Who Would You Rather Have: Andrew McCutchen or Nate McLouth??

I am trying to get back into writing more posts, but I have found myself very busy with our adopted daughter and a parties and weddings. Plus football started yesterday.

Today we will take a look at two NL outfielders who, in my eyes, are very comparable on paper, yet the Braves Nate McLouth will get drafted several rounds before the Pirates Andrew McCutchen. In fact, I would not be surprised to see McCutchen outperform McLouth in 2010.

Here are their stats through 9/12/2009:

Player	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	KO	SB	BA	OBP	SLG
McLouth, Nate CF ATL	424	71	112	24	18	61	55	80	17	0.264	0.354	0.458
McCutchen, Andrew OF PIT	351	57	95	21	11	47	41	68	16	0.271	0.348	0.459

As you can see, McCutchen has held his own in his first year in the big leagues. He may not have as much power as McLouth right now, but that could change as early as 2010. McCutchen should become a regular 35-45 SB guy. He has 3 less doubles than McLouth in 70+ less at bats showing he has the power to hit 20+ HRs.

I traded an $11 McLouth in one of my keeper leagues for a run at the title, but have a feeling I can replace him fairly easily in 2010, and that $11 (possibly more) will be spent on McCutchen. McCutchen's value may be depressed in many drafts in 2010 since he plays for the Pirates, but that is where owners can get value with McCutchen. In straight drafts, wait a few rounds and pick McCutchen rather than McLouth.

Poll

Who would you rather have: Andrew McCutchen or Nate McLouth for 2010?

17%

McLouth-he will hit for more power and score more runs.

27 votes

82%

McCutchen-he will steal more bases and surprise with the power in 2010.

128 votes

155 votes | Poll has closed