This morning's pregame chat with manager Willie Randolph centered around the recent play of Lastings Milledge, who hasn't looked very comfortable with the Mets since he was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Aug. 1. In the two weeks since, Milledge has batted .179 (5-for-28) with one double and eight strikeouts, and often has appeared hesistant in rightfield. But as Randolph explained, this is a "bonus" for the 21-year-old Milledge, who would still be in Norfolk if the Mets didn't have the luxury of a 14-game lead in the NL East.
Milledge is off today -- Endy Chavez is in rightfield, Ricky Ledee in left -- but what do you think of his role on the Mets this year? Can he be trusted come October?
Comments (16)
I would rather have Milledge play everyday, even if it means going down to triple A to do so. I believe he'll become a better player if he plays everyday in triple A than if he platoons with Chavez with the big club.
No harm in leaving Milledge on the roster thru September to see if he straightens himself out...But if the Mets do get Shawn Green or Reggie Sanders by August 31, it might be the Last-ings we see of Milledge until next spring.
Mets best kept secret was revealed in the Post today.Carlos Gomez is the best outfielder in the Mets system.Milledge is an over-hyped fraud who will soon be history,lets hope we get some value in return but he's been exposed. Not only questions about his character but also about his game.Before the uneducated start with the negative responces stop and think-why would the Mets add Ledee and Tucker if they thought he could help them.
I say put Milledge in the minors and give Endy Chavez the start.I think the pressure of being in New York is a lot for him right now.Yea,David Wright and Jose Reyes adjusted to the New York atmosphere fine,but that doesn't mean Milledge will also.Right now,Endy Chavez is the better player defensively and offensively so the Mets should use him.And if I was Omar Minaya,I would be trying to get Shawn Green off waivers.
you have to say that milledge is not doing good and put endy chavez (Who is doing better than milledge)What to lose.if you put in endy chavez for a pinch hitter or lastings millegde that can be good even though milledge is not a good hitter now..we can get better as the year goes on.
Send Milledge down and bring Mookie's stepson back.
i know you should get rid oflastings.i watch every game and when i see him play it sooo bad. he thinks he is all that but he is not. just by look on his face when he isup to bat. send in chavez. i know he will do alot better. i see him play.
what about preston wilson ?--his numbers are better than green's--he can be signed as a free agent in 9 days so no player has to be given up--plus his contract expires at the end of this season so there is no 11m payment as there would be for green--it's a no brainer
My thought is that they should send Milledge Lastings back down to AAA as I do not feel comfortable with him up on the Major League squad just yet. I feel he needs some fine tuning on the field and in his attitude, so why not let him do that in AAA and not under the scrutiny of Shea and the Major League team? Pittsburgh as laughed at us in the trade we made with them for Xnady as I do believe that Hernandez was a good edition due to the circumstances that happened and I do regret to see a decent Met like Xnady get away as he was doing his job and was popular. With that said and my understanding why they made the trade in the first place, I would love for the team to pick up someone of Xnady's character, such as the rumors that have been swirling around Green of the Diamondbacks lately as I caught him in a game against the Marlins yesterday and he does not look like one of those outspoken players. The Mets need a player to come in and do his job without being boistrous on the team, this is something that Milledge has yet to learn as well.
I really think the Mets should send Milledge back to the minors, because of his bad attitude, bad influence and poor skills to play the game, also, because the Mets should be able to trade him for someone good, but if they keep showing the way he plays nobody is going to want him. I really hope they trade him.
Here's a dream trade to correct past mistakes -- trade Milledge for Kasmir!
Kazmir: 10-8 with a 3.43 era. He is the ghost that will haunt Met fans FOREVER. He is our Liriano thanks to Duquette... the idiot. At least Minaya does not live with the Kazmir backlash that ended with the departure of Duquette, his main deal is the starting five. Gil Meche anyone? How about Gil Meche and Raul Ibanez for Lastings Milledge, soft tossing lefthander Maclane, and Alay Soler? All players must pass through waivers and Meche must agree to an extension. Meche has 6 years of service. But beware the Ghost of kAZMIR.
IT IS A REAL PAIN .
Milledge is still only 21. He may not be performing to perceived expectations, but his performance at the Major League level shouldn't diminish his skills. He has quick hands and he has speed. He can learn to play better defense because he's an athletic 21 year old rookie. With a 13 game lead in the division, let him work his kinks out at the highest level. Forgive his youth and immaturity and help him grow into the major leaguer he's been hyped to be. But don't be disappointed if he falls short of those expectations. People try their best. If he is hitting .221, it's not because he doesn't care. Do you think he wants to "stink" on the field? He does care. He's trying to figure things out. Help him. Don't discourage him. If he isn't all that was promised, it's he that has to live with the lost potential. Not us. Let's help him. Encourage, don't discourage.
UDAY: I love Lastings Milledge and I appreciate his talent. I would encourage him to do many things....like get a haircut for one. But as many bloggers trash Milledge because he ruins their "FANTASY BASEBALL" roster, I do not. Honesty DOES say that with no pitching--no ring. If it costs Milledge so be it.
This season is real.
Will u people leave milledge alone hes 21 years old and he doesnt get to play every day which is tough for a young player. He still needs time to mature and be the player we want him to be. Last if he isnt good he wouldnt be one of our top rated prospects, just give him a chance.
Lastings is only 21 years old! He is a rookie player trying to learn the ropes. So why is the Mets manager being so hard on him? He has been blasting him publically. As well as his teamsmates? He has not be able to play ever game consistently. Therefore no one is giving him the necessary time to adjust to the Majors. Nor are his teammates being fair, by leaving him notes on his locker. Stating "Rook, know Your Place"! Stop hating on him and show him the same amount of Love that was shown to David Wright & Jose Reyes. Then he will contribute to the Mets as expected.