In what is considered to be a fantastic move, the Braves front office pulled off a shocker of a trade last night by acquiring Nate McLouth from the Pirates for 3 prospects, right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton, left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez. What’s even more shocking about this trade is that Braves GM Frank Wren was able to obtain McLouth without parting with either of his two top prospects, Tommy Hansen and Jason Heyward.

McLouth, an all-star in 2008, was hitting .256 with 9 homers and 34 RBI and is signed through the 2012 season. If you remember, McLouth was Mike Francesa’s “chosen one” to play center field for the Yankees, and continually talked about acquring the hustling center fielder over the winter. Most baseball executives felt that Pittsburgh would only accept a package that included at least two major league ready players along with two or three high level prospects for their center fielder, neither of which they received from Atlanta. .

You have to feel sorry for Pirate fans. As one might expect, they are showing their displeasure over this trade on the various message boards throughout the Internet, as well as on sports talk radio. Their franchise, once one of the most revered and respected in all of baseball, is looked upon now as a “Mickey Mouse” operation that is more concerned with hoarding prospects and saving money than building a real winner.

In my opinion, the Pirates did not even come close to receiving full value for McLouth, as prospects are just that, prospects. Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke and Gorkys Hernandez might eventually turn out to be decent players, but McLouth is a proven commodity, who will now solidify the Braves center field position.

Oh yes, and while we’re at it, rumors are circulating that the Braves will look to add one more power bat to their lineup, and might be interested in Oakland’s Matt Holliday. Stay tuned!

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh Pirates