Nate McLouth: A Lot to Prove

Nate McLouth, who last season batted an awesome .190avg/.298obp/.620Ops and made millions of dollars, is likely to be the starting center fielder for the Braves again for the 2011 season. It's fairly obvious why this guy should be given another shot.

-He will be making $7.75 million regardless of how he plays. $6.50 million with a $1.25 buyout. That kind of money alone is worth trying to get this guy to perform. Lets try to get some value while we can, and if he does perform, it pays off right?

-Although it might not really be his last year of the contract (has an option). Another reason would be the phrase "contract year." This is the last year they have in a contract before a player hits free agency. In McLouth's case, his option would have to be dropped. Sometimes players seem to miraculously perform better than usual in a effort to get their numbers up and get that extra pay. Adrian Beltre is a great example. Check out his stats in 2004, the best season of his career. That was a contract year. Check out last season(2010), another great year out of average years. You guessed it, another contract year. Since McLouth is possibly in his last year of his contract, will the Braves benefit from this? That's another $10.65 million for 2012 if he wanted the Braves to pick up his option. It could be his last chance...or else he might not find another major league job. Not that it matters, he's already set for life with the money he's already been given.

-McLouth is only 29 years old. An age usually associated within a player's prime years or best years.

-He looked decent in his brief return to the Braves on August 31.

-Nate has already proved he can be a good ball player, as evidenced by his 2008 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. How do you think he got that three year $15.75 million contract of his?

I think we can remain optimistic about a turnaround. I wouldn't make a bet on it however. If he fails to be a beneficial asset to the team, we can probably look forward to seeing Jordan Schafer give it another try.

Here's a better read on Nate McLouth by David O'brien.