According to Nationals dot com's Bill Ladson, Lastings Milledge missed Manny Acta's rousing "You have to believe" Team pep talk on Sunday. But rather than send a clear message to Milledge (and maybe more importantly, to the team) by flexing his managerial muscles and benching Milledge's ass, Manny chose a more touchy-feely approach and fined him "an undisclosed amount of money." On an unrelated note, look up the expression, 'players' manager', and you're likely to find a picture of Manny Acta. Via All Nats All the Time (Bill Ladson):
In other news, center fielder Lastings Milledge was fined an undisclosed amount of money for missing Acta's pep talk to the team on Sunday afternoon, according to three sources. Milledge, who participated in practice that day, was in the starting lineup in Monday's season opener against the Marlins.
Milledge, of course, responded with a banner day leading off (0-4) and in the field (though, to be fair, for once he had a good reason to be playing so shallow with Bonifacio at the plate; and even without the ill-fated dive there's little chance he would've prevented Lil' Emilio from his first career HR - inside the park, no less). Booooooooooo!
Seems like Lastings Milledge probably could've used that pep-talk. And, finally, can someone remind us why it makes sense for Milledge to be leading off, please? Thought we had it a few weeks ago, but now it's gone.
Milledge shouldn't be leadoff, he should be "first off" the team in a trade, or barring that "first off the bench."
Put Dukes in CF and have Nick Johnson lead off.
Posted by: Sec 314 | April 07, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Hey there Mister Man, only Phillies fans boo on opening day!
Boo, the first game after winning the World Series no less. What a bunch of a** holes they are!
Oh yeah, I hope Milledge doesn't "Lastings" too long in the lead off spot (zing!)
Posted by: ckstevenson | April 07, 2009 at 11:04 AM
@ckstevenson: BOooooooooo! (that's for you and your "Lastings to long" line.)
@Sec 314: We're not ready to give up on Milledge that quickly - but we agree that he shouldn't be hitting leadoff.
Posted by: The Nationals Enquirer | April 07, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Give up on him and do it NOW!! Milledge is a self-serving clown who got to the Bigs with an "i am here M.L.B.,i am doing you a favor and blessing you with my presence" Milledge is a TOTAL JERK OFF! He is a disgraceful fool who needs a lesson in respect. wfield001@sc.rr.com
Posted by: Bobo Field | April 20, 2009 at 08:49 AM