[CF] Lastings Milledge Backup: Willie Harris

He may not be a superior defender, and he may never steal 30 bases -- which is one of his goals. But the Nationals traded two of their regulars -- catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church -- to the New York Mets for a reason. Washington wanted to improve its offense, and Milledge has the potential to be a dynamic hitter. In 115 games with the Mets between 2006 and '07, the 22-year-old hit .257 with 11 homers and 51 RBI. But the Nationals believe, given the chance to be an everyday player, Milledge should be better. Asked what Milledge needed to do to realize his potential, GM Jim Bowden said, "Just play." Perhaps just playing will help Milledge, who played left and right in New York, become a better center fielder. "I feel better being back to my natural position," he said. Even if he is a substandard defender, Milledge should give the Nationals something they have never had -- stability in center.

2007 STATISTICS		VITAL STATISTICS
Games: 59 At-bats: 184 Runs: 27 Hits: 50 Average: .272	Doubles: 9 Triples: 1 Homers: 7 RBI: 29 Steals: 3	Walks: 13 Strikeouts: 42 OBP: .341 Slugging: .446 Errors: 2				Number: 44 Age: 22 Experience: 2 years Salary: $402,500	Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats: R Throws: R