The questions that rival executives had about the Mets' trade of outfielder Lastings Milledge are built around this word: why.
Why now? Why for a catcher who has made very little offensive impact? Why, at a time when Milledge's value is down? "That kid has
talent," said one AL executive. "Eighteen months ago, his bat speed was being compared to that of
Gary Sheffield, and that hasn't changed. He's only 22 years old. Even if you think he's a pain in the [rear] now, there's no reason why you can't wait and see if his rough edges will get smoothed out."
Brian Schneider, the catcher received in the deal, is 31 years old and respected for his defense. "But our reports say his defense has regressed," said an NL general manager. "And
he doesn't hit a lot [.235 last season, with six homers]. He's not really that much better than some of the free agents out there, especially considering his salary [$4.9 million per year, for 2008 and 2009]. Why not sign another veteran catcher, go to spring training with
Johnny Estrada and
[Ramon] Castro and the third catcher, and hang onto Milledge, to see if he turns it around? The return they got -- the older catcher, an extra outfielder [
Ryan Church], those are not hard to find. But it is very hard to find someone with talent like Milledge."
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Buster Olney
