Nate McLouth became the latest player to join the popularity of signing an agreement that buys out his arbitration years. Entering his fourth year of service, McLouth today inked a deal that guaranteed 3 years (all of his remaining arbitration years) and $14.5 million. Theres also a team option on his first free agent year at the things that work to be $10.65 million with $1.25 million of that a sured to McLouth via a buyout.

McLouth has spent the majority of his career Derrick Coleman Jersey so far in center field, and never done too well there according to UZR, appearing like his ability falls in the -10 to -15 runs per 150 games range. He was -40 plays according to John K.J. Wright Jersey Dewans Plus/Minus this past year too. On the other hand, he won a Gold Glove last season and we are all aware how those are just given to the most effective fielders in the game. I will a sume for now that McLouth will remain in center field because the Pirates do not appear to have one to pre s him using this role. Splitting the main difference on his fielding rating and including the +2.5 positional adjustment for center field leaves us with an even -10.

On the hitting side, McLouth maintained the gains he made in a half year during 2007 as well as improved on them slightly during the period of a full slate of 2008 plate appearances. Marcel still sees some significant regre sion with McLouths dismal 2006 on record, Chase Coffman Jersey but CHONE thinks McLouth holds onto as being a .360-70 wOBA hitter. We have to project a reduction in at bats moving forward to take into account injury po siblities. Lumping those together and we obtain a figure of about 10-15 runs excellent for McLouths bat. I believe thats a bit low myself given that the projection systems are seeing McLouths part-time operate in 2007 like a need to keep his expected at bats in 2009 a lot le s than seems prudent.

Throwing within the 20 runs for replacement and McLouths total value for 2009 looks to stay in the two to 2.5 win range, worth $8-11 million around the open market per season. However, McLouth is still a sociated with arbitration, so his expected compensation weakens by the 40/60/80 estimation to 1.8 many years of open market seasons for that George Fant Jersey 3 years. Using the 10% reduction in total value you expect players to take off for the security of a long term deal, McLouth warrants around $15.Six million for his arbitration years based on Marcel and CHONE. Including the option buyout, McLouth is Tre Madden Jersey guaranteed %15.75 million.

To me, theres good reason to expect McLouth to outperform his projections the coming year by simply dint to remain healthy and getting 500+ at bats. Because of that, I believe the Pirates did well here, though McLouth isnt getting fleeced either. However, I wonder how much money he leaves up for grabs were he to have a 2009 much like that of his 2008?