So Long Lastings

Submitted by robsafuto on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 01:15.

Once again Paul Lo Duca has been replaced via this deal with the Nationals. The Mets get Brian Schneider. His offensive stats don't match Lo Duca. But he is five years younger. Estrada is definitely a goner now.

The bigger part of the deal (IMHO) is that fact that Lastings Milledge, once a top outfield prospect, has been shipped out in favor of Ryan Church. Church is 29 and his previous numbers look decent. One for one I wouldn't have traded Church for Milledge. But I guess adding in a new catcher sealed the deal.

My gut feeling is that I would have enjoyed seeing Milledge getting a 100% shot in 2008. He can still be an excellent player.

Mets deal Milledge to Nats - The Mets are in serious discussions about a deal that would send outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Nationals for catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church, according to major-league sources. [Fox Sports]

I am not the biggest

Submitted by vrosario2 on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 13:19.

I am not the biggest Lastings' fan but when he is not having an off day on the field and in the batter's box he is an okay player. He is not the best, far from it, but he could have became one of the best in the majors or at least the best in the Mets organization. He could have came up in the system like Wright and Reyes and be just as successiful as they are. Besides, the trade itself was a mistake. Another right fielded and a catcher for a outfield prospect and from the second worst team in the NL East. The whole trade was a mistake even if it wasn't Milledge.

I am OK with this

Submitted by JNGold on Sat, 12/01/2007 - 14:35.

I am definitely ok with this trade. No doubt the kid had talent but so did other "5-tool" OF's that the Mets have touted over the years (ahem - Alex Ochoa).

I guess we shouldn't be too surprised about this...

Submitted by Alar on Tue, 12/04/2007 - 03:29.

since so many Mets fans were calling for Milledge to be traded at the end of spring training in 2007, but I don't like this move. I don't like that the Mets have so much trouble allowing their young talent to show their stuff. Granted Wright and Reyes got shots (after being moved from their regular positions first, of course) and some younger pitchers get opportunities, but overall, no way.
When opportunities are given, it's with a very short leash. Struggle offensively in your first week and you can expect to ride the bench until one of our aging "superstars" gets hurt.

Are there really no second baseman in the Mets minor league system? How is it that the Yankees keep bringing up quality second baseman while the Mets satisfy themselves with old has beens from other teams?

Sorry if I sound a bit grumpy... my usual cycle is to turn a bit blue during the winter. I'll be back to the glass is full in the spring I'm sure. (Just ask my brothers:) )

So long Lastings. I think you'll end up being better than Preston Wilson ever was. Just, sadly, not for the Mets.