Milledge in Trouble

Lastings Milledge has yet to start a game this season. On Sunday, Willie Randolph told reporters that Mike Pelfrey will re-join the Mets on Friday to start against the Nationals, bumping Orlando Hernandez to Saturday. This most likely means that Lastings Milledge will be sent down to AAA (New Orleans).

Is this a good thing? I believe for the time being it is the right decision and a good thing for the Mets. Shawn Green has been red hot so far this season. In 27 at bats, Green has a .370 batting average and a .452 on base percentage. Green also has 5 runs, 4 RBIs, and a home run. Thus Milledge is not needed with the way Green is hitting and is hitless in a whopping 2 at bats this season.

I would rather see Milledge getting to start in AAA then watching him ride bench in the Majors. Remember, Milledge just turned 22 and is still very young and underdeveloped. Milledge needs at bats right now and with Green hitting the way he is I don’t blame Willie Randolph for not playing Milledge. When Green cools down or goes into a slump, look for Milledge to be right back to the Majors. Let’s just hope Milledge doesn’t take the News to hard. My estimated month that Lastings Milledge will become the starting right fielder is August due to the length of time that Willie will use until the switch is made.