Future Star or Bust?

The potential is enormous. But can he ever live up to it? People are starting to have serious doubts about whether or not Lastings Milledge will become the star that he was once thought to become. For a long time he was the Mets' untouchable prospect. Every team in the league wanted him. The Mets could have just about any player they wanted if they would have included him in a deal. But they refused to budge. Now they've given him up for next to nothing to one of the worst teams in the league. The reason is that Milledge was becoming somewhat of a cancer in the clubhouse. He irritated management and his teammates and got himself a flight to D.C. for it. He's cocky and arrogant but I'm here to tell you that all the makings for a superstar are there. Keep in mind that he's only 22 years old people. He's made mistakes and probably made a few enemies because of them. If he can tone his behavior down, he can be a fantasy owner's wet dream. He's a five tool player. He has .300/30/100/30 potential. This is the year that fantasy owners have been waiting for, a chance to see him in his first full season in the majors. Let me tell you, I cannot wait to see him play. The Mets didn't really have a spot for him in their outfield. He's a centerfielder and they've got some guy named Beltran roaming around out there. But now he'll get his shot with the Nationals. I like some of the moves the Nationals have made. They picked themselves up a couple of good young players in Milledge and Wily Mo Pena in the offseason. I think they can make a very good 1-2 punch. I know RFK is a big stadium, but I don't think it will effect either of them too much. It's hard to say where he'll hit in the lineup right now. We'll probably have to wait until the middle of spring training to find that out. So here is my advice to fantasy owners. Draft him. You'll probably be able to get him in the last two or three rounds and he will cost next to nothing in auction leagues. If you're still sketchy about him and he goes undrafted, keep a close eye on him because I have a feeling the other owners will be quick to pick him up. We probably won't see monster numbers from him this year but I believe that he will be able to help your squad. I give him three years to prove himself and if he doesn't he will officially become a bust. I don't think we'll have to consider that though. I expect big things from him in the future and I don't think he'll let us down. He just sounds like a ballplayer...Lastings Milledge.

'08 Prediction: .280 BA 17 HR 80 RBI 25 SB