For all we know, Feliciano could have been screwed by possible overuse not only with the Mets but also during his tenure in Japan.

In Japan, pitchers are treated much differently than in the U.S. and are tossing all the time. I have read where Japanese pitchers often burn out at a much younger age. Now it is true Feliciano pitched in Japan for just one season, 2005, but I wonder if that could have helped contribute in some part to his arm going five years later? I forgot who it was (Fonzie or Donal?) who posted an interesting article with stats showing how a few less innings pitched each season helps a pitcher remain more effective toward the end of their careers, so how much an American’s arm is used – even limited to just one season by Japanese standards -could have long-term consequences.

Perhaps not, either. I am not a doctor. But it is a thought.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-03-01-japan-pitchers_x.htm

Also, for those of you who are wondering about players who have come back from Japan and being helpful in some shape or form, may I remind you of one Pedro Feliciano who stunk in his first go-around with the Mets, went to Japan and came back to be a key role player in the bullpen until Warthen screwed him up?

I feel the Mitchell trade never should have happened because this was a world championship team with veterans as well as youngsters who as we know was quite rowdy on it’s own.

Different set of circumstances today. With Kevin it was his off-field problems that the Mets were afraid would influence Strawberry and Gooden (not that either needed help as we’ve since found out). With Milledge, it would be his attitude of not listening to his coaches and thinking he knows it all (sort of like the accusation I think fairly unjustified with Ike Davis). That type of attitude could rub off on young and egotistical players.

Also, if Lastings could not even help the Nationals when they were in last place or the Pirates when they were nose-diving last season, it’s hard to imagine him helping the Mets now other than him creating some sort of flap that will get media attention, this being New York.

“Houston Astros OF Fernando Martinez (knee) was sidelined again Tuesday, Sept. 18, due to inflammation in his right knee. ‘His knee is still cranky,’ interim manager Tony DeFrancesco said. ‘He went to see the doctor the other day and there’s swelling in there.’”

He’s also hitting a smashing .231 with 3 hrs and 26 SOs in 100 plate appearances. He isn’t costing much of anything.

Did you ask Billy Wagner? Should a rookie know his place on a team? Apparently Wags is doesn’t like Lastings as much as you do, Barry. Lastings outsized personality often doesn’t fit in with team play. I’m curious what the Japanese fans and his teammates over there think of him. What did the Mets, the Nats, the Bucs and the White Sox know about Milledge that made them want to get rid of him?

With Lastings, things are always topsy turvy. He can somtimes laugh at himself when he does something foolish. Let’s remember:
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/07/lastings-milledge-thinks-he-hit-grand-slam-gets-tagged-out/