Lastings: I'm on My Grind, Cousin!

This is the big one. This is the news that Nails and all the other Lastings Milledge bashers have been waiting for.

Apparently Thrilledge, who moonlights as CEO of Soul-Ja Boi Records, is featured on a song by the label's lone artist, Manny D, he of the gilded teeth. The song's title? "Bend Ya Knees". Oh boi. Boy.

I can't access MySpace from work, so I haven't heard the song for myself. MetsBlog described the song as "hard-core gangsta rap, with a ton of sexually explicit language," but noted that Milledge is not the lead vocal, and that his verse is "about on par with what is on radio these days."

For their part, the Mets have released a statement saying “We disapprove of the content, language and message of this recording, which does not represent the views of the New York Mets.”

I've always been a Milledge booster, but rightly or wrongly, this kid just doesn't seem to mesh with the club's culture. That culture begins with ownership. Fred and Jeff Wilpon are very image-conscious. They've always pushed the family-friendly thing hard with free agents the Mets were trying to woo. And look at the players the Mets have signed or traded for; if there's one bad apple in the bunch I can't think of who it is.

I don't have a crystal ball, but I'd be stunned if the Mets hung on to Milledge. Think of the circus that surrounded the release of Ron Artest's or Allen Iverson's rap album -- do you honestly think the Mets want any part of that? Whenever Manny D's album comes out there will be a media frenzy. Hell, I'm willing to bet that Mike and the Mad Dog are yammering on about this right now.

The Mets have so many positives going for them. A young, talented core of likeable, marketable players. A new network that's grown significantly on a year-to-year basis. A new stadium on the way. The last thing they want is a recurring distraction concerning the off-field activities of one player who, oh by the way, doesn't appear to be particularly popular.

(I realize, incidentally, that reports on Milledge's reception from his teammates this spring were positive, but casual fans don't know that -- they know "Know Your Place, Rook!" Life's not fair.)

I wanted this kid to be a star in New York, and maybe the Mets will prove me wrong with this one.

Somehow though I just have to think Lastings' bourgeoning rap career will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, the thing that convinces management (or ownership) to trade their young prospect.

And if they hang on to him? It's not all bad. I mean, if he makes it big in the rap game maybe he can pen the next "Our Team. Our Time." tune for the home fans at Citi Field.

Only time will tell. In the meantime, be sure to keep checking in with Y2K for Cheddar's review of Manny D's album... coming soon!

- A.F.O.M.G.