In the next couple of weeks as the Orioles’ season winds down, I will be going back and looking at some players from the 2012-2016 era and breaking down their contributions. Today’s player: Nate McLouth.
Every now and then, a player comes around that you never expect to leave an impact on a team. One of those guys for the Orioles is the fleet-footed Nate McLouth.
On June 5, 2012, the Orioles signed McLouth to a minor league contract. After spending almost two months in the minors, he was called up on August 4th and made an immediate impact during the 2012 playoff run.
In 55 games, McLouth had a slash line of .268/.342/.435, 7 HR’s, 18 RBI’s, 12 doubles, and 12 stolen bases. During the ALDS against the Yankees that season, McLouth hit .318 while also driving in three runs, including a home run. He should have had another home run on a ball that clearly hit the foul pole, but I digress.
McLouth’s spark at the top of the order and presence in the lineup during the playoffs, in which the Orioles struggled to get the offense going, was rewarded with a one year deal worth $2 million.
The following season, McLouth picked up where he left off, slashing .258/.329/.399 while hitting 12 home runs, driving in 36 runs, and picking up 31 doubles and 30 stolen bases.
Fun little fact: in 3,737 plate appearances, Nate McLouth has only grounded into 41 double plays. In 3,920 plate appearances, Manny Machado has grounded into 97 double plays. Take that how you will.
McLouth was never one to blow you away in terms of his playing ability but was a fun spark to have in a short span of time. After the 2013 season, he signed a two year, $10.75 million deal with the Nationals. Unfortunately for Nate, he only saw the field in 79 games with the Nats as injuries plagued his entire stint with the team. He did not play at all in 2015 and has not been on a Major League roster since.
Wherever Nate is today, I hope he is happy and doing well in his life. My only hope is that he kept up with his Spanish.
