While I’ll not defend John Maine’s right to throw batting practice to the Chicago Cubs, I remain a staunch advocate of Lasting Milledge’s ability to express himself freely. Whether donning women’s clothes, high-fiving fans or running his own independent record company, Da Edge (above, right) has proven himself to be a true free spirit, one the New York Daily News’ Ian Begley seeks to squash.

Milledge, who ticked off Met teammates last season with his on and off-the-field antics, has taken poor judgment to a new level, performing on a rap song that would make Don Imus blush.

The rappin’ right fielder uses the N-word and bitch and also says “ho” in a song featured on his new record label’s Web site.

Milledge, performing on souljaboirecords.com, raps about “rich (N word),” “wealthy (N word),” a “top-notch ho” and having “a different bitch for every night” on the sexually explicit song “Bend Ya Knees.”

Milledge, the Mets’ 22-year-old phenom playing at Triple-A New Orleans, is the CEO of Soul-ja Boi records, a Florida-based label. He performs on the Web site with rapper Manny D (above, left), a childhood friend who is signed to the label.

“He’s lost his mind,” said City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Queens), who sponsored the Council’s resolution that condemned use of the N word. “I don’t understand how he could, in the spirit of Jackie Robinson, put out music that’s so vile, using . . . some of the worst words in music.”

“He needs to be taken in a room by the Mets staff and be made sure he understands that’s not the position of a major league athlete or a black male in society,” Comrie added. “That’s not how he wants his mother or sister treated. It’s just ridiculous.”

The album is expected to be released in August, Manny D said.

“Do I feel like he should watch what he says because he’s in the public eye? Yeah, but everything he’s doing is positive,” Manny D said. “He’s not out there shooting people or shooting up dope. How can you fault somebody for something they say?”

One Mets player, speaking anonymously before last night’s game at Shea, wasn’t surprised by Milledge’s lyrics. “Language like that in a rap song? Shocking!” the player said sarcastically.

Weird. Why won’t hip hop enthusiast David Wright speak on the record?