NATE McLOUTH
10/28/81; '00 25th; Whitehall, MI (HS)
L/R; 5-11, 170
| Level |
BA |
OBP |
SA |
AB |
2B |
3B |
HR |
BB |
K |
SB |
CS |
| 2001 A |
.285 |
.371 |
.464 |
351 |
17 |
5 |
12 |
43 |
54 |
21 |
5 |
| 2002 A+ |
.244 |
.324 |
.392 |
393 |
23 |
4 |
9 |
41 |
48 |
20 |
7 |
| 2003 A+ |
.300 |
.386 |
.411 |
440 |
27 |
2 |
6 |
55 |
68 |
40 |
4 |
| 2004 AA |
.322 |
.384 |
.462 |
515 |
40 |
4 |
8 |
48 |
62 |
31 |
7 |
McLouth has probably the best chance of any player in the system of giving the Pirates
a legitimate CF and leadoff man. He would have been drafted much earlier, but he was
thought to be committed to the University of Michigan. He went straight from high
school to full season ball, with an impressive 2001 season at Hickory, where he hit
for average with surprising power for a small guy and excellent plate discipline. His
2002 season was very disappointing, as he struggled to hit the ball with any authority.
The Pirates returned him to that level in 2003, installed him in the leadoff spot, and
pushed him to concentrate on making better contact. He responded with a very strong
season, finishing among the league leaders in average and OBP. He spent most of the
season in the .320s, but slumped late. He also missed some time with injuries toward
season's end. Another thing the Pirates wanted McLouth to do was steal more bases,
and he did an outstanding job in that area. He played mostly CF and was capable if not
outstanding there. He followed up with an even better season at Altoona. He came on
particularly strong late in the year, with most of his power coming in the second half
as he led the Eastern League in doubles. He continued to be an excellent base stealer
and had very good plate discipline. His walk total was a little low, but that probably
reflects the fact that he makes good contact, as he does try to work the count.
There have been some indications that the Pirates prefer Chris Duffy to McLouth, due
to Duffy's superior defense. Duffy is the better CF of the two—McLouth played
there only when Duffy was hurt—and the Pirates value defense over hitting. The
Pirates also arranged to send Duffy, rather than McLouth, to the Arizona Fall League
in 2004, although when Duffy needed to rest an injured wrist they sent McLouth.
McLouth ended up getting hurt in the AFL and missed half the season there, but he's
expected to be ready for spring training. Although Duffy and McLouth had similar
hitting stats in 2004, McLouth is clearly the better prospect. He adapted more quickly
to AA than Duffy, is a year younger, had slightly better #s across the board, has
significantly better plate discipline, and is more of a line drive hitter and less of
a slap hitter. The sticking point clearly is hit ability to play CF. The subject
has engendered some discussion in the off-season, as both John Sickels and Baseball
America have opined that McLouth projects better as a 4th OF. The Pirates did add
McLouth to their 40-man roster, while also adding Duffy and Rajai Davis, both of whom
they undoubtedly view as more natural CFs than McLouth. It'd be unfortunate if they
didn't consider him for the position, due to his offensive upside.
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