A lot of people hate the Nate McLouth trade.

A LOT of people. And when I say hate, I mean loathe it like Brett Favre loathes making a decision, loathe it like Cristian Guzman loathes taking a walk, loathe it like Bret Michaels loathes a Broadway sign.

But, gasp, it may actually kind of be a good deal for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Maybe.

While McLouth was an All-Star last year, he slumped badly in the second half of the season. He is a career .261 hitter and a mere two seasons ago was seen as little more than a part-time, platoon-type spare outfielder.

McLouth barely made the team coming out of spring training in 2007.

The Pirates brass, realizing they weren’t going to win this year or next , figured getting three players with future upside now for a guy who could turn into, well, Brandon Moss, tomorrow was a smart thing to do.

I have to agree somewhat with that assessment.

Plus, it gives the Pirates a chance to see if Andrew McCutchen is indeed the real deal. He will get plenty of at-bats the rest of the season.

Any time a popular player is traded, the fans will lash out with disdain. With the Pirates, that disdain is amplified by 16 years worth of losing.

Sure, McLouth could turn into Jim Edmonds with more speed. He could also turn into Corey Patterson.

Only time will tell how good – or how bad – this deal is.