When the Mets dealt Lasting Milledge for Brian Schnieder and Ryan Church, I wasn’t happy with the move. While Schneider would be a big defensive upgrade behind the plate, the Mets just acquired Johnny Estrada to replace Paul LoDuca.  Did they really need him? Also, who is this Ryan Church guy and how is he going to contribute? The Mets have enough 4th outfielders, they need an impact bat.

Why deal Milledge? This is the same Milledge who was the Mets future right fielder and perennial all-star in-the-making. This is the same Milledge who was in trade talks for Dan Haren, Dontrelle Willis, and Barry Zito. I know some have soured on him because of his attitude, but you can’t deny the talent. Had his stock dropped so much he was dealt for a catcher with no bat and a 4th outfielder, or has Omar Minaya lost a step?

It’s still early in the season, but Minaya is again showing why he’s one of the best general managers in the league. While Milledge is having a fine start to the 2008 campaign (.269/1/2), Church has become a catalyst leading the Mets with his .389 batting average. His one home run is tied for the team lead, and his 5 RBI’s place him second on the team.

Another aspect of Church’s game that is highly overlooked has been his defense. With the talk of the outfield arms of Jeff Francour and Shane Victorino, it’s easy to dismiss Church, but other National League players rank him as the second best defender in the National League.

I guess I was wrong about him.

Church isn’t going to win any MVP awards, and he’s not going to lead the league in any statistics, but to expect strong defense and .300/20/80 out of him?  That doesn’t seem too unrealistic.   If he can put up those numbers, the fans will be happy and forget about Lastings…