"Nate McLouth doesn't want to use any excuses for his inconsistent season with the Braves last year. But he has plenty of them.

First, there was the jolt of his career when he was traded from the only organization he's ever played for - the Pirates - just four months after signing a long-term extension with them. Then there was the hamstring injury which sent him to the disabled list for two weeks in August and hampered him much longer than that.

And finally, after the season was over, driving home to Michigan, McLouth realized he was having problems with his vision, something he confirmed with a visit to the eye doctor shortly thereafter.

"That's the last thing I wanted to be on a new team and get hurt and not be able to play," McLouth said. "It was tough….(But) I don't want to blame it on that. I just couldn't get in a rhythm."

After hitting .257 with only 36 RBIs in 84 games as the Braves center fielder last year, McLouth is back healthy, wearing new contact lenses and determined to be a more consistent contributor going forward.

"I worked hard this offseason and will perform better this year," he said.

McLouth said he spent the winter strengthening his hamstring and increasing his flexibility. He's also been working out some mechanical issues at the plate, which he did not want to divulge and tip off opposing pitchers."