So it's interesting that the Nationals are "in the market" and made what I think is an excellent trade. ESPN reports that the Nationals acquired Lastings Milledge for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider. My initial thoughts are that we won't miss Church. He was a touted prospect who ended being a good filler when we needed the help. Schneider however will be missed.
It also appears that the Mets get what they want/needed...a solid catcher. Because those 700 or so pitchers that went through the Nationals last season were all handled by Schneider. For both sides, a fair trade.
I'm curious though about the intra-division trade. That's taboo in the NFL and the NBA, but why not MLB? Oh, maybe the Mets don't think the Nats are any threat to them. I tend to agree, until we sign a couple of good arms.
Thanks to the Sports Freak to for notifying me of the story.
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It's a great trade! At some point at the end of this coming season a decision would have to be reached regarding Schneider and rule #5 Draft Flores.
Schneider not only caught a bevy of pitchers from spring training to season’s end, but also was a very clutch hitter despite the low batting average. Countless times when runners were in scoring position, Schneider would get a hit or advance the runner. He'll certainly be missed, but the Nationals are moving forward.
Church on the other hand found himself as the fourth or fifth outfielder in a weak outfield. We know where he's been, where he is, and where he's going. He found himself in a position like the failed UPN show in the network's first year - "Nowhere Man."
Lastings Milledge is a top line prospect at 22. He combines speed & hitting in a critical position for the Nationals. He does come with some baggage from the Mets organization ( ESPN). Hopefully a veteran like Young can show him that this is a fresh start especially if he's serious about his baseball career and not his side activities.
It's been bantered about in the area that veteran players with club house issues aren't ideal for teams on the rise because they can very quickly sour a team atmosphere. However a team need that last piece of the puzzle can afford to assume that risk.
Without getting to Zen like Phil Jackson, players that have difficulties in the locker room usually move around from team to team quite a bit and never seem happy with where they are playing. They use up the good will and must move forward. Maybe it's due to them not being happy with where they are in life or who they are but it's not usually until the twilight of their career that they find peace and settle down with one team.
Hopefully Milledge lives up to his potential and doesn't leave the Nationals just as he hits his stride, but it would be worth it to see that happen and force the Nationals to make such a decision on a rising star.
From the New York perspective, while Milledge is still young and will probably get better, I think it is more likey that he turns in to the next Alex Ochoa (another hyped Mets prospect from about 2001).
Bob,
Remember that most likely heading into next year the Nationals OF could be something like Pena, Nick Johnson/D. Young, Kearns, Logan, Casto, Langerhans, & Maxwell.
The possibility of a game changing middle of the line-up player for the Schneider and Church was worth it.
When looking at Logan's batting avg. and the fact that he became a platoon player and Langerhans was a defensive replacement that at times had difficulty hitting above the Mendoza line the deal just makes good sense. Milledge will definitely get his chance.
Bob,
I understand your viewpoint, but for the Nationals, we gave up an aging catcher who's 31 and a once prospect, who now at 29 didn't pan out for a 23 year old. We didn't risk much for the possibility. Milledge might need the change in scenery to get going. Who knows, Church might do the same and Schneider should last the Mets a few years while a catcher is developed in the minors.