Nate McLouth went from being an All Star in 2008 to an outcast in 2012. The Pittsburgh Pirates designated McLouth for assignment on May 25 and the Baltimore Orioles quickly signed him to a minor-league contract on June 5.
He spent two months in Triple-A with the Norfolk Tides and then was promoted to Baltimore on August 4. McLouth has served as the Orioles leadoff hitter since September 8, after CC Sabathia broke Nick Markakis’ thumb, and has provided consistency in the outfield and stability at the top of the order ever since.
He’s been groomed by the franchise and he credits Orioles skipper Buck Showalter for changing the tone of the organization. “I kind of noticed this right when I got here,” McLouth told Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan. “He’s the kind of guy who even when he’s not looking at you, he’s watching you. He knows what’s going on. All the time. Everywhere.”
He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.
Passan points out that the Orioles have gotten top notch quality from Miguel Gonzalez, Steve Johnson, Lew Ford and Joe Saunders. All guys that somehow seem to overachieve while under Buck’s watch.
Fantasy Baseball players like “Stat Boy” undervalue guys like McLouth who provide intangibles that you can’t measure on a pie chart. McLouth has some pop, has some speed, and has a great attitude. I’d love to see what the guy does with a full year under his belt. I think he’s a .270 ish hitter, 20 homers, maybe 20 steals.
…I agree but add with a Gold Glover fielding and a good arm. If he can boost his OBP, he could even be a good lead off guy.
At least he doesn’t choke like the rest of his team-mates…………………those hands around Jones neck are getting tighter and tighter………………
Even tighter now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I think I see the red marks……………….