[EmpireWF]

Bannister made his first rehab start earlier this afternoon in AAA for the Norfolk Tides. He lasted two batters and five pitches before being removed from the game. The reason given was that he reaggravated his hamstring on a play he covered first.

Not good news for the Mets...(as I type, Jose Lima continues to pitch poorly)...as it seems they will have to go somewhere to find a 5th pitcher. Whether it's outside or from within the organization.

[MJHMarc]

As a last solution, I would try to bring up Kazuhisa Ishii. He isn't such a great pitcher but is better than Lima.

[EmpireWF]

I believe Ishii is in Japan...playing baseball over there.

[MJHMarc]

Oh wow, I didn't know that. He isn't a big-time player so I probably didn't pick up the news on him. Thanks for the update, EmpireWF.

Reports confirm that he signed with the Yakult Swallows for two-years. Would you believe that he struck out more players than he walked in his major-league career? I always would have thought he had walked more.

I read that he only joined Japan so that he would be guaranteed a spot in the rotation. I know one thing's for sure...He wouldn't get one here!

-------
I feel terrible for Brian Bannister. He is young and has a bright career ahead of him. He doesn't want to be known for injuries. I hope it is just from the stress of making the big step to the majors.

Want to hear of a rookie slump? See "Hardy, J.J."

[EmpireWF]

Bannister was moved to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster for Lastings Milledge. The soonest he'll be able to return is the end of June I believe.

He's still going through trouble with his hammy and hopefully he'll be able to get himself healthy to the fullest before returning.

[mervinout]

will he be to the mets what wilson,pullispher, and izzy where to the mets as prospects?

Just sucks to see good talent injured even if he does play for the mets.

Does anyone see the mets trading milledge for zito, and will zito have to agree to an extension before the mets made that trade?

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by mervinout

Does anyone see the mets trading milledge for zito, and will zito have to agree to an extension before the mets made that trade?

I can say wholeheartedly that the Mets will not trade Milledge for Zito. Zito will be a free agent at seasons-end and has said publicly that he has no intention of NOT testing the free agent waters. Meaning, he wants to put his services on the open market and cash in (rumor has it, he plans on having both NY teams bid on him). For the Mets to trade away their top position prospect for a soon to be free agent, the backlash would be even greater than that after the Kazmir deal.

Personally, I think Oakland will hang on to Zito for the rest of the year since they will be contending for the AL West crown. Like they did with Giambi and Tejada, they'll simply lose the guy to free agency.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I don't see them giving up on Milledge now...I think they can get Zito without throwing out such a high profile prospect. A good GM can get you Zito with less of an offering...

[MJHMarc]

Barry Zito is only 28-years old and has plenty of years left in his career. Lately, he has been on a "hot" streak going for a record of 4-1, with a 1.12 ERA in his last 48IP.

Milledge who is a mere 21-years old, entered the majors after only three years of seasoning in the minors. Unfortunately, Milledge needs some adjusting after he batted for a low average of .125 in his first 8AB in the Big Leagues. I hope he adjusts to the gamestyle before the GMs start turning their interest against him. He is a great prospect with a wide future ahead of him.

[mervinout]

i cant see oakland keeping zito, they have the pitching, even if you take away zito. if they could get any prospects that can play "money ball" well. I think then they would trade him

[rmjvol]

Anybody know the latest update on Milledge for Zito?

[EmpireWF]

At this point it's all hearsay whether or not Zito wants to deal Zito. However, it's all hearsay whether or not Minaya feels Zito is a rental. The feeling is whatever happens, Zito will test the free-agent waters (especially since his agent is now Scott Boras) so if he's traded, that team (to keep him) will have to spend anywhere from $60-$75 million.

Right now, I'm still doubting Oakland deals him since they're the tops in the AL West.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by rmjvol

Anybody know the latest update on Milledge for Zito?

Would the Mets actually make this deal? I mean, isn't Milledge "THE FUTURE"?