Could Jocketty pull this off...

by sdangler on May 9, 2006 12:47 PM EDT

And would it be a good idea for the Birds?

Mark Mulder for Lastings Milledge

I'm sure Jock would have to throw in more, maybe a Lambert or even J-Rod, who would platoon with Nady, to complete a deal. Minaya loves Latin players, maybe he'd be willing to take Juan E if we pick up some salary.

Milledge is the #9 prospect around, according to Baseball America, and he's just ripping up AAA to the tune of .313/.451/.500. Oh, by the way, he's only 21. He could slide right into LF, or he could take over for JEd in center and let him get some rest in LF. Either way, he would add youth, speed, and an impact bat for now and the future. Hopefully then the Cards would plug Reyes into the rotation and have Wainwright ready if he fails.

What does the Cards nation think? Pitching staff already too weak? I think we have enough of a fallback with Reyes and Wainwright that we can afford to give up someone like Mulder, who's not that great to begin with. His contract is up at the end of the year, and the Mets would be in a better position to re-sign him. Comments appreciated.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

i have my doubts

the athletics reportedly have been offering zito for milledge, and the mets haven't bitten. i'm not sure why they would prefer mulder over zito --- unless they are now so desperate for starting pitching that they'd go for it.

it would also be an enormous short-term gamble for the cardinals, might cost them the playoffs this year. milledge isn't ready to play at the big-league level yet --- lacks plate discipline and power. he's only 21 years old and may very well develop those skills, but he doesn't have them yet.

in any circumstances, i doubt jocketty would trade his 2d-best starter to a team he might have to face in the playoffs. and i doubt la russa would accept an idea that leaves such heavy responsibilities on two rookie starting pitchers. . . .

by lboros on May 9, 2006 1:02 PM EDT reply actions

ha!

Mulder is better than Zito.I like Zito but he's not a consistant pitcher as Mulder has show to atleast to be.Although not a dominant pitcher he's still better.I think any pitcher coming from the AL has an advantage in the NL just imagine johan in the NL.

by sportsmanspark78 on May 11, 2006 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Rest?

"He could slide right into LF, or he could take over for JEd in center and let him get some rest in LF."

What? Rest in leftfield? It's certainly not as challenging a position as CF, but I don't think you get much less tired playing over there. At least I never did.

Oh, and I second everything lboros said. Mulder simply will not be traded this year. Period.

Frankly, I'd be floored if we traded with any NL contenders, or even NL Central teams except the Pirates, this year.

by flynn on May 9, 2006 2:34 PM EDT reply actions

Shoulder

I guess I meant rest his shoulder, as he probably wouldn't have to make as many long throws from left. Sorry if that wasn't clear. Thanks for the comment.

by sdangler on May 9, 2006 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Ability to sign...

I also think the Mets would most likely gauge their ability to re-sign the player in question. Besides having the best name in minor league baseball, Lastings Milledge is a pretty special talent.

by Brock20 on May 9, 2006 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

not gonna happen

good try but no a possibility.Why would we trade our #2 for a prospect who isn't even playing in the show?Nice try plus giving up a couple of other prospects is not a fair shke for us.Who knows if Milledge is going to flurish why give up more if anything a straight up trade.I could see us giving them Marquis for Floyd.I like the idea of Milledge but miniya isn't going to give him away.So if we traded Mulder plus others it doesn't make sense because we gave up three prospect to get him and to trade him and give another two prospects is retarded.

by sportsmanspark78 on May 11, 2006 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions