If I may jump into the cavern of your noggin for a moment, you’re probably thinking, “Lastings Milledge — isn’t he that failed prospect the Mets gave up on?” Slow your roll there. He’s only 23 years old. Or maybe you’re thinking, “I could’ve sworn I remember seeing Milledge on my league’s waivers last year.” You’re right; Milledge clogged up outfields last year with non-digestible tools causing many to drop him. Through the end of July last year, Milledge was at 7 home runs, 13 steals and a .237 average. re: those numbers, They’re awful! Don’t go back and look again. You’ll go blind like the Blind Art Garfunkel on American Idol. Yet, through all of this, I still think Milledge is a 2009 fantasy sleeper. Hear’s Y as an illiterate wood right.
After Milledge spent fourteen/sixteenths of his 2008 vomiting onto Bowden’s Segway, from August to October, Milledge spent his time polishing those same wheels. In the last 50+ games, he beat his early season numbers, hitting 7 home runs and stealing 11 with a .318 average. You can refer to him the same way you refer to the guy who works at Home Depot, “Hey, Toolsy!” He’s also a Bowden Fluffer. According to the Razzball Glossary, a Bowden Fluffer is defined as a young, nubile outfielder that gets one all excited about their 5 tools. Rarely lives up to the promise. Named after ex-Nationals GM Jim Bowden who had a boner for these types of players. So, if you draft Lastings Milledge in your 2009 fantasy baseball draft, it could mean a cheap 20/20 hitter, but, most importantly, Jim Bowden will get wood. And where he’s going, he might need it. As I said in the top 40 outfielders for 2009 post, Lastings Milledge has promise for this year and he’s definitely a 2009 fantasy sleeper.
