One no two no three big things happened in baseball yesterday…
- The Pirates Trade Nate McLouth to the Braves
I will start off by saying that I am of the opinion that Nate McLouth is overrated. He creates runs with his power bat, (which I am skeptical of), and his base running intuitiveness, but gives up runs with his poor defense. However, he is still an excellent partial fix to the Braves’ outfield problems. Atlanta was able to give up some good, but expendable prospects, to get McLouth. The Pirates were able to get three players:
1. Charlie Morton, who’s been excellent at Triple-A the past couple of years, he is a strikeout pitcher with solid control. He projects as a 3rd/4th starter.
2. Jeff Locke, currently playing at Class-A+, is another strikeout pitcher, however he’s seen a spike in his walk total this year, and will need to keep it under control to make it to the majors.
3. Gorkys Hernandez, currently playing at Double-A, is a fleet center fielder with no power whatsoever. His main asset his his speed, he is a strong defender in center with a strong arm. He must learn plate discipline, and that’s a problem.
All in all, the Pirates got a good deal, but they were building for the future with McLouth, if the wanted to make room for top prospect Andrew McCutchen, then all they had to do was move McLouth to a corner, and trade Brandon Moss, for a pitcher. The Pirates new motto: Trade, Trade, Trade away
- Pirates Promote Andrew McCutchen
Well, the Pirates did promote Andrew McCutchen, to replace McLouth. What else were they supposed to do.
Sammy Sosa you helped save baseball in 1998. PED’s or not, you belong in the Hall Of Fame.
- White Sox Promote Gordon Beckham
Welcome to the first player from the 2008 draft to reach the majors. Beckham’s here to stay, mark my word.
And in random news that doesn’t deserve a header, Tony LaRussa is suing Twitter.
This Day In Baseball History
1890-Submariner Tim Keefe of the New York Giants franchise of the Players League defeats the Boston Reds, 9-4, to record his 300th win. ‘Sir Timothy’, who won 19 straight decisions in 1888, will finish his 14-year career with 342 victories.
1937-Gus Suhr establishes a new National League record as he plays in his 822th consecutive game. The Pirates first baseman’s streak ends the following day when he attends his mother’s funeral in San Francisco.
1951-Pirates’ outfielder Gus Bell hits for cycle in Philadelphia as the Bucs beat the Phillies, 12-4. His son, Buddy, and his grandson, David, will also play in the major leagues.
1964-Dodgers’ southpaw Sandy Koufax throws his third career no-hitter blanking the Phillies 3-0.
1967-Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood’s errorless streak of 227 games and 568 chances ends when he drops a fly ball in a game against the Cubs at Busch Stadium.
1968-Dodger right hander Don Drysdale pitches his sixth consecutive shutout defeating the Pirates, 5-0.
1976-In an 11-0 victory at Dodger Stadium, Mets right fielder Dave Kingman hits three home runs. Sky King’s two-run dinger and two three-run round trippers drives in eight runs, a new club record.
1986-In a 12-3 rout of the Braves, Pirates rookie outfielder Barry Bonds hits his first major league home run off Craig McMurtry. Bobby’s son will become the All-time career home run leader hitting 762 during his 22-year career playing for Pittsburgh and the San Francisco Giants.
2000-Esteban Yan becomes the 14th player in baseball history to hit the first pitch thrown to him in a professional game for home run. In addition to his historic homer, the Devil Rays hurler picks up the victory in the inter-league contest against the Mets.
2004-At Turner Field, Julio Franco became the oldest player in baseball history to hit a grand slam. The 45-year old Dominican first baseman’s first inning base-loaded home run proves to be the difference as the Braves beat the Phillies, 8-4.