White Sox DFA Lastings Milledge

This move comes as a bit of a surprise. I wrote about how much I liked the Lastings Milledge signing in it's wake, and in brief time, it's worked well. But with the White Sox desperate for relief help after exhausting their bullpen the past couple games against the Royals, they're decided to designate him for assignment - where he'll almost certainly be lost to waivers - to bring up Jeff Gray.

The 30 year old Gray has spent parts of three seasons with the Athletics and Cubs, working out of those clubs bullpens. A fastball-slider pitcher who has averaged 93.7 on his fastball, he pairs a hard slider in the mid to upper 80s. Gray's stuff profiles as swing-and-miss but so far it hasn't translated to the Majors as he's managed just 6.02 strikeouts per nine so far.

The move signals just how much the team values Brent Lillibridge and his ability to come in as a pinch runner. It also likely means that Dayan Viciedo will not be headed back to the minors once he's recovered from his broken finger, but will rather serve as a bench bat while occasionally seeing time in the outfield.

At first blush I find the move perplexing. The team seems to have little desire to utilize Lillibridge in any capacity beyond defensive replacement and pinch runner, which stands to reason, he's is a very poor hitter. Yet Lillibridge probably had a better chance of clearing waivers than Milledge and his skill set is far easier to replace than that of the former Mets prospect.

Adam Dunn Has Appendectomy

It's been a big week for appendectomies in baseball as Cardinals left fielder Matt Holiday, and now White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn have both undergone the procedure - which is always curiously referred to as an "emergency" surgery. Is there such a thing as a non-emergency appendectomy? 

Dunn was off to a great start for the White Sox, having gone 4-14 with a double, homerun, and four walks in his 19 plate appearances. He's expected to miss around five days but should be able to return after that. If so he'll miss tonight's final game against the Royals, followed by the teams three game set against the winless Rays, and perhaps one or more games of the Athletics series.

While Dunn will miss time, the team is unlikely to place him on the disabled list and will instead go with Mark Teahan as their primary designated hitter, though Lastings Milledge could see time against lefties as well. A move could always be made later to place him on the DL should he be unable to recover sooner.

Former #1 Prospects Getting A Shot At Redemption

In 2005, Lastings Milledge was rated as the New York Mets Top Prospect by Baseball America. In 2006, Travis Buck received the same honor for the Oakland Athletics.

In describing  Milledge, Baseball America said;


"It’s still unclear as to whether Milledge profiles better at the top or in the middle of the order. He has above-average speed that he uses to his advantage on the bases and in center field, and he also has a plus arm. With his package of five tools, Milledge has few peers in the minors, and he has produced throughout his minor league career."

In describing Buck, B.A. had this to say;

"Buck is a bigger version of [Andre] Ethier with similar tools but more projected power."

Dayan Viciedo Breaks Thumb

Dayan Viciedo, the White Sox slugging corner outfielder and third baseman was playing in a game against Texas today when he was hit in the hand with a pitch from Dave Bush in the 8th inning. Viciedo immediately dropped the bat and was assisted by trainers. He left the game immediately looking shaken up. A post-game X-ray has revealed a broken bone in his right thumb and he's expected to miss 3-4 weeks as the injury heals.

In the meantime, one would assume this helps make way for Lastings Milledge who the Sox signed to a Minor League deal this past off season. Viciedo has a .435 average this spring in 23 at-bats. Milledge is hitting .250 in 22 at-bats.

White Sox Sign Lastings Milledge. Why I like it.

 In a move to shore up their outfield depth, the White Sox have announced they've inked former first round pick and top prospect Lastings Milledge to a Minor League contract that will pay him 500k while he's in the Majors. There are no incentives.

Milledge is a polarizing player; very talented, he was once ranked Baseball America's #9 overall prospect, scouts loved his athleticism, quick hands, and raw power. Unfortunately, as was so often the case with the horribly mismanaged Mets, he was rushed quickly through the Minor Leagues and after just two and a half seasons, found himself exposed to big league pitching at just 21 years of age. Not surprisingly, he got eaten alive.