Braves Dump Glavine, Pick Up McLouth

Tom Glavine's waiving probably is not something that Braves fans may not like, unless they look at the big picture. After all, what does Glavine have to give the Braves in the future. Meanwhile, acquiring outfielder Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for three minor league prospects, pitchers Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, makes sense.

While Nate McLouth hasn't been hitting for average this season, (.256), he still hitting with power (9 home runs) and showing speed (7 stolen bases). The acquisition is a major improvement for ATL, who just sent down CF Jordan Schafer to the minors (he was batting .204).

Last year Nate McLouth hit .276 with 26 home runs, 94 RBI, 113 runs, 23 stolen bases and a league-leading 46 doubles. So his numbers are down this year, but he's still an improvement for the Braves.

No big loss for the Pirates; they announced that they will purchase the contract of outfielder Andrew McCutchen to replace Nate McLouth on the roster. McCutchen, 22, is hitting .303 in 49 games for Triple-A Indianapolis, with four homers and 10 stolen bases.

Aside from clearing the way for McCutchen, the Nate McLouth deal really doesn't do anything for the Pirates. Those pitchers I mentioned are not eexpected to make an impact this season ... and maybe not at all.