Maybe you’ve noticed the Mets’ brass are reluctant to be critical of Lastings Milledge for his mistakes in judgment. Most everything is passed off as a mistake of youth. Sounds reasonable. Then again, could it be they don’t want to say anything negative as to not discourage any would-be buyer as the trade deadline approaches?
It stands to reason by being positive they are downplaying any baggage that might drive a team away from dealing.
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It’s an interesting theory…
Trading Milledge for anything less than Johan Santana would surely cause a fan revolt though.
Based on your experience, what role do you think anticipated fan reaction plays in a GM’s decision making.
Much ink has been spilled on the need to build a fan-friendly product to fill the seats at the new park and for SNY. This also came up recently with people drooling over the possibility of having white, black, and latino centerpieces of the Met’s franchise.
I agree somewhat with your analysis, but by Willie publicly saying that Milledge has an average throwing arm, isn’t he working against your point? I’m sure Willie and Omar have a clear strategy between the two of them, so if Lastings’ name is coming up in trade discussions, wouldn’t Willie rather not downplay how good his arm is (for the market’s sake)?
I don’t know, just a thought…
Nate …
I don’t believe potential fan reaction factors in a decision to trade, or not trade a player.
No chance on Santana, but if the Mets had a chance for a top flight pitcher for Milledge they should seriously consider it. Of course, it can’t be a rental, but somebody they could have long-term.
The Mets have a young core, but the front end of their rotation isn’t. That’s why they would have to think hard on Milledge. Also, I know what you’re saying about a fan friendly product, but that would come with a winning product.
DJ …
You make a good point, and it does work against what I was trying to say. But, anybody wanting to trade for Milledge would do so based on his offensive potential and wouldn’t back off on the arm issue. Also, it would likely be a team that has an established pitcher they wouldn’t re-sign, so they wouldn’t blow a deal on that one thing.
Willie’s initial comment on Milledge’s arm was in the context Chavez’s arm was better in right. Randolph has backed off on Milledge’s arm to some degree. The other day he credited Milledge’s assist more on hustle and quickness in getting to the ball than his arm.
I did hear read that quote the other day. Good point. And he’s right in that the hustle in getting to the ball can contribute to making a great throw. That’s often overlooked.
On WFAN today, Willie attributed a lot of the early success of Millege to the outfield coaches who have worked with him since spring training and improved his overall game.
How bout Jose?!
Keep up the good work, John.
I’m not carzy about trading Milledge there is something about the kid that says he will be a big time player.
Why is everyone ready to wheel and deal? I know as Mets fans we’re not used to rooting for a dominating team but even if Omar stands pat the Mets are still the team to beat in the NL
I don’t think Omar has the other GM’s on his speed dial asking, ``You interested in Milledge?’’ But, I think he’ll listen if the right pitcher is on the other end. I think he has to.
Milledge does have the potential to be a big-time player. All the skills are there.
Milledge also has the potential to be something else: Minaya’s most important decision as Mets GM. A long time ago the Chicago Cubs traded Lou Brock to St. Louis for a trivia question answer named Ernie Broglio. Will Milledge be that good? Who can say?
The flip side is when will the Mets be this close? What if Milledge can get the pitcher that puts the Mets over the top?
This is where Omar earns his money.
John
DJ …
Thanks for the kind words. About Jose, well, he’s a special player. Willie said there’s room for improvement and he’s right, but every day he’s getting better and better. If you’re starting a team, tell me what NL shortstop would you take over Reyes?
1. Willie’s comments about LM’s arm are meaningless in terms of other GM’s, since every team in the league has a thick scouting report on the kid, and if his arm is strong, they know it. In fact – and I’m not attributing this much cunning to them – but letting Willie say that about his arm could in effect be a way of trying to show other GM’s that they’re NOT pumping the kid up, while they hide any concerns about his attitude. Very cloak and dagger, I know.
2. If I had to start a team right now, and could have any SS in the NL, I go with Reyes. The kid is nothing less than a game-changer, and he is improving by leaps and bounds. It seems like at some point early this year, he bagan to ‘get it,’ and the guy looks absolutely awesome on offense and defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if 2 years from now, he put up something in the neighborhood of .310, .390 obp, 20-25 HR’s, 140 runs, 75-85 RBI, 80 steals, 50 doubles and 15 triples, with a shot at a gold glove. In other words, killing DW’s shot at MVP as the Mets’ vote is split.
3. About that Wright kid. I think he might just stick with the big club. Jeez.
Yeah … Wright has a chance to make the team.