From Gotham Baseball.com
According to industry sources in Colorado, the Rockies’ search for a center fielder may end with Mets’ prospect Lastings Milledge (above, left). Given the Mets’ repeated interest in Rockies’ pitcher Jason Jennings, Colorado figures an even-up swap of the two players would be an even deal. They would be figuring wrong. œMinaya’s not getting rid of Milledge, laughed on Mets’ insider. œWell, at least not for that package. He likes Jennings, but there are plenty of other options out there as good as Jennings that (can be signed) and not have to give up any players. One MLB official said that the “Mets are prepared to keep Milledge, even though it might be crowded in the Mets’ OF for 2007. “He’s that good, or at least they think he is.”
I’m not sure how much weight to put in any of this, but given the tremendous effort those in and outside of the Mets organization have put into tarnishing Milledge’s reputation, straight up for Jason Jennings sounds like as much as they’ll get.
Ryan Howard was named the 2006 NL MVP earlier today, with Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. Apparently, Mike Cameron received a pair of 3rd place votes, while Bronson Arroyo and Jason Bay received one each. I had no idea the BWAA had opened balloting to the same folks who pick the Plug Awards’ nominees, but there’s no harm having some new voices in the mix.