Mets Send Milledge to Nationals

The New York Mets have traded outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Ryan Church and catcher Brian Schneider. Bizarre to see Milledge dealt just days after Delmon Young was traded, but rumors had been swirling for a long time.

Milledge has batted .257/.326/.414 in a shade under 400 plate appearances spread across two seasons. That’s not great for a guy who slots more as a corner outfielder, but when you consider that he turns 23 in April, it’s just fine.

There have been questions about Milledge’s character ever since he was drafted, but there’s no denying his talent. I remember being impressed when I saw him at the Arizona Fall League in ‘05. I’d heard good things but the numbers didn’t overwhelm me. Every time I saw him bat (extremely small sample), he hit the ball with authority.

On the other side, Church gets on base and has some power. He’s sort of like Brad Wilkerson. That’s a pretty solid player, but it shouldn’t be enough to land a talent like Milledge, who could be among the best of his generation (not will be, could be; big difference).

Is Schneider enough to make up the difference? In a word, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Oops, I said that out loud, didn’t I…

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• Capitol Punishment
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