I think this is an issue about MLB more than it is the players in question. McLouth didn't make the deal, the Pirates did. He didn't show any less loyalty to the Pirates than great players of the pre war era that were traded from their respective teams.
Sadly the Pirates and other small market teams have become nothing more than farm systems to the teams that are willing to spend the money or in this case make the trade.
As a Brave fan I'm not complaining about getting a great young outfielder. The Braves tried to fill this spot in the off season and were unable to. I'm not thrilled with giving up three young prospects but if they're going to compete with the Mets and Philly's they needed to do something.
If you have an issue with this trade it should be with the Pirates lack of committing to the present. Otherwise you should see it as a look to the future. Though they have a poor track record of that.
I personally don't see this particular deal as a slight on modern baseball, free agency would be a much better argument.
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