Milledge-Blanton Swap?

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle slipped in this nugget:

"The Athletics are likely to also dispatch their winningest pitcher, Joe Blanton, to New York as part of a deal that would fetch one of Billy Beane's longest-held desirables, outfielder Lastings Milledge."

I'm not sure if Ratto is just making this assumption based on past rumors from this winter, or if this is a brand new rumor.  But he seems fairly certain that Blanton will be dealt.  That would leave the A's with a Haren-Loaiza-Harden-Kennedy rotation, with a fifth starter battle between Chad Gaudin, Jason Windsor, Kirk Saarloos, and the like. 

A groundballer like Blanton could be a nice fit for the Mets, whose middle infield defense was among the game's best in 2006. 

Comments

[NYs Maine Man]

I like Blanton, could be the innings eater the Mets need. Could expect 200+ from him, he is 26 years old, good fit for the NL and Shea Stadium. Granted, Milledge's ceiling is much higher, but with Gomez and Fernando Martinez in the minors, this might be a good deal to make for Omar.

[allabouthephils]

Attn Billy Beane.... you already have a better version of Lastings Milledge... His name is Milton Bradley......

Don't do this thing straight up... Milledge for Blanton isn't a good deal for Oakland... If they open the bidding up to other teams, the A's will get way more for Blanton than some overrated headcase with attitude probs.... Imagine Milton Bradley and Lastings Milledge on the same team.... All you need is Carl Everett and you have the worst headcase outfield in history.

[NYs Maine Man]

Haha I've been comparing Lastings to Milton Bradley for years-- his attitude will prevent him from reaching his full potential.

[Guitar Hero]

someone was right. every blog has become ALL METS ALL THE TIME. Jesus. Blanton and Milledge are both solidly average playerx, obviously Milledger has upside...but Blanton is a piotcher that has far more value on the scarce market. Either way the A's will suck next year.

[Guitar Hero]

doesn't billy beane's favorite picks often go wrong? he loves milledge, but really nick swisher et al. are not the perfect group of prospects.

[darkstar1661]

Yeah, it has to be Mil plus something else I imagine ~ any idea who else would be involved?

If true this could be a big one...

[RotoAuthority]

All Mets all the time? This blog? That is silly.

[Guitar Hero]

I'm just saying comment wise. A lot of focus talks about Mets. And a few other ones I have in mind. Obviously any news topic is what it is, no matter what team its about.

[bdid]

allboutthephils...

Just thought I'd let you know that most experts (including rotoworld, think that it is the A's that would be winning that swap. And in an article yesterday by a Sanfran writer, it was suggested that a trade with Blanton plus more for Milledge would be wise. Just saying, I know you hate the Mets, and Milledge, but the kid is still only 21, and has been a top ten prospect in all of baseball. Blanton is not that young, and isn't that good either. Mets fans are hoping Omar doesn't do this.

[hood]

Met fans kill me don't sign Zito don't trade for Blanton. I hope as a Brave fan they don't get him. Yeah Milledge is a top prospect Blanton won 16 last year & pitched over 200 innings. If a Met fan is happy with the rotation they got now they are in for a big disappointment. Pitching is at a premium especially in the NL east. The Mets rotation as it stands is probably only better than the Nationals. You can fantasize all you want about Maine and Perez all you want but truth is Maine got to do it all year and Perez is inconsistent and can't be counted on. At there best right now and all goes well they should be a surprise 4th and 5th starters. Not being counted on as top 3rd and 4th starters. You gotta give somethin to get something.

[bdid]

hood,

You may be right, you may be wrong. We will have to see what happens this season. You are right about one thing...you have to give something to get something. I don't mind the trade, cause I don't love Milledge. He'll never get a chance in Center with Beltran out there, and he's doesn't seem to be a great corner OF. I'd probably do the trade, but still hope for more.

[pinetarhand]

"ALL METS ALL THE TIME"

I know a lot of people would say the comments section of this site is ALL CUBS ALL THE TIME too. Many will disagree with you.

[pinetarhand]

Everyone was expecting Blanton to explode in the 2nd half last year like he did in '05, but it never happened. He was thoroughly unimpressive last year. He did not throw 200 innings last year, but I'm not sure why. Could be that he was too hittable to last very many innings on a regular basis. He didn't last past the 6th inning very often.

[pinetarhand]

Blanton's peripherals last year were on par with Jeff Weaver's terrible stay with the Angels, they're almost identical. Jason Marquis had better peripherals than Blanton.

[hood]

I am sorry he pitched 194 innings last year. Don't know about you but that is close to 200 enough for me. And yeah if the Mets got Zito or was able to get someone else better than Blanton no you don't make the deal. They really missed out on Garcia. You can't tell me Omar couldn't trump the Phillies hand on that one. Now they may be forced to overpay. Milledge by himself doesn't get it done though. I also wouldn't trade one of their top SP prospects though.

[Guitar Hero]

rotoauthority

i didn't mean to judge the site. It was a comment on how obsessive mets fans have become and overwhelmed this and other blogs, like baseballthinkfactory, etc. Obviously its perfectly appropriate to post whatever news is news, but every thread seems to devolve into mets talk. Lastings milledge this, etc. etc.

[melyrules]

Billy beane should not do this. You already got carrot-top, and Kotsay, and bradley and swisher. No need for milledge, exspecialy when your losing a pitcher. Maybe Omar and beane are freind's, the mets have looked at a's pitchers all offseason.

[hood]

Basically last week when Zito was still an option for the Mets a Milledge package gets maybe a Haren or Harden a 2 or a 3. Now with Zito out the picture they may have to settle for a 3 or a 4 for that same package. Or they can go out and sign one of the other starters in free agency. But I wouldn't like any of those guys better than the options they already have.

[hood]

Only teams I see sittin pretty as far as rotation goes are the Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Giants, Brewers, Dodgers and Padres. I myself see the Mets goin after Penny and holding Milledge til the deadline when they will be able to get something more for him.

[pinetarhand]

melky,
the fact that 2/3 of Beane's outfield consists of Bradley & Kotsay is the exact reason why he should trade for an outfielder. If he can get a huge upside OF for a not very good SP, then he should. They're losing production from their offense already by losing Thomas.

Blanton's stat line 4.82 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, .302 BAA. IMO, his ERA was actually lower than what his peripherals suggested. The Big Unit's ERA was 5 despite a 1.24 WHIP & .250 BAA. I know pitchers are the premium, but how much is that worth? A 22 year old, 1 year removed top 10 MLB prospect?

Weaver won't do much worse than Blanton next year. The Mets are not a money starved team & could give him a lucrative 1 or 2 year contract. Whether he wants 4 yrs $40 mil or not, he won't get it.

[pinetarhand]

My point about the amount of innings Blanton pitched was not to prove you wrong about 200, the point was that even though he was healthy & started 31 games (in 32 games) he couldn't pitch 200 innings because he flat out was not good enough to pitch 200 innings. Sorry if you took it that way.

[hood]

I agree he shouldn't get it. But the A's picked up Piazza so they won't be losing all that much with Thomas leaving. I don't care about all the numbers either you know as well as I do numbers don't tell everything. I am not saying the Mets have to do the Blanton trade I wouldn't you still have other options out there. But the longer Omar waits the higher marginal players price goes even higher. Look at what Garcia fetched if the White Sox had him now after the Zito signing he would demand considerately more.

[hood]

NAH YOU AINT NRMAX OR BSOX SO i KNOW YOU AINT DISRESPECTFUL i DIDN'T TAKE IT THAT WAY

[hood]

And also I watched alotta A's games last year. Other than Chavez all their other infielders have below average range in my opinion and a groundball pitcher needs a good infield defense. Good range saves base hits, first to thirds etc. over the course of a season.

[pinetarhand]

Yeah, you're right about the value of SP's going up as the offseason wears on, but I really don't see Minaya making a desperation move & selling the farm for a crappy pitcher.

Piazza was a great signing for the A's, but he's no Thomas. The difference is that Piazza has shown that he is declining for years now while Thomas has produced every time he's been healthy enough to play. It was easy to project that Thomas could do what he did last year if one knew he would stay healthy, with Piazza, it's much harder to project those kind of numbers since he has been playing & shown decline.

I see what you mean about the infield defense. If he had people he can trust (ala Webb last year), maybe he can do better. I'd just hate to give up that kind of prospect for that big of a ?.

[pinetarhand]

But I guess my last sentence was a big contradiction.

[hood]

I agree and my point isn't so much actually trading Milledge for Blanton as so much Omar has to do something to keep up with his division. Like I said he really should have bit on Garcia or Vasquez instead of thinkin he was so smart. With the way the market is now and for what the White Sox got for Garcia I would do Milledge straight up for him with a window for an extension of course. But Penny is out there probably wouldn't have to give up all that much. I don't see the Phillies dealing Lieber in their division. And if it looks like the only way to get a pitcher is to deal Milledge go all out and make the offer that will land a Willis. Also I keep seeing Westbrook or Lee may be available might be worth lookin into. They already got Sizemore they may not ask for Milledge.

[hood]

I am a Braves fan and seen the Drays shoot down a package of Davies and Escobar for Baldelli does anybody think that same package could get Dukes from Tampa Bay. I really like him and would like to see him take over when Andruw leaves more than Baldelli.

[pinetarhand]

I don't think Minaya is as worried about his pitching staff as people think or else he would have gotten Zito, he has the money to do so. He knows that desperation moves result in trades that net V-Zambrano for Kazmir & he won't make that kind of mistake for a questionable short term gain. If he does, then he's not the good to great GM that many think he is.

[31yonkers5]

HooD

shut the hell up. you dont know what you're talking about . . .

Did YOU see who the mets had in their rotation last season? a sluggish Pedro, Busted ass Zambrano and busted ass Trachsel. They'll be fine rotation wise, as is. go look at Maine's stats

AND i would love to know the mets fans who didnt want Zito, over at the house that Cerrone built; the fans were easily 90-10 for Zito

carry on tho

[dudewheresmygrl]

Remember when the Met's had Scott Kazmir? The Met's do not have the best of luck with trading high upside prospects for "decent" pitchers.

[allabouthephils]

BDid,

Look at what Houston paid for Jason Jennings... I like roto and respect his opinion, but frankly this deal aint gonna happen... Starting pitching is at an amazing premium this year. No one in their right mind is going to trade a young pitcher who is on the positive side of .500 and cheap for a potential headcase who has yet to prove himself in the majors... Just to let you know.. Hate the mets doesn't begin to describe it... If Minaya pulls this deal out of his arse, it will go to another level than hate... I know you love the Mets, but think realistically about this...
Beane is testing the water and seeing what he can get... Don't get your hopes up Mets fans. Billy is a little smarter than that

"allboutthephils...

Just thought I'd let you know that most experts (including rotoworld, think that it is the A's that would be winning that swap. And in an article yesterday by a Sanfran writer, it was suggested that a trade with Blanton plus more for Milledge would be wise. Just saying, I know you hate the Mets, and Milledge, but the kid is still only 21, and has been a top ten prospect in all of baseball. Blanton is not that young, and isn't that good either. Mets fans are hoping Omar doesn't do this."

[Droptop]

Hood - The A's didn't have much range in there IF last year? The A's have been top 5-10 the past 5+ years in turning double plays so maybe you should pay closer attention or watch more A's games. Mark Ellis was catching everything hit his way(.530RF and set a new all-time record for FLD%; watch the difference between Ellis in the ALDS and then Jimenez..) and once Swisher took over 1B our range went up. The A's only weakness range wise is Marco Scutaro(SS), he's just too small. Bobby Crosby if by some miracle he's healthy will add more range. The A's were 1 double play from tying for 3rd in double plays turned last year, with 173, 3 teams had 174. The Mets had 131...

[Grimm]

Milledge doesn't impress me, and Blanton is a damn good pitcher. so it's a good deal for the Mets. Solves their problem, and they trade away a problem of the future.

[Droptop]

The A's have a guy by the name of Travis Buck that will be in AAA this year after absolutely killing A and AA, he's the same OF that made Beane willing to trade Ethier. Javier Herrera I believe is the next OF prospect that should be in AA this year...
The greatest part is that even if the A's trade Blanton this year, they have 5-6 other guys to compete for the spot.
Oh, the deal as rumored so far wont happen, just fyi everyone...

[speedchaser9]

I think Herrera will get a shot at moving to AAA this year, so...

if the A's get Milledge:

Buck, Herrera, Milledge.

Probably the best minor league OF, IMO.

[Droptop]

Guitar Hero - The A's are in line to be a BETTER team then last years and Nick Swisher just had a 35HR/100R/100RBI season. Piazza + 100% healthy Chavez will make up for Frank leaving.

Huston Street won ROY and then got overworked badly last year and still managed 36 saves. Bobby Crosby won ROY but can't stay healthy. Dan Johnson if he rebounds from last year is another rookie that was on everyones top prospect list. Rich Harden, Zito, Hudson, Mulder, and Tejada were all draft picks. Eric Hinske was a Beane draft pick that he sent to JP after he left and won ROY. Bonderman...Harang...
No GM has drafted 3 ROY's in under 10 years like Beane. No one drafts or trades for the perfect player everytime.

[Droptop]

speed - Herrera might be given a shot at AAA but I really doubt it. He missed all of last year because of Tommy John surgery and he last played in Kane County(A), that isn't even the highest A level team the A's have, which is the Stockton Ports. AA is Midland...
Beane also likes to take his time with prospects unless injuries force his hand.

[speedchaser9]

Droptop:

Thanks for the info. I've been a little out of touch with Herrera since his surgery. Again, thanks for the info!

[Guitar Hero]

Hinske was drafted by the Cubs. Jeremy Brown, where is he? A lot of those players aren't playing for the A's. They have played in a weak division in a pitcher's park in the past (who's there 5th pitcher next year anyway?). The only team in that division that is weaker are the Mariners. Swisher did have a good season.

[Guitar Hero]

Oh and Mike Piazza won't be as good as Frank THomas.

[nrmax88]

I dont like Blanton at all. I will be pretty pissed if Omar gives up Milledge for Blanton. I dont think this is factual because weve been hearing things about all the Oakland pitchers for Lastings Milledge. I am not againt trading Milledge but I woulnt do it for Blanton

[nrmax88]

"NAH YOU AINT NRMAX OR BSOX SO i KNOW YOU AINT DISRESPECTFUL i DIDN'T TAKE IT THAT WAY"

Uhhh..... Okayt dude, I havent even talked to you for like a month. You started some wisecracks the other day and I just ignored you. You really love to talk about me dont you? That so sweet your such a cutepie hood!

[nrmax88]

Hood your a big joker, first you say .....". I also wouldn't trade one of their top SP prospects though. "

Then you say .....
"Like I said he really should have bit on Garcia or Vasquez instead of thinkin he was so smart"

Maybe you should think about what you say instead of thinking YOUR so smart. First you say you wouldnt deal Pelfrey and Humber, then you say Omar was stupid for not biting on Garcia, when everybody knows KW wanted Pelfrey and Milledge. Puhh-Lease.
If he makes that deal clowns like you are calling him an idiot for doing it. You really shouldnt be so hostile because the braves are wack. You talk about the Mets question marks, then you put the Braves pitching first on your list of good staffs. HAH.
Smoltz- Stud
Hudson- Coming off bad year, Dont know if he will bounce back = Questionmark
Hampton- Hasnt been healthy and/or effective for years now. = Question Mark
James- Hasnt done it for a whole season, just like Maine = Questionmark
Davies- Just a kid, hasnt proven anything = Questionmark.
Whats the matter? All the sudden when you look at it like that your rotation doesnt look so hott hood.
Why is Milledge a head case also? Because he slapped 5s with people after his first HR ever? Cuz he was late to a meeting? Cuz he made a baserunning error? Cuz he just turned 22? If he is doing this in 5 years, then you can compare him to Milton Bradley. That is pretty ridiculous though, seeing as how there is plenty of players that had issues when they were only 21, that is the ones who even could scratch the majors when their 21

[nrmax88]

"Beane is testing the water and seeing what he can get... Don't get your hopes up Mets fans. Billy is a little smarter than that"

I always been cool with u so im not trying to start a beef. But do you seriously think that met fans are hoping this trade goes thru? No Met fan wants Blanton for milledge. At all, atleast the ones i know. Your hate of the Mets probably makes you subconsciously hate Milledge even more then you would if you werent a phils fan. He didnt have a serious incident to as why he would be called a head case, just a bunch of stupid things, and dare i say it, his skin color. Before I get rippped for saying that I will just say that it is true. Atleast it is true in NY. These guys all hate Milledge because he looks like he came straight from Harlem or somethin to the Mets, his whole style, the media just doesnt like him very much here, wheras if it was David Wright, and not Milledge, it woulda been no big deal, just a kid making mistakes.

[nrmax88]

"Milledge doesn't impress me, and Blanton is a damn good pitcher. so it's a good deal for the Mets. Solves their problem, and they trade away a problem of the future. "

Riiiiiiiiiiiight. Im now a believer. Milledge isnt impressive and Blanton is a damn good pitcher. Do it Omar do it. (Rolls Eyes)

[hood]

So KW trades Garcia to the Phillies for something less than what he could have gotten from Omar. That makes no sense. Milledge straight up should have gotten him before the 2 he got from the Phillies. And I never said he should do the Blanton deal he could get someone else for less. All I said was he needs to do something. The Mets need another 200 inning SP. Doesn't matter if he is a 1,2 or 3 someone needs to take a load off the bullpen.

[hood]

And it doesn't matter if your talkin to me or not all the 2 of you do is disrespect people. But thats what bitches do talk shit over a computer.

[nrmax88]

Look whos talken lmao

[nrmax88]

the funny thing is i am sometimes disrespectful, but dont act like your not. Your always makin fun of somebody, usually cuz tellen anyone who will listen that JS is the greatest thing since sliced bread, callen people idiots. Your a hypocrite lmao. Also, when you are making fun of people, you talk straight from your ass dude. yah, the A's infield is bad, nice point. Keep talking. I think its cute how you love to talk about me though. Dont worry though, your obsession with me will pass, it is only a stage you will pass thru it I promise baby

[bravesrule14]

"Oh and Mike Piazza won't be as good as Frank THomas"

and droptop didnt say that he was. he said that Piazza and a healthy Chavez would make up for that production. if anybody said Piazza is as good as Thomas it was porb Hood. The A's are not a weak team, they are prob the second best team in the West behind the Angels, but that is slim becuz the Angels lost Juan Rivera so they may be the best team in the west

[tinathemetsgrl]

all mets all time bitches.

i think it could be an even trade..i'm hoping for another starting pitcher, he's not as cute as zito, but his era and his stats are good, so why not make a move.

[wihargo]

happy new year? (hic)

[Grimm]

NrMax,
You want me to convince you to shut your mouth? It's tough by the looks of it. Well, blanton makes 300,000 a year, and is just as good as anyone the mets could sign at a small fraction of the cost. Not to mention that he's locked up for 4 more years. He would instantly become 3rd in the rotation, and last time I checked, milledge isn't a pitcher. To win it all, the Mets need pitching, not a clubhouse canker sore. Furthermore, I've seen blanton go 8 innings quite a few times, something the Mets need, because their bullpen is shaky. the Mets would love his 200 IP. And apparently you haven't been watching the same baseball as I have, because Milledge looked terrible last year. Talk about his potential all you want, but from the spring training and regular season games i've seen,he's a long way from being any sort of contributor. For instance, I attended one of his major league games against the Red Sox, Pedro's return to Fenway. He played LF, and a number of times he was bailed out by Beltran, but at other times, he wasn't so fortunate. His routes were bad, he would lose the ball in the sky, and looked damn confused almost every time a ball came his way. Chalk it up to inexperience if you want, but these were plays a little leaguer could make. and Milledge has some attitude problems. Talk about his potential, but his attitude outweighs that, and might just destroy it altogether. If he refuses to listen to anyone, then nobody can help him to improve his game. For example, he not only embarassed himself during the Mets-Sox game, he made a fool out of himself afterwards. look it up if you want. In fact. milledge kind of reminds of you. all talk and no game

[Alec_Berrrg]

Methinks we need a new topic...

[hood]

And Nrmax when I say disrespecting people I am talkin bout people in the forum. I can care less bout an opinion on a player or players. They get paid millions. This site was set up for people to voice their opinions not be called names all the time.

[nrmax88]

Lol, Blanton is garbage. Im not against trading Milledge, but not for a bum like Blanton. Milledge is 22, im not worried about him. Hood your a lil bitch you are calling people stupid all the time. Mind your business u pansy. Thanks Grimm, Milledge had 1 bad game so lets trade him for the younger version of steve trachsel

[nrmax88]

O's sign huff

[bsox21]

Iam beginning to think hood is really rotoauthority in disguise.

Thelogic being he posts stupidity to garner responses.I can't imagine someone this stupid wasting time on a baseball message board.

Milledge is a dynamic young player with massive tools. He's 21 and learned a new position at the major league level.

This for Blanton who throws as hard as I do, and was down right awful last year.

No way Omar pulls the trigger unless he gets more in return.

Steve Phillips would give up Milledge for blanton straight up. This is not an "Omar deal", thankfully.

[bdid]

Grimm,

I agree with you on a few points. Milledge looked bad at Fenway, really bad. But in his defense, he is a Center Fielder, not Left fielder. As a former Outfielder myself, switching from Center to LF is very difficult. You saw how much trouble Mike Cameron had switching two years ago, and he was a gold glover.

But, I do think picking up Blanton for Milledge would be reasonable if nothing else opens. Omar should wait it out though. You never know who becomes available. But, if it reaches February, and nothing looks good, and Omar can do this...you have to take it.

[Grimm]

look at Blanton's ERA in August, and tell me he hadn't fixed whatever was wrong with him last year. And look at the fact that they signed Moises Alou, which tells me Minaya also thinks that Milledge still isn't ready for majors, and won't be for at least another year. Or would you rather have Rich Harden? I also heard that, but nobody wants that much of a risk on a team where you need dependable pitchers.

[bdid]

I'd rather have Harden personally. Blanton has a David Wells body. That usually doesn't bode well for future success. The thing with the Mets is that they have 3 great OF prospects. Milledge, Gomez, and the real deal Fernando!!! So they could trade Milledge without it being too big of a loss.

To me, the Alou signing said "We are going Veteran this year so that we can win." Two old pitchers, 2 old outfielders, an Older catcher, an old 1b and 2b. These guys are running out of time, and don't have time for Milledge to grow.

Trade Millege. That's fine with me...just don't do it too quickly. he may help bring back more than Blanton if included with Heilman or Maine/Perez.

Omar, just get us a pitcher we can count on!

[nrmax88]

Why trade perez/ maine also, that is just opening up one hole and filling another one. I have no interest in harden. He cant stay healthy and he would require giving up too much. Whats the deal with Piniero, is he signed yet? Invite him to spring training, or just sign him to a 1 year deal and see if Peterson can help him out, maybe he just needs a change of scenery because he was decent a couple years ago. If he doesnt work out send him to the minors and dont resign him next year. I would sign him or Weaver or Mulder or Ohka or even Armas to a short deal before trading Milledge for Joe blanton

[bdid]

Why sign Pineiro? He's no more of a certainty than Pelfrey/Humber/Perez. We need a stud. Not another crap pitcher. You want to sign Ohka or Mulder? What happens when their shoulders fall apart again? Armas? Injury history. Weaver has already proven that NY is not his kind of town. I'd trade Maine and Milledge for Haren in a heartbeat, and would throw in Heilman too. That gives us a legit #2 which no other pitcher you mentioned does. And Harden is going to be special.

[WindyCityNY'er]

OK, Its like this: If this supposed deal does happen its clear that both Blanton and Milledge have good points and not so good points. Lets face it, I think I speak for lots of Mets who beleive Milledge is a tad full of himself and at this stage in his carrier that might be a real bad sign. Especially if he has blinding NY stars in his eyes. On the other hand he has amazing potential. We know that. Blanton is relatively young, a 16 game winner, Pretty good pitcher eho might develope nicely in NY, kinda young, groundball pitcher, and under 30! (get my drift?).
Considering the general pitching situation in the majors and in particular for the Mets, To me, its an even steven... If this has life at all, I for one would go for it

[coolpapabell]

Who ever wrote that Blanton figured out how to pitch by posting an era in the 3's for that month failed to mention that he posted an ERA in the 6's in Sept. It is also important to note that he was excluded from the play-off rotation.

Everthing that Omar has been saying seems to suggest that he will not make a trade unless its for an impact pitcher, and I do not think that Blanton is that guy. Harden could be that guy but as we all know, he is injury prone and the A's want at least one of our pitching prospects.

[allabouthephils]

You guys have to realize that any deal for an Athletics pitcher is going to be heavily one sided leaning towards the A's... The Mets are going to have to seriously overpay to grab one of those starters unless it's Esteban Loaiza. Why would Beane trade good, young, cheap pitching in todays' baseball without getting a crap load of talent back in return... I think 5 years ago, the A's would have been all over a deal like Milledge for Blanton.. Today is a lot different though... I have a question ..... If Milledge is so special, why is he not starting ? That speaks volumes to me about where the Mets are with him if they're not even willing to let him compete for a starting spot. They just signed Alou and gave him the job. I think other organizations are looking at that and scratching their heads...

[coolpapabell]

People forget that Lastings is very young. He is very young, and unfortunately he acts his age. He has the tools. I have seen it for myself. He was a very quick bat, a great arm, and good speed. Give him a few years before you judge him. Give him a full season in the bigs before you rate him. I think the Mets got Alou because they don't want their season to hinge on a rookie and Shawn Green. Give Lastings is still very young, give him a break. He has and arm, he has a quick bat, he has the speed, all he needs is a bit of experience, and that can only be remedied with time. Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with youth...........how about that USC defense.

[bdid]

All about...

Why wasn't Ryan Howard starting at 22? How about utley? Howard was given until 25, and Utley as well. So, why should you judge Milledge at age 22? Give him till he's 25 like you did your boys. Talk about hypocritical. I guess those two must suck and that should tell me all I need to know about Utley/Howard. They were still in the low minors at age 21, not in the big leagues. Why didn't the Phils just give up on them?

See where I'm going?

[Droptop]

The A's infield is "bad" yet they had two Gold Glovers this year(Mark Ellis was robbed because his offense sucked) and have been top 10 in double plays turned for a few years now, a couple of them top 5....good one guys.

[Droptop]

bsox - "...who throws as hard as I do." So you throw 92? With the occasional game throwing 94? Riiiiight...

Blanton will fall somewhere between his rookie year and last year, which is a 4 ERA.

[bsox21]

droptop,

more like 90-91, with the occasional venture into 92.

i love how white pitchers scouting reports get a mph or 2 added to their velocity, and have the luxury of being able to "touch" 94 becuz some gun in alabama clocked them there once 5 years ago.

i have a flaming monkey that is waiting to burst out of my ass the day blanton throws 94.

4 ERA my ass.

his stuff is flat and it has no life. he doesnt hav the height to get enough downward plane on his pitches to be anything more than a solid innings eater right now.

his only chance at being above average is to add a cutter. something tells me they would have given him one already if it was possible.

you're looking at a slightly below average fat righty who will need to get by on command. it doesnt get more mediocre.

heck, we could get yusmeiro petit back for half price, and petit will probably be better within a few years.

petit has better command and the same "stuff".

[allabouthephils]

BDid,

There's a bit of difference here... The Phils had Placido Polanco and Jim Thome roaming over at first and second... The Phils didn't even know that Utley was going to turn out to rake like he did... He was a major suprise ( if you knew the Phils) ... They wanted Howard to come up alot earlier than he did, but Thome was blocking his path... The Phils actually contemplated trading Howard to the Giants on several occasions... My point is that the Mets decided that signing Moises ( im 80 and the spokesman for viagra) Alou over this guy who is said ( by mets fans) to be the next Willie Mays... If he was so brimming with talent, they could mold this kid along the way and take it on the chin when he makes some mistakes ( you have a real sexy lineup, I think they could get away with it)... I don't buy it.. I saw him play and he isn't anything special... He looked pretty cocky, but more importantly, he looked lost in left field and at the plate... A cheap mans' Milton Bradley... Brian Jordan... Raul Mondesi.. These are reasonable comparisons..... Oh yeah, one more thing... Don't ever compare Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to some basket head case... It makes you look ignorant and Lastings Milledge couldn't lick the sweat off of Utleys' jock strap ( let alone Rynos).

[bdid]

Allbout,

You are a complete fool. When Ryan Howard was 21, you didn't even have Jim Thome yet. When Utley was 21 he wasn't supposed to be good. You are talking out your ass when bad mouthing a kid you have no clue about. The person most experts compare him to is Gary Sheffield talent wise. He's going to get much bigger, ala Sheffield. I really can't believe that you would make such absurd statements about a player you know nothing about....
Oh, and the Phils knew that Utley was good. It is common knowledge in Philly that the Phils turned down a Mulder offer because they wanted Utley included. Turning down Mulder at that time due to Utley tells me he wasn't a surprise. I'll compare him to anyone I want. He's not a basket head case. When Fatso Howard can't move anymore (which is likely within the next 5 years) Lastings will just be hitting his prime.
My point is still valid, no matter what you say...your guys were given until age 25 to even make the majors. Lastings has 4 more years to improve his defense (which Howard still can't play). Milledge will be a great one, whether you like it or not.
ONCE AGAIN, YOU DID NOT HAVE POLANCO AND THOME WHEN THESE TWO WERE 21 YEARS OLD. SO STOP MAKING IT LOOK LIKE THEY WERE BLOCKED!

[allabouthephils]

BDid,

One last thing..... Did I read that you would trade
Milledge, Heilman and Maine for Dan Haren.. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL... Blanton has better numbers than Haren.... They're the same age.... Actually, now that I look at it Blantons' numbers are better.... I guess people in NY are pretty happy you're not the GM... That could be scary...

Joe Blanton: 28-24 4.19 ERA
Dan Haren: 34-35 4.12 ERA

Yeah Harens' stuff is better but Milledge Heilman and Maine for Haren ??? As a Phillies fan, I say get this guy a contract in the Mets front office yesterday.......

[bdid]

You are the man allabout...

We know, you know it all. Why is it that everyone...outside of you.... thinks that Haren is better, yet it is actually Blanton that is better?

Check out baseball prospectus.... they say that blanton isn't nearly enough for Milledge, but Haren is. Heilman is a FA at years end and will never sign back with us. Maine is a coin flip at best. Haren had better numbers except for the W/L record. Check your stats before you post. Blanton's ERA was just under 5. His whip was near 2. Get your facts then post your moronic spew.

I'd also be looking for Kiko Calero kicked in from that side to even things out. Check other Mets boards, a Milledge/Hman/Maine deal for Haren and Calero would make most happy.

[bdid]

By the way, Steve trachsel won more games last year than Brett Myers, and has a Career ERA better than Myers. I guess Trachsel is better based on your logic.

[nrmax88]

Allaboutthephils you are making yourself look like a fool, seriously. Who says that Milledge isnt going to compete for the starting job. Of course he is going to compete. Shawn Greens contract is not so big that he must just be handed the job. He will need to earn it.How are you going to judge Milledge for what he did in the majors when he is 21. How many players even are past A ball at 21. Not many. I have said this before, but Vernon Wells, Soriano, Sheffield, i dont even remember the whole group of names i listed, but there are superstars who dont perform when they get their first call up. Give the kid time. Hes twenty fucking two. How can you say he looks lost in the field and the plate . He is a rookie playing out of position, sure he will have a couple of screwups. You also conveniently left out the sparkling plays he made and the cannon for a right arm he threw out baserunners with. Sure he will struggle from the plate, wouldnt you on your first chance against big league hitting? Most do. He has good plate patience, an extremely short cut, the ball takes off from his bat. This kid will be fine. And one other thing phils. Do you think theres any met fans that wouldnt rather trade heilman millegde and maine for haren, rather then milledge for blanton. If you say blanton is better then haren, that is just a joke dude.Milledge will be fine, if you want to compare him to brian jordan or milton bradley, then wait for him to develop. I know bsox brings up the race card all the time and people get pissed, but seriously, this is a race thing. Not just because lastings is black, but because of the arm bands, and corn rows, and his whole image. He does kinda look like a thug, but you cant say hes a bad guy because of his image. The whole NY media talks about how he is a bad team player and all this nonsense. He had 2 or 3 MINOR incidentsin his first stint in the bigs. Not a big deal. Like i said yesterday, if David Wright did all the same things Milledge did, then nobody would mind, wright would just be a young kid who made a couple mistakes. Seriously though, if you want to say Milledge is a headcase and he is nothing better then brian jordan, then Cole Hamels is just a headcase, and he is no better then jamie moyer, nor will he ever be. I can say stupid shit about your teams prospects too.Im not trying to start a beef, im just trying to prove your wrong about milledge, or you have to atleast give him 3 or 4 more years before you say hes a dud, because most ball players that are 21 are still about 3 to 4 years away

[nrmax88]

** meant to say big league pitching**

[nrmax88]

And IMO Haren is better then Zito, let alone blanton, and let alone Harden. Bdid, i agree harden CAN be special, but i wouldnt say he will be. Right now, in my eyes he is nothing more then Mark Prior till he can pitch a whole season at a high level without missing any starts

[coolpapabell]

Allabout

Shame on you......
Haren 2006
AvgA- .258
h/9- 9.04
BB/9- 1.82
K/9- 7.10

Blanton 2006:
AvgA- .309
H/9- 11.16
BB/9- 2.69
K/9- 4.96

ERA can be a bit of a fluky stat

oh by the way Blanton's ERA in Sept was in the 6's and was excluded from the play-off rotation.

[coolpapabell]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=126

this might help you allabout

[nrmax88]

If Milledge gets a starting role then he will impress in 07.

[Droptop]

bsox - I've seen at least 80% of Blantons starts since AAA, he goes from 90-92. In games he's very hyped up he'll hit 94, I did say occasional, as in, once in a while...he hit 95-96 out of the pen in the ALDS, that was in stadium while FOX had him at 98 routinely.

[Droptop]

*Meant ALCS

nrmax - The only thing Haren has going for him over Harden is health, Haren's stuff isn't nearly as dominant but yes, Haren should surpass Zito if he does two things A) Fine tunes his Slider and B) stops over using his high fastball
Haren would probably benefit from a decent Cutter too....

[Droptop]

Allabout - Comparing Haren and Blanton is pointless, Haren has the potential to be a legit ACE and Blanton will never be more then a solid #3 type, if that...
Blanton ever becoming that #3 starter though will depend greatly on him getting consistant with his Curveball because that's easily his best pitch when he has it working. He'll throw it as slow as 68MPH and just buckle guys....
He's a very frustrating pitcher to watch all year long.

[allabouthephils]

"Yeah Harens' stuff is better but Milledge Heilman and Maine for Haren ???" <<< my statement

Wow, my words were skewed.... I never said Blanton is better than Haren... LOL.. I wouldn't make that stupid a statement... I know Haren has an electric arm. Blantons' win/loss is a little better to date... I honestly don't think BDids proposal of Heilman, Milledge and Maine for Haren is worth it..I think it might be the dumbest trade proposal ive heard from a non cubs fan. Get off my jock everyone... Don't all chime in at once. Get some individual thoughts... Don't just piggyback off everyone elses...

[pvhornet05]

"Blanton has better numbers than Haren.... They're the same age.... Actually, now that I look at it Blantons' numbers are better.... "

Actually those were your words too.

[nrmax88]

Lol im not tryen to start a fight, im just defendin Milledge who i see every day. He is going to be a good good ballplayer. I dont know about the other stuff, being too cocky and not being a good clubhouse guy. If he is still maken these mistakes in years down the road, then Okay, but hes only 21, give him a chance. Like somebody said, Utley and Howard werent big stars at 21, so you cant compare.

[allabouthephils]

Ok fair is fair..... Read my posts and it will show that I never compared Milledge's development to that of Howard or Utley.. That was BDID.... All I said is that it was a horrible deal... I also compared their numbers... Blantons' winning percentage is better... Haren obviously has a much much better repetoire... But this is pointless... If people want to take BDid's trade purposal of Milledge, Maine and Heilman for Haren then go right ahead.... I got blasted for saying that was a bad deal lol...

[kyankees07]

If Mets want to trade Milledge, they should get something better than JOE Blanton.