By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 20, 2003
NEW YORK - The Mets agreed to a contract with first-round pick Lastings Milledge on Tuesday after finishing an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at Northside Christian.
The Mets halted negotiations with the outfielder this month after the team learned of allegations of sexual contact with girls as young as 12 when he was a 16-year-old high school junior. Milledge was not charged but was expelled, and he transferred to Lakewood Ranch High School in Palmetto for his senior season.
"We did a full and thorough investigation," interim general manager Jim Duquette said. "We felt that there was a difference between the allegations and the details, and we're comfortable, obviously, because we signed him."
Milledge will receive a signing bonus worth $1,898,449 that will be paid over a six-year period with interest. He is expected to report to Kingston of the rookie Appalachian League.
He was in New York last week during the blackout, which delayed his physical. His hotel had emergency power, enabling him to get back to his room.
"I never experienced anything like that, being in New York and seeing all the tall buildings dark," he said. "It was tough, but we didn't complain, my brother and I."
Milledge batted .414 with 10 homers, 35 RBIs and 42 stolen bases last season to help lead Lakewood Ranch to the Class 5A state title.
CUBS DEAL FOR WOMACK: Chicago acquired infielder Tony Womack from the Rockies for minor-league pitcher Enmanuel Ramirez, hoping to strengthen its infield depth for a possible playoff run.
Womack could see action at second. Chicago's Mark Grudzielanek has been on the disabled list with a broken bone in his hand and is expected back by the end of the month.
Grudzielanek's replacement, Ramon Martinez, is batting .282 with a .340 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage. Womack is batting .225 with a .252 OBP and a .305 SLG.
GIANTS ADD DEPTH: San Francisco acquired second baseman Eric Young from the Brewers, giving the Giants insurance for injured starter Ray Durham. The Giants sent minor-league pitcher Greg Bruso to Milwaukee.
A'S: The team next season plans to retire the No. 9 of Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, whose strained relationship with the club dates years.
BLUE JAYS: The team and SkyDome took steps to comply with Ontario's request for reduced power consumption in the wake of last week's blackout.
BREWERS: Right-hander Ben Sheets left his start against Philadelphia after one inning with a strained right rotator cuff. He is expected to make his next start.
CARDINALS: Leftfielder Albert Pujols dropped his appeal of a two-game suspension and began serving in the opener of a nine-game homestand.
INDIANS: Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel, sidelined since knee surgery in June, took batting practice and fielded grounders and could return within a week.
MARINERS: Minor-league outfielder Chris Snelling, one of the team's top prospects, will have surgery for a torn left meniscus and miss the rest of the season. It's the second straight season-ending knee injury for the Australian, 21.
MARLINS: Catcher Ivan Rodriguez left in the fourth against the Rockies after spraining his left wrist when Jay Payton ran into him at home.
