Lastings Milledge probably could've used that pep talk.

 

According to Nationals dot com's Bill Ladson, Lastings Milledge missed Manny Acta's rousing "You have to believe" Team pep talk on Sunday. But rather than send a clear message to Milledge (and maybe more importantly, to the team) by flexing his managerial muscles and benching Milledge's ass, Manny chose a more touchy-feely approach and fined him "an undisclosed amount of money." On an unrelated note, look up the expression, 'players' manager', and you're likely to find a picture of Manny Acta. Via All Nats All the Time (Bill Ladson):

In other news, center fielder Lastings Milledge was fined an undisclosed amount of money for missing Acta's pep talk to the team on Sunday afternoon, according to three sources. Milledge, who participated in practice that day, was in the starting lineup in Monday's season opener against the Marlins.

Milledge, of course, responded with a banner day leading off (0-4) and in the field (though, to be fair, for once he had a good reason to be playing so shallow with Bonifacio at the plate; and even without the ill-fated dive there's little chance he would've prevented Lil' Emilio from his first career HR - inside the park, no less). Booooooooooo!

Seems like Lastings Milledge probably could've used that pep-talk. And, finally, can someone remind us why it makes sense for Milledge to be leading off, please? Thought we had it a few weeks ago, but now it's gone.

(Photo by Reuters Pictures)

Comments

[Sec 314]

Milledge shouldn't be leadoff, he should be "first off" the team in a trade, or barring that "first off the bench."

Put Dukes in CF and have Nick Johnson lead off.

[ckstevenson]

Hey there Mister Man, only Phillies fans boo on opening day!

Boo, the first game after winning the World Series no less. What a bunch of a** holes they are!

Oh yeah, I hope Milledge doesn't "Lastings" too long in the lead off spot (zing!)

[The Nationals Enquirer]

@ckstevenson: BOooooooooo! (that's for you and your "Lastings to long" line.)

@Sec 314: We're not ready to give up on Milledge that quickly - but we agree that he shouldn't be hitting leadoff.