch OF/hitter.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
Outside of Adam Jones
I haven’t heard any of those names as being “available.”
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
I’m pretty sure Mark Reynolds is available…along with about 22 other guys on the Dbacks’ team. The question is – do we want him? As for the others, anyone is available for the right price. You just have to be willing to pay it.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - July 21, 2010
ryan braun
is a big douche. do not want to root for any more dbags. just got rid of yunel.
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
Exactly
well said.
BrockSamson - July 21, 2010
ugh
this Cody Ross thing will not go away. I’d rather have Jose Bautista.
drumzalicious - July 21, 2010
no way
TRADE FOR YUNEL ESCOBAR DUDE HITS DINGERZ NAO
Erihury - July 21, 2010
I don’t want Cody Ross. I don’t want Corey Hart. I still prefer the Nate/Melky platoon in CF over both of them. Nate is still valuable to the Braves even if he is hitting under .200.
Heck, he hit a walk-off HR, for cryin’ out loud!
TonyAlmeyda - July 21, 2010
If FW was in negotiations with Chavez and Mike Dunn for Pujols
somebody on this site would be so against it that they were bout to lose their minds
ATLBRVS_19 - July 21, 2010
Yes, let’s equate a borderline platoon player like Cody Ross to Albert Freakin’ Pujols …
Lennox - July 21, 2010
its to make a point, and its a good point
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
No it’s not. It’s an ad absurdum argument.
Lennox - July 21, 2010
come to a game thread or rosterbation thread and see how “absurd” of an argument it is. otherwise we dont need your input
ATLBRVS_19 - July 21, 2010
LOL
I said it was a Reductio ab absurdum argument, which it is. It’s attempting to reduce any argument against this trade down to “People would complain about any proposed trade.” Rather than looking at the fact that it’s (a very much slumping) Cody Ross that we’re talking about here.
Lennox - July 21, 2010
no it isn't
it is a separate point, and it’s the truth. it isn’t boiling the entire argument down to that. take your latin and put it in your 2-hole.
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
ARGUE ARGUE ARGUE
YOU ARE SO WRONG
RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE
MBL1 - July 21, 2010 via mobile
It’s an irrelevant point if it’s separate. Also, “2-hole”, I feel like I’m back in 6th grade all of a sudden.
Lennox - July 21, 2010
the internet
is more like first grade, diaperface
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
no its like middle school, cause we use bad words and sexual inuendoes
“in your endo”
Swo12bv - July 22, 2010
It is an absurd argument. Nobody would have a problem with trading anyone in our farm system – Tehran included – for Albert Pujols.
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
you
he isn’t comparing cody ross to pujols. he’s just saying people would bitch no matter what. fair enough, imo.
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
It’s really not fair at all, and comes off as a rather obvious attempt to dismiss any negative opinions about trading for Ross.
Lennox - July 21, 2010
+1
buzzdeadwax - July 21, 2010
it's an insane point...
trade Dunn and Chavez for Pujols, and everyone would be ecstatic. No one would complain unless they are truly a troll.
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
but but...?
Where would Troy Glaus play??
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
1B, stick Pujols in LF, problem solved
Mr. Sanchez - July 21, 2010
haha that would be sexy
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
with all the offense…stick him at SS and watch as we completely disregard the need for defense as we score 9 runs a game
i may go too far here, but i think its funny
Swo12bv - July 22, 2010
obviously that trade is an exaggeration
the point is that a trade (not limited to the possibility of a cody ross trade) that has a good probability of helping a failing spot in our lineup is guaranteed to come under scrutiny by those who dont really know what they’re talking about and who are just looking to start an argument
ATLBRVS_19 - July 21, 2010
or peope that simply think the risk is higher than the reward....
we have the third best record in MLB with the team we’ve got. there’s no reason to mortgage the farm for MINOR upgrades…
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
So far, I have found that the people that DO know what they are talking about are not in favor of a Cody Ross trade – even if we get him for a bag of baseballs. We have 3 other OFers on our roster right now who are equal to if not better than Cody Ross. We have no need for him.
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
OH CRAP.
The Padres activated Brave-killer Will Venable from the DL to replace David Eckstein.
AnEternalEnigma - July 21, 2010
nooo way
we are toast! concede now!
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
I love Venable. Me and him are the only people in the USA to have actually majored in Anthropology.
!Vive la Francoeur! - July 21, 2010
the difference being his day job is professional base ball player so he can afford a meaningless degree
I’m sorry if its too mean…if it makes you feel better I am a philosophy major.
Swo12bv - July 22, 2010
I’m calling it now: Venable goes 0 for 4 today.
TonyAlmeyda - July 21, 2010
Jinx
watch him go to 5-3 8 HRs 12 RBIZErihury - July 21, 2010
ONLY HEYWARD CAN DO THAT!! >:(
TonyAlmeyda - July 21, 2010
I’m calling it now: McLouth goes 3-4 with 2 HRs tday
atl192485 - July 21, 2010
The most important thing to me about McLouth’s stats is that he only struck out three times in 31 ABs. That’s pretty solid.
AnEternalEnigma - July 21, 2010
here's nate...
my swing is a big uppercut
from somewhere just back of my butt
my throw’s a delight
on a warm summer night
when i make it, rather than strut.
blazon - July 21, 2010
Maybe if he wore some Pirates boxers he could fool the baseball gods.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
he prob needs to wear a thong. rose in front.
nfierstos10 - July 21, 2010
……….lmao
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
Do the baseball gods have internet?
TonyAlmeyda - July 21, 2010
They ARE the internet, too. They know all, man.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
Then how do you know they’re not reading this thread right now?
TonyAlmeyda - July 21, 2010
They Are. But at the end of the day, the internet can’t bat for shit.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
are you trying to tell me the internet cant hit a curveball
Swo12bv - July 22, 2010
Might sound a little crazy...
but I’d put Nate in the 2-spot to show him “Hey, we believe you can get the job done.” Give him a little extra boost in confidence.
My lineup would be:
2B M. Prado
CF N. McLouth
3B C. Jones
C B. McCann
1B T. Glaus
RF J. Heyward
SS A. Gonzalez
LF M. Cabrera
ZC1 - July 21, 2010
that “Bat Heyward 6th” thread has seeped into your subconscious.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
I planted that idea there via inception.
Kudzu Kid - July 21, 2010
[bzzrpt]
Bat. Heyward. 6th.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
I agree
At least for a little while (I do NOT advocate a permanent move for Heyward). If McLouth’s trying to get his swing right, do you really want him hitting in front of the pitcher? Seeing a lot of balls can’t be good for a guy who was having problem with K’s.
buzzdeadwax - July 21, 2010
Everyone is bashing Nate...wow
after a shitty first half…Im not sure if you guys watched anyone else on this team play, but EVERYONE had a shitty first half. I believe Nate will come back to his normal self. I trust him
steeeeezzzzzz - July 21, 2010
Not everyone...
Actually, not many had shitty first halves. A lot of them had shitty Aprils….
EricGreggWasPaidOff - July 21, 2010
"EVERYONE had a shitty first half" ......?
Really?
Which team were you watching?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 21, 2010
I haven't bashed Nate at all
I have believe he will get it together… and you don’t have 5 allstars if the entire team had a shitty 1st half.
JC29 - July 21, 2010
You know what kills me about how everyone is upset that Gregor is being sent back down? The fact that all offseason when I said we didn’t need Melky because we had Gregor, everybody jumped my shit and said Gregor wasn’t an MLB-caliber OF.
Damn I love being proven right.
Rhyno18 - July 21, 2010
I still disagree with that one. I am not on that Greg White train at all.
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
…maybe it’s because I have seen this before with our famous backup 2B…
justincredubil02 - July 22, 2010
Blanco played great while he was up. He deserves to stay up but unfortunately someone is already in his fourth OF spot(Melky), even though he could be just as good. I really hope Mclouth can come back normal so we can stand pat at the deadline.
Braves24 - July 21, 2010
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