Daily Archives: December 10, 2007
At the blog for Mets Refugees, Dan takes a closer look at what fans can expect from Mets OF Ryan Church, who was acquired a few weeks ago, along with C Brian Schneider, in exchange for OF Lastings Milledge.
Ultimatly, Dan says…
“I think Mets fans will be
happy with the production they receive from right field in 2008. Although, I think Mets fans would have been happy with the production they would have received from Milledge in right field, as well.”
…the thing is, as evident by the following quote, this decision had less to do with our collective happiness, and most everything to do with the Mets trying to win now, next season, and milledge being too undeveloped to contribute, right now…
Willie Randolph, speaking about Milledge, while talking to reporters during the Winter Meetings in Nashville…
“You can’t make mistakes when you’re trying to win a championship. So, it’s too much to really expect a young player to have all that mastered. Some organizations can be patient with that…No, we can’t afford to go with a that type of guy at this point in time. He needs more seasoning…For me, you have to make sure you don’t get blinded by one asset, you have to look at the whole package.”
…this is why i am understanding of this trade…as i said then, i know the Mets are going to regret trading milledge, at least to the extent that he’ll be a pretty-good player one day…the thing is, the Mets will always be able to afford a corner outfielder who hits .280 with 15 HR and has speed…i like milledge, and wish he was still on the team, but i think we’re going to be pleasently suprised by church, especially on defense, which is something the Mets are putting a ton of value upon this season…and, let’s be honest, milledge’s defensive insticts in right field left a lot to be desired…plus, if as willie says, milledge isn’t really ready for crunch time, then the swap for church, who is seen as more stable and more fundamentally sound, makes sense…
…the thing is, if church makes the same mental mistakes as milledge, you can bet he will get pulled by willie too…what’s worse, as i have been saying since the trade occured, i do believe milledge will mature and grow beyond his current limitations in to an engaging, talented and exciting player…
…the point, though, is that, given the pressure to win now, the Mets were not willing to wait…
Tagged Ryan Church |
