Headlines

  • Royals Re-Sign Zack Greinke
  • Dodgers Sign Miguel Rojas To Contract Extension
  • Jake McGee Retires
  • Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority
  • Mariners, Dylan Moore Agree to Three-Year Extension
  • Blue Jays Sign Chad Green
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Lastings Milledge Clears Waivers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | April 12, 2011 at 2:53pm CDT

TUESDAY: Milledge cleared waivers and accepted a Triple-A assignment, tweets Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

THURSDAY: The White Sox designated Lastings Milledge for assignment to create roster space for Jeff Gray, the team announced (on Twitter). Milledge broke camp with the team after signing a minor league deal and appeared in two games (he went 1/4 with a double), but the White Sox needed relief, particularly after consecutive extra innings contests against the Royals.

Ozzie Guillen's relievers have combined for 11 1/3 innings of work since Tuesday, so Gray gets the call. The former Cubs reliever has a 4.91 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 40 1/3 innings at the Major League level. The White Sox signed him last November, after the Cubs granted him free agency.

Share 2 Retweet 55 Send via email0

Chicago White Sox Transactions Lastings Milledge

Carlos Delgado To Announce Retirement
Main
Dodgers Notes: Carroll, Eckstein, Dye
View Comments (65)

Comments

  1. East Coast Bias

    12 years ago

    What the… Did not expect that.

    Reply
  2. Matt Manzella

    12 years ago

    This really sucks, Milledge loses his job because of our sh**** bullpen can’t do it’s job. I hope we can keep him in AAA. He can be a valuable asset if one of our outfielders goes down. And Jeff Gray!? No Marquez? Yuck.

    Reply
    • Brad

      12 years ago

      Well, to be honest, he did suck in the outfield yesterday.

      Reply
  3. $1529282

    12 years ago

    Paging Bill Smith… Milledge > Repko

    Reply
  4. Rich

    12 years ago

    After his pathetic displays in the outfield I can’t imagine the coaching staff was too happy with him.

    Reply
    • Matt Manzella

      12 years ago

      Wow, after one game? He was great in Spring Training. Get your facts straight.

      Reply
      • Beauford

        12 years ago

        His facts are straight. Milledge’s career UZR is (-21).

        Reply
        • Matt Manzella

          12 years ago

          UZR has shown time and again not to be the best way of measuring fielding talent.

        • Beauford

          12 years ago

          Then what is the preeminent test to determine an OF’s defensive prowess? Your eyes?

          It’s easy to disregard anything and everything when it conflicts with one’s own “eyeball” evaluation.

          The fact remains that Milledge was DFA’d and no team wanted him and his crummy defense was part of the reasoning.

          There had to be at least one team that would like a good young cheap defensive 4th OF who could play all 3 OF positions…and still young enough to possibly be a late bloomer as a hitter.

          But the other 29 teams have spoken with their eyes… “We don’t want Milledge”.

        • Guest

          12 years ago

          So he can’t DH or pinch hit? Scouts do use their eyes when evaluating players. Suppose you think everyone sits behind computers and looks at sabremetrics. Why employ scouts then?

        • Beauford

          12 years ago

          I was referring to “fans’ eyes” not “scouts’ eyes”. I admire scouts and their talents/opinions immensely.

          “So he can’t DH or pinch hit???” Sure…if a team’s options are that limited.

          Once again “Why did the other 29 teams pass on him?”

          If he has either offensive and/or defensive value, some team would have wanted this young OF.

          And since teams ask for input from their scouts before acquiring a player, what does this tell you about Milledge?

        • Guest

          12 years ago

          “Why did 29 other team pass on him?” Last time I checked “fans’ eyes” did not make executive decisions for teams…last time I checked. Also, it’s early April, when team’s are still in evaluating mode…you act like it’s July. Give teams time to figure out what they have or don’t have…then maybe some team WILL pick him up.

        • Beauford

          12 years ago

          “Why did 29 other team pass on him?” Last time I checked “fans’ eyes” did not make executive decisions for teams…last time I checked.”

          “Fan’s eyes” didn’t pass on Milledge. Executives and scouts from 29 other teams passed on him.

          “Also, it’s early April, when team’s are still in evaluating mode…you act like it’s July. Give teams time to figure out what they have or don’t have…then maybe some team WILL pick him up.”

          This is utter nonsense. By the time they “figure it out” they could be out of playoff contention.

          A team like Tampa Bay who lost Carl Crawford and also has Longoria on the DL has to wait another month or two to fully evaluate whether their offense needs help? Since they have Sam Fuld in their starting OF, what does that tell you about Milledge? (And please don’t mention Fuld’s once-in-a-lifetime game from yesterday.)

          More importantly, no GM is going to wait to correct a problem if an answer presents itself today.

          The GM’s have spoken “Milledge isn’t an answer.”

        • Guest

          12 years ago

          Umm…the answer to Tampa’s problem is Fuld–a guy who couldn’t make it in the BIGS with the Cubs. Oh yeah, who’s the guy replacing Milledge on the roster. That’s right Jeff Gray, a player who two teams already, the Cubs and the A’s didn’t want. Otherwise, he’d be on one of those teams. Get a clue…nope here I’ll buy you one.

        • Beauford

          12 years ago

          “Umm…the answer to Tampa’s problem is Fuld–a guy who couldn’t make it in the BIGS with the Cubs.”

          That’s my point! Tampa considers Fuld better than Milledge. Fuld is nothing special and in Tampa’s eyes Milledge isn’t an improvement.

          “Oh yeah, who’s the guy replacing Milledge on the roster. That’s right Jeff Gray…”

          Comparing Milledge’s replacement (Jeff Gray) to Milledge is ridiculous since Gray is a pitcher not an OF. The Sox just decided to go with 12 pitchers rather than 11.

          One last time:

          If Milledge would help a team today, why didn’t a team pick him up now and improve their playoff chances immediately?

        • WhiteSoxHomer

          12 years ago

          Because it is early in the season, the time of year to stick with what you think will work. There is a reason why most teams break camp with certain players. Clearly they dont think Milledge will preform better, but is that because of a lack of faith in his abilities or faith in their own players? When in doubt stick with what you know. There are many things that go into deciding what players you want especially when you are dealing with middling players.

        • Beauford

          12 years ago

          “…Clearly they dont think Milledge will preform better, but is that because of a lack of faith in his abilities or faith in their own players?”

          Maybe both, but in either case, Milledge is not viewed as an improvement which is my point.

          If a team viewed Milledge as a better 4th or 5th OF than they currently have, why wouldn’t they want him? He’s been in the ML on and off since 2006 with over 1600 PA’s so teams should have a good read on him as they do on their current utility OF’s. He plays all OF positions and makes only $500K. And you wouldn’t be giving up anyone in return of any consequence.

          I agree that teams aren’t going to blow up their team or farm system in April (like some hyperbolic poster has exaggerated) if their regulars start off slow.

          But in terms of changing your 24th or 25th man on your roster for a guy who was once a hot prospect and still young, seems a no-brainer…unless you believe Milledge is not an improvement.

        • WhiteSoxHomer

          12 years ago

          I agree, my point was that there are reasons why, other than performance, that a team would choose their own people over a new person. I was just answering your question earlier.

        • Guest

          12 years ago

          I’m not comparing a pitcher to a offensive player. The SOX have plenty of offensive. I’m comparing players who’ve bounced around. Teams don’t have immediate needs….it’s April! If that were the case, the Cubs would be trading top prospects in their farm system for pitching. Instead of signing players like Ramon Ortiz to minor league contracts. Thank God you’re not a GM…using the Lastings Milledge theory you’d pass on players like Colby Lewis, Ryan Dempster, or Jose Bautista figuring they’re all washed up.

        • Taylor Hope

          12 years ago

          Yes, I would take fans interpretations over UZR any day.

      • Tim C

        12 years ago

        i like milledge but he CANNOT play outfield. constantly gets bad jumps and seems to make a good play because of it. he cant hit, but not well enough to be a full time dh.

        Reply
  5. Jaime Pearson

    12 years ago

    Milledge is a butcher in the OF as is Teahen. They need to call up De Aza once the bullpen is set and let him be the late inning replacement in the OF. I would have dumped Teahen hoping someone would take a flyer on him and get rid of the money, especially after he dropped an easy catch yesterday which gave the Royals a gift run.

    Reply
    • jwsox

      12 years ago

      jordan danks would more likely be the callup first due to his defense being much better(ozzie has said his glove is MLB CF ready for years not but his bat needed to catch up) and his bat finally showed up this spring.

      Reply
  6. elclashcombo

    12 years ago

    Maybe he can pitch for the Red Sox. Or hit for that matter.

    Reply
  7. formerdraftpick

    12 years ago

    Milledge still has a lot of potential. He was a consistent hitter last year. He just didn’t hit for the cycle every game. If a team needs a fourth outfielder, he’s your man, but I still think he should learn a little 3B, 1B and 2B if he wants to stay in the majors.

    Reply
  8. RIP steve jobs

    12 years ago

    I just wish Teahen would leave too, The Tank can do everything Teahen can do but better

    Reply
    • Stephen Tuite

      12 years ago

      The Tank is also on the DL

      Reply
      • RIP steve jobs

        12 years ago

        He was until Tuesday

        Reply
    • jwsox

      12 years ago

      NO, no ,no, no. What needs to happen with the tank is once he fully recovers from the fracture. He needs to go to AAA and get every single at bat he can out in right field. And the second Carlos faulters he is called up. Or if carlos is hurt or dunn is hurt or PK is hurt then he comes up. You dont want “the tank” one of hawks dumbest nick-names to date. to rot on the bench and get playing time every few days. AND DONT say you can platoon him, we dont need a righty/right platoon at 1st or Right. If the sox are not all in it by the break and carlos is on fire they could trade him and being Dyan up then

      Reply
      • eck78

        12 years ago

        Tank is worse than Spanky?

        Reply
  9. HerbertAnchovy

    12 years ago

    Time to cut another record?

    Reply
  10. Lastings

    12 years ago

    Four organizations through not even six full seasons. Almost like the Milledge bicycle of baseball…

    Reply
    • jwsox

      12 years ago

      yeah hes not “lasting” very long right………..

      Reply
      • Lastings

        12 years ago

        Ah…good one, good one… I’m sure he’s heard that a number of times

        Reply
        • jwsox

          12 years ago

          but its probably the “last” time he will hear it from a sox fan……

  11. JacksTigers

    12 years ago

    I’d be willing to give up a low prospect for him. Then use him to the minors and use him when injury hits. He would be a great guy to have in the organization.

    Reply
  12. DeManiac

    12 years ago

    Nothing “lasting” about this guy….

    Reply
    • InLeylandWeTrust

      12 years ago

      You’re trying too hard

      Reply
  13. Tirameenlasbolas

    12 years ago

    …flipping burgers at a fast food restaurant near year by 2013.

    Reply
    • whatever

      12 years ago

      Yeah thats not gonna happen

      Reply
  14. bigpat

    12 years ago

    He will probably still stay with the team if he wants, as he’ll probably clear waivers. The beginning of the season is a good time to sneak guys through waivers because roster spots are so important and teams want to stick with their guys for a bit.

    Honestly, I’d rather the Pirates have kept Milledge on a minor league deal than Matt Diaz. Diaz has looked very bad so far, and a two year guaranteed deal looks like a waste of money.

    Reply
  15. YanksFanSince78

    12 years ago

    With a .793 OPS vs LH pitchers I think he would be agood platoon player in a lefty/righty combo.

    Reply
  16. kdawg89

    12 years ago

    Maybe the Rays will pick him up..as of right now he’d be an offensive upgrade over any outfielder they have on the roster,except maybe Upton. Also, he’s from the Tampa area so maybe coming home would improve his “attitude”. Worth a shot, as bad as we are we could use the help……

    Reply
  17. Whole_New_World

    12 years ago

    Milledge = punk. High-fiving fans in the stands after going yard to tie the game in the 10th against the Giants at Shea in 2006. Better be real good if you’re going to pull that crap.

    Milledge afterwards: “You know what? It happened, and if we could replay the game, I don’t regret one thing I did.”

    Oh yeah, Giants won that one.

    I’m sure Lastings isn’t going to want for anything in his life. But, nice to see a guy like that riding some buses in the minors for a while.

    Reply
  18. Matt Manzella

    12 years ago

    Happiness.

    Reply
  19. chetkincaid

    12 years ago

    This is good news for White Sox fans.

    Reply
  20. safari_punch

    12 years ago

    66 comments for this guy?

    Why not 67?

    Reply
    • TJ

      12 years ago

      I am currently ruining the wonderful # of “69”. SORRY!

      Reply
  21. Beauford

    12 years ago

    From the White Sox blog “South Side Sox” on 4-13-11:

    “… Brett Ballantini tweeted that the other clubs were “scared of his defense.” Apparently, that will be Job One for Milledge as he heads back to Triple-A.

    Here’s Ballantini’s tweet:

    KW and Ozzie both happy Milledge remains in organization. KW told Milledge, as an FYI, other teams are scared of his defense.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Royals Re-Sign Zack Greinke

    Dodgers Sign Miguel Rojas To Contract Extension

    Jake McGee Retires

    Orioles To Decline Five-Year Lease Extension At Camden Yards, Seeking Longer-Term Agreement With Maryland Stadium Authority

    Mariners, Dylan Moore Agree to Three-Year Extension

    Blue Jays Sign Chad Green

    Rays Extend Yandy Diaz

    Dexter Fowler Announces Retirement

    Mets Sign Jeff McNeil To Four-Year Extension

    Red Sox, Marlins Swap Matt Barnes For Richard Bleier

    Darren O’Day Announces Retirement

    Braves Extend Manager Brian Snitker Through 2025

    Rays Sign Pete Fairbanks To Extension

    Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal

    Athletics Sign Jesús Aguilar

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager

    Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs

    Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor

    Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment

    Recent

    Astros Sign Bryan Garcia To Minor League Deal

    Extension Candidate: Pete Alonso

    The White Sox’ Right Field Options

    Phillies To Sign Kyle Hart To Minor League Deal

    MLBTR Chat Transcript

    Guardians, Phillip Diehl Agree To Minor League Contract

    The Opener: Arbitration Hearings, 1B Market, MLBTR Chat

    Ronald Guzmán Attempting To Become Two-Way Player

    Mike Montgomery Signs With Mexican League’s Acereros De Monclova

    Marlins, Jon Berti Avoid Arbitration

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version