Hernandez, 21, was a member of the Tigers' organization until the ill-fated 2007 Edgar Renteria trade. (Jair Jurrjens anyone?) The 6-foot Venezuelan has excellent speed, making him a weapon on the basepaths and, combined with his above-average arm, an elite defender in the middle pasture. He has a line-drive bat and profiles as a leadoff hitter in the majors. Baseball America ranked him as the #4 prospect in the Braves' system coming into the year.
Locke, the other big prospect in the deal, checked in at #7 on that same list. His results have never squared with his stuff, but he could take off once everything comes together. (He is from New Hampshire, so his relative inexperience could mean that he just needs more time.) When he's at his best, Locke fires a 91-94 mph fastball, a sharp curve, and a changeup. His inconsistent mechanics have contributed to his 26 BBs and 5.52 ERA in 45.2 IPs this year in High A.
Even though McLouth is an above-average big leaguer, I like this move from the Pittsburgh's perspective. (I always take the side of the team that is receiving the prospects, don't I?) McLouth will provide good production and make some nice catches for the Braves, but the Pirates got a wide variety of talent with even more upside. More importantly, McLouth will already be past his prime when the Pirates are ready to compete (if they ever do), while the prospects have more of their years in front of them. Morton can fill a hole when need be, Hernandez should be a starting centerfielder in just over a year, and Locke could be an impact pitcher with more seasoning. Besides, it is great that they've found a spot for Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates might miss McLouth in the short-term, but this is a step in the right direction for Pittsburgh's rebuilding process.
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