Milledge sent to Syracuse to work on his game

April 14, 2009 9:22 PM by Johnny Holliday

There's no denying something had to be done.

The Nationals' outfield consisted of five players, all of whom wanted to be in the lineup every day.

Now that number is four: Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, and Josh Willingham.

Tuesday, centerfielder and lead-off man Lastings Milledge was sent down to Triple A Syracuse after a rough beginning to the 2009 season.

Here we are just seven games in, all losses, most competitive, especialy the home opener against the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Milledge really struggled, going 4 for 24 with 1 RBI and 10 strikeouts in those 24 trips to the plate.

Defensively there is no question Lastings has some work to do. Any time a fly ball was hit his way, you sorta held your breath.

Here's hoping he has the right attitude to work on his stickwork and his glovework at Syracuse. If he does, it won't take him long to get back to DC and be a productive force for the remainder of the season.

You know Lastings has to be disappointed, but then again, everyone knows this is the best move for him and for the ballclub. He will be back, but when is anyone's guess.