We've Got Stallions - No Lastings Legacy For Milledge
Don't count on Lastings Milledge high-fiving hometown fans at Shea any time soon. It's literally been one bad break after another for the highly-touted prospect since October of last year. First, he's put in his place by veteran players (and rightfully so) for disrespecting them. Then, he's left off the post-season roster. (Choosing Anderson Hernandez over him remains a mystery). And, after an off-season where his name was mentioned daily as trade bait, the outfielder headed to spring training, and hit a ton. More importantly, he shed his ultra-confident and thug-like ways (he was also the first Met to shave his head- lest we forget that). Even so, he failed to stick with the team in April because Shawn Green, a player expected to fail, hit far better than expected.
While Milledge graciously went to Triple-A to work on his game, he fell to injury. Adding salt to his wounds, the player has had to watch from the sidelines as Carlos Gomez and Ben Johnson got the call when Moises Alou and Green went on the DL. Milledge was supposed to be the crown jewel of the Mets farm system. Omar refused to part with the player for Manny or Barry Z. because he believed in his ability so much. Nowadays, however, Milledge is a blip on the screen. We don't hear anything about him... when he'll be ready to play, and where he fits in the Mets plans. All we hear is that with the emergence of Gomez and rising star Martinez, he's nothing more than trade bait for the team.
It's a mighty fall for Milledge, and it's unfair. The player, whose only getting press these days for inappropriate lyrics in one of his rap songs, is getting a raw deal. It's no one's fault, but it stinks. The Mets could really use a personality like him on the team. Sure, he rubbed some the wrong way, but he's confident, fearless, and quirky enough to really take flight in the Big Apple. Here's hoping he gets another chance at Shea. To trade him now would be a cop out. Omar needs to play it by ear with his injured future star - let him regain form in Triple-A, and call him up for the bench if he does. It's pretty clear Milledge could contribute more than David Newhan or Julio Franco. Lord knows he can run faster than both of them.
Comments
Not only would it a cop out if we traded him now but it wouldn't make any sense. What kind of value does a troubled kid coming back from injury have? I'd love to see him on the bench when he's healthy.
Posted by: Fred | May 30, 2007 09:43 AM
Maybe he's got skills, but he has made some if not many bad, ILLEGAL choices in life. He's been let off the hook for very wrong-doings simply because of those skills. This is a case of karma biting him in the bench-sitter. The Mets are doing great with the players they have and their unmatched vitality. Sometimes morals do have to factor in more than who's gonna hit big numbers. Let him come back after he's grown up a bit and realizes he's a professional that people and children may look up to. This is a wrist slap.
Posted by: Lisa | May 30, 2007 10:31 AM
honestly i feel bad for milledge i just keep hoping he will get healthy and turn things around and maybe he can be a valuable option off the bench because from what ive seen the kid has pop in his bat and so much potential
Posted by: adrian | May 30, 2007 01:15 PM
Get rid of him before while he still has some value!
Posted by: Derek C. | May 30, 2007 09:33 PM
I still have alot of HOPE in this kid. I think he can be a star and I HOPE its a star for the Mets. Gomez does not seem ready to me, he looks over matched by the pitching. Newhan needs to go and Franco needs to retired.
Posted by: Chris | May 31, 2007 10:21 AM
I still think Milledge is gonna get a big post season hit for Los Mets....
And even though he probablly get traded in the off season he'll be forever remembered in Mets lore because of this feet we both have had visions of
Posted by: mike | May 31, 2007 03:05 PM