In Trader Jim’s first move of the off-season, the Nationals have traded catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church to the Mets for outfielder Lastings Milledge. Milledge batted .272 last year with 7 HRs, 29 RBIs, .341 OBP and .446 slugging, though he only accumulated 184 at-bats. Church had similar averages last year, but with almost 300 more at-bats only had 8 more homeruns and 41 more RBIs. Schneider only hit .235 last year, with 6 HRs, 54 RBIs, .326 OBP, and .336 slugging.

Ryan Church always struggled to find his place on the team, and was frequently fighting for playing time. Brian Schneider was an unquestioned leader on the team. While he might have struggled offensively, he is one of the top defensive catchers in the league. He also deserves a lot of credit for the way he managed the young pitching staff last year, and was a big reason why the team was not historically bad. He had been on the team, and a face of the franchise, since the team relocated to the District for the 2005 season.

Lasting Milledge is only 22 years old. He has only played in 115 games, and had some off-field problems with the Mets over the past two season, but is still a highly regarded offensive prospect.

More than anything, this trade shows the Nationals’ confidence in Jesus Flores. Flores had his major league debut last year, and showed a lot of promise. Also, Brian Schneider made $3.5 million last year, and was signed through the 2009 season. This trade also frees up some salary to pursue other players. Hopefully.