4 replies to this topic

[Metsfan980]

The Yakult Swallows have finally announced the acquisition of outfielder Lastings Milledge. Milledge gets a salary of JPY 45m (about $570k at today’s rate) plus performance bonuses, and a club option for a second year. He’ll wear number 85 for the Birds.

http://www.npbtracke...lledge-signing/

Or for those of you who care more about the original source:

http://www.sanspo.co...80505002-n1.htm



Clearly Lastings wore out his welcome wherever he went, but I'm not sure he should have been blackballed from American ball the way that he was.

He was essentially a replacement-level outfielder, and could have easily made a career as depth or as a fourth outfielder.

Instead, he'll spend his prime in Japan. I won't be surprised if he has some monster seasons (similar to Matt Murton, whose exile was, and still is, preposterous).

[birtelcom]

Lastings was the 12th overall pick in the 2003 draft. Of the 47 guys taking with the 12th overall pick since the draft began in 1965, only 20 have as yet produced any positive Wins Above Replacement (according to baseball-reference's formula) in the majors. Jered Weaver, who was taken with the 12th pick in 2004, may be on his way to proving the best 12th overall pick ever.

Most Career Wins Above Replacement by a 12th Overall Pick:
1. Nomar Garciaparra 42.5
2. Kirk Gibson 37.1
3. Billy Wagner 29.3
4. Jered Weaver 26.7
5. Delino DeShields 19.9

[ils]

Lastings Milledge the last 2 years: .277/.331/.381/.712
Jason Bay the last 2 years: .251/.337/.386/.723

Obviously Bay had way more ABs, but still... lol

[ZachTavlin]

The Swallows were always my favorite team out there. I gotta get a shirt now.

[Retire#17]

I always thought Milledge was going to be a huge star for the Mets. I imagined LMilzz standing side by side with Reyes and Wright as a triumberate of home grown superstars. I wish him nothing but luck.