Many were up in arms when Nate McClouth was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez and Jeff Locke. 

After all, McClouth was 27 years old, supposedly entering his prime.

However, as with so many seemingly one-sided trades, the joke could possibly be on Atlanta, as Charlie Morton has begun to realize his potential and McClouth has not lived up to that of his years in Pittsburgh. 

Did the Pirates finally have some luck?

Personally, I'd like to think that they knew what they were getting. Morton has always possessed the skill set to be a front-line starter. He is a four-pitch guy with a strong fastball that can touch mid-90s, a sweeping curve and an ever-improving change.

So, what is it that has turned this guy around this year if he has always had the proverbial "stuff?"

In a word: confidence.

In the past, you could see it in his face when he was on the mound. A walk and a hit and the floodgates would open.

The lack of confidence led to second-guesses and wildness within the strike zone. 

Remember, this is a guy who, in 2008 with the Atlanta Braves, went pitch-for-pitch with the great CC Sabathia for seven strong, showing people a glimpse of what he is capable of.

At this point, Pirates fans are seeing more than just a glimpse, as Morton has begun to show hitters in the National League that he could be for real for an entire season. 

If that can be the case, the Pirates just may have found themselves a diamond in the rough. 

He has only had one rough start this year. Well, guess what? So have many of the best starters in baseball. He went pitch-for-pitch last night against San Francisco's Matt Cain, one of the better pitchers in the game.

Please, do not think that I am getting ahead of myself. Morton's got a long road ahead and the season is much more than a few starts, but the future is looking bright for this 27-year-old!