Full Name:   Nathan John Alden

     Birthplace:    Gurnee,  IL

     Born:   September  11th,  1981

     High School:   Warren Township

     College:   University of North Carolina

     MLS debut:   July  24th, 2007

     Nickname:   Nate

     Height:  5’10”  /  Weight:  165 

     Bats:  Right   /  Throws:  Right 

     Sanctions:   N.S.A.  /  A.S.A.

     League Level:    Competitive

     Tourney Level:    Single A

Hitting

What’s so impressive about Alden is that after two years, the league hasn’t found a way to get him out. He makes adjustments remarkably well. For example, he was hitting around .500 through the first two months last season when pitchers seemed to have found a hole with inside pitches. But Alden proceeded to hit .591 with a team-leading 31 RBI’s. He waits well on pitches and is strong to all fields. He is selective, reducing his strikeouts and increasing his walks last year. He also is deadly in the clutch, ranking high in 2008 with a .640 average with men in scoring position.

Base-Running & Defense

Nate Alden has outstanding speed and a loose, fluid stride. He’s the best defensive fielder of the current era, his range is outstanding and nobody makes more spectacular diving catches or goes back better on balls. His assists are misleading because few teams will risk running on Alden cannon-like arm and pinpoint accuracy. With speed and even better base running instincts, Alden is a solid runner who knows how to pick his spots to run. He shows great judgment in taking the extra base.