So I will likely pontificate more on this later, but I'm just seeing that the Nationals landed 22-year-old outfield superstar prospect Lastings Milledge for Brian Schneider and Ryan Church. This was the same Milledge who the Mets asked for Chad Cordero for straight up during the summer. The same Milledge who almost was worth a straight-up trade for Barry Zito back when Zito was at the very top of his value. Milledge is a 22-year-old speedster centerfielder who doesn't hit for power, but has a pretty good average, is way above average defensively, and is absolutely a stolen base threat everytime he reaches base. The Nats outfield as it stands now will be Willy Mo Pena in left, Milledge in center, and Austin Kearns in right. Not half bad.
I hate to see Schneider go. He's a guy who stuck things out with the Expos while they split their schedule in Puerto Rico. He deserved to see a packed house and to experience the new stadium. He was a great clubhouse guy and decent at throwing runners out. There were a lot of #23 jerseys in the stands at RFK, and it wasn't because of his on-field talent. But Jesus Flores is $5 million less in payroll, has much less wear on his body, and isn't that steep of a downgrade. Church, who could barely deal with the DC media, will be absolutely filleted by the New York media.
So we trade veteran leadership and a bit of a headcase who can't swing the bat for a guy with a little bit of a known attitude, but a remarkable talent and potential multi-year all star. A guy who also happens to love Manny Acta and credits Acta with much of his development.
Nicely done Jimmy B. You pulled one over on a division opponent and you filled a much-needed hole in the Nats system.
November 30, 2007
Excellent Nationals Trade
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6 Responses:
I like this trade. Good riddance, Ryan Church.
This had nothing to do with the trade:
In May, it was reported that Milledge appeared in a rap song, "Bend Ya Knees," by Manny D, a childhood friend. The song contained the words "bitch", "ho", and "nigga" - terms which were particularly sensitive in light of the then-present Don Imus controversy, whose show originated on WFAN, the Mets' radio broadcaster. The Mets organization responded by saying, "We disapprove of the content, language and message of this recording, which does not represent the views of the New York Mets."
Nothing at all.
We all know that as long as Milledge is black, it's okay. I'm just guessing he's black...
And, J-Red, I hope the Mets realize they traded a self-hating black for an anti-semite. That'll go over well in Queens.
Bowden is one of the best GM's and has done a great job of doing more with less. I agree Schneider will be missed and has been a great asset to a young team, but there aren't too many years left in his knees. Church will see very little of the field in NY. And Milledge's upside is unlimited. Let's just hope he develops with regular PT.
He is black. Or at least appears to be.
Then he should fit right in down in soufeas DeeCee!
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