Lastings Milledge?

[mattfeet]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/0...available.html

MLBTR did a nice write-up on why L.M. might be a more intriguing options for teams rather than the free agents in the 30+ age range. Im not sure Id trust L.M. to be our everyday LF'er, nor our leadoff man, but for a small $ value contract, he has a lot more upside than the other options (Damon, Podsednik, Andruw Jones, etc.). While the aforementioned names have more proven history, they are certainly in their decline, and would also likely demand a more expensive contract. I would say L.M's defense is about on par with Podsednik, aka a notch about Gomes'. Hitting .289 against lefties, he could provide some pop in the lineup.

*EDIT* I just saw this quote: "Any team that signs Milledge will not only have him for the 2011 season, but also for the next two as an arbitration-eligible player as well." Certainly could be worthwhile if we'd have him under control for 3 years.

I say offer him a major league contract on a 1-year, $800k contract with a $1mil option for year 2. If it works out, we have a great bargain, and if it doesn't, we're hardly out anything. That contract offers a significant raise from his '10 salary @ $452k, so he might be inclined to take the deal. GABP certainly would help his game as well with a smaller outfield which lends well to helping his defensive and offensive numbers.

or :thumbdown

-Matt

[DannyB]

I think you have found the answer.

[TheBigLebowski]

I'd love it. I still think that dude has a ton of upside but, even if he is never anything more than he currently is, he is better than the in-house options unless we're willing to anoint Heisey as the starter.

[mattfeet]

Why has his name not been discussed here on RZ at all that Ive seen? I mean he's a young, cheap, and talented player that not a lot of teams are (apparently) looking at. What gives?

[DannyB]

I think most people think of him as another Gomes, and I think The Reds are looking for a lefthanded hitter.

[mattfeet]

Can LM handle leadoff duties? Im on my phone now and can't look it up.

Matt

[Quatitos]

Year          PA   AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS  BB  SO   BA  OBP  SLG  OPS OPS+
2006         185  166  14  40  7  2  4  22  1  2  12  39 .241 .310 .380 .689   78
2007         206  184  27  50  9  1  7  29  3  2  13  42 .272 .341 .446 .787  104
2008         587  523  65 140 24  2 14  61 24  9  38  96 .268 .330 .402 .731   92
2009         265  244  21  68 11  0  4  21  7  4  13  47 .279 .323 .373 .696   85
2010         412  379  38 105 21  3  4  34  5  3  28  62 .277 .332 .380 .712   93
5 Seasons   1655 1496 165 403 72  8 33 167 40 20 104 286 .269 .328 .394 .723   91

I wouldn't want walt even considering this. There is a reason that he has already been on 3 teams at the age of 25. The guy has about as much pop as Janish and people are saying he should be a backup. The only good thing he has going for him is that he has been able to be fairly consistent in keeping a ~.270 BA the past 3 years. His OBP is not an upgrade for the team so he most likely could not fill the role for leadoff any better than what we have already and there are several better options still available. Add in the fact he bats right and I would think both Gomes and Heisey project to outperform him, then adding him makes no sense at all.

[mattfeet]

Good post. Thanks for info.

Matt

[Hondo]

Year          PA   AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS  BB  SO   BA  OBP  SLG  OPS OPS+
2006         185  166  14  40  7  2  4  22  1  2  12  39 .241 .310 .380 .689   78
2007         206  184  27  50  9  1  7  29  3  2  13  42 .272 .341 .446 .787  104
2008         587  523  65 140 24  2 14  61 24  9  38  96 .268 .330 .402 .731   92
2009         265  244  21  68 11  0  4  21  7  4  13  47 .279 .323 .373 .696   85
2010         412  379  38 105 21  3  4  34  5  3  28  62 .277 .332 .380 .712   93
5 Seasons   1655 1496 165 403 72  8 33 167 40 20 104 286 .269 .328 .394 .723   91

I wouldn't want walt even considering this. There is a reason that he has already been on 3 teams at the age of 25. The guy has about as much pop as Janish and people are saying he should be a backup. The only good thing he has going for him is that he has been able to be fairly consistent in keeping a ~.270 BA the past 3 years. His OBP is not an upgrade for the team so he most likely could not fill the role for leadoff any better than what we have already and there are several better options still available. Add in the fact he bats right and I would think both Gomes and Heisey project to outperform him, then adding him makes no sense at all.

You better save this Date and Post.

This may be the "ONLY" (you're favorite in quotes) think we "EVER" agree on...

Happy New Year.

[BEETTLEBUG]

I would go for him for $850 plus I think he would work .GABP would help his numbers.

[Eric the Red]

I wouldn't want walt even considering this. There is a reason that he has already been on 3 teams at the age of 25.

Agree, 100%. If the Pirates and Nationals don't want him, why would the Reds consider him. I just hope he signs with another NL Central team. Even if he signs for the league minimum, I don't want him. I'd rather have Jim Edmonds, Todd Frazier or Yonder Alonso as the fifth outfielder.

[Vottomatic]

I have mixed feelings about this idea.

1. If the Reds aren't going to make a trade for a big bat to either leadoff or bat behind Votto, then I don't understand why they don't give Heisey a full time shot?

2. Milledge's numbers aren't that great. But he did hit the majors at age 21. He is a former #1 pick. He has played for mostly crappy teams. He hasn't been given much of a vote of confidence.

I'd rather just give Heisey a shot, but I wouldn't whine about this move if it happened. Milledge is coming into his prime years. It's now or never, so to speak, for him. And maybe it's now, rather than never.

[Quatitos]

You better save this Date and Post.

This may be the "ONLY" (you're favorite in quotes) think we "EVER" agree on...

Happy New Year.

Quotes are not used for emphasis FYI, you might want to find the italics button. The way you are using it would more infer an ironic connotation to the words, meaning that we do in fact agree a lot :.

Also, has anyone heard anything about Lance Nix? I know he was offered a contract by the mariners but I don't think I ever saw any news that he actually signed anywhere. He is not too much older (just hitting 30, as opposed to well past it) and is left handed with above average defense. He is probably more likely to suffer an injury, but would perform well considering he would be in the 5th outfielder role and has shown an ability to perform well in that role.

[bounty37h]

I honestly didnt know he was even still playing anymore, thought he had relaized he isnt a pro ballplayer and retired. No interest at any signing level.