REPORT: Cubs Close to Multi Year Deal With Bradley
by TCobb1911 on Dec 30, 2008 11:08 PM CST
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According to Dave Kaplan of Comcast SportsNet Chicago, the Cubs are close to signing a multi-year deal with Milton Bradley that would be announced next week. I know many will not like this move, but looks like that LH OF is close to being signed. Lets just hope that he stay health and under control during his stay. I would prefer Dunn, but I think Bradley will help the Cubs.
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Will the back of his jersey say "Prior"?
This wont end good
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
It's a risk, that's for sure
However, I think it has potential. Hopefully he stays healthy physically and mentally, and let’s his bat do the talking…he’s still pretty talented.
Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 30, 2008 11:13 PM CST up reply actions
Theres no reason to hope that
Because he has never been healthy…..cross your fingers the NL institutes the DH before April everybody.
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Big hopes there...
considering he’s only played more than 75% of the season once in his 8 year career.
I wouldn't worry about his mental health!
I doubt Lou will put up with his temper tamptrems
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
he puts up with Z's meltdowns
he may not coddle like Dusty Baker, but Lou seems indifferent to emotional outbursts. Maybe because he has them himself on occasion.
I worry about Bradley’s mental health because I am concerned about him becoming a clubhouse cancer. If you was just a pain in the @$$, but fit in will with his teammates, he wouldn’t be about to join his 7th team in 9 years. Even the A’s, who can put up with anybody, couldn’t handle him.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 2:36 AM CST up reply actions
Z really only had 1 last season...
…it was in LA when he freaked out on the water cooler and Lou called him out on it and said he didn’t mind venting frustration but don’t go too far and hurt yourself. Z has never been close to Bradley’s issues — If I recall correctly, the Dodgers demanded he seek anger managment classes
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
you're right that Bradley is much worse
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 3:20 AM CST up reply actions
so why bring him?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I hope we don't
ME WANT BIG DONKEY!
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 3:26 AM CST up reply actions
Me just don't want to play
My kids go on the DL playing his games
We need to stay clear from this accident waiting to happen
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Maybe this is all B.S. and Hendry is really...
…working on getting Dunn. Or maybe Abreu. That reminds me, why do I never see Abreu’s name on any of these posts? This is a good article regarding Abreu — how he’s always productive but gets very little press because he flys below the radar.
If the corner outfielder has turned into as much of a buyer’s market as they say, why the hell should Jimbo roll the dice on a wild card like Bradley?
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
The problems with Bobby
Scott Boras, age, money
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Obviously you didn't read past the first paragraph.
Boras is NOT his agent. The second paragraph tells you Peter Greenberg is his agent. lol
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
Oops
ok
then two problems with Bobby
LOL
Amazing as soon as we see Boras’ name
RUN!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Ok, you got a point on age...
..although 35 isn’t too bad. Look what Manny did at 36 last year!
As for the money? Well, like I said, they’re calling it a buyers market and most of the big spenders aren’t looking for corner outfielders — except the Dodgers so if Jimbo can get a deal, I say ditch Bradley and look elsewhere.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
What???
You are comparing Bobby to Manny…r u serious?? Without looking at any stats on Manny or Bobby…I’m willing to bet that Manny at 36 was better than Bobby at any age.
I hope Kaplan is wrong
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Ugh.
Terrible news, if true. Can’t stay healthy, can’t play the OF, can’t control his temper, coming off a career year… this is a bad, bad signing (if true).
And a better defensive player...
and more injury-prone…
and probably much more expensive…
Milton Bradley has been the clear target
I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I am troubled by Bradley’s sordid past in places like Montreal (confrontation with Felipe Alou), Cleveland (near fisticuffs with Charlie Manuel), Los Angeles (fan incident), San Diego (umpire incident) and last year in Texas (challenged the KC announcing crew). But that said I like him best of all the options out there. Adam Dunn has doubtful been on the radarscope of Jim Hendry.
The one thing about Bradley is that he can flat out hit. And when healthy, he does play like a man possessed. We need those attributes in this lineup. In terms of Bradley in the outfield, I’m okay with that. Prior to his knee surgery Bradley was actually a fine outfielder with very good range. I bet he will pleasantly surprise in right field now that he is a year plus removed from the surgery.
by BLou on Dec 30, 2008 11:19 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I hope youre right...
But Im already having visions of balls clanging past him in the OF and sitting in the dugout in sneakers unable to play
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Concern over his defense is unfounded
Milton Bradley tore up his knee in September 2007 during the infamous incident with the umpire who called him a P.O.S. The prevailing thought at the time was that he would miss the entire 2008 season. But he worked his tail off to get healthy and signed with an American League team (Texas) that was prepared to have him DH as part of his gradual on-field recuperation.
Prior to tearing up his knee Milton Bradley was a sound outfielder with excellent range. There is no reason to believe he won’t be able to recapture status as a good outfielder. He may have lost something to his game, but I’m not worried at all about him being a defensive liability.
perhaps, but he's not exactly Cal Ripken
Hes been constantly injured throughout his career, and hes not 25 anymore, so theres no reason to believe it hasnt gotten worse
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
This is incorrect.
It does not necessarily matter if Bradley is injured or not, the fact is the man doesn’t play full-time baseball. Like I said, he’s only played more than 141 games in a season once. And that was four years ago. Since then, he’s played:
2005 – 75 games
2006 – 96 games
2007 – 61 games
2008 – 126 games
Yet you believe he’s healthy and works his tail off?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
visions
In your visions, what is he wearing besides “sneakers”?
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Dec 30, 2008 11:30 PM CST up reply actions
VISIONS: Did you say on bed-side wearing sneakers?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I wont even ask how long it took you to find that
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
it was for Mr. Taco Bell
great jeans HUH?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Rec'd
The Cubs’ offense will be fine when Bradley is out and, unlike any other option, the defense will be fine when he is in. The only thing we lose in a deal for Bradley is money, which won’t be that much.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Thats such a strange argument
I understand what youre saying, but why would you invest in someone knowing he’s all but assured to miss substantial time?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Good question.
I could kinda-sorta see some modicum of wisdom in acquiring Bradley as long as Pie was around to step into the centerfield platoon (with Dome moving back to right) while Milton was hobbling around on crutches. But the Gathright signing essentially nullifies Felix. I’d rather risk Dunn’s defense that Bradley’s health.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
Best option available
Anyone that thinks Bradley isn’t the best baseball player available is wrong.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Dec 30, 2008 11:26 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Agree 100%
Adam Dunn was never going to happen. Not unless the Cubs abandoned membership in the National League and took up residence in a local beer league. Not with Alfonso Soriano also being in the outfield. There are no amount of home runs Dunn and Soriano can hit to overcome the defensive nightmare outfield those two would have formed.
Please elaborate. Please inform me how Milton is our best option, because I'm at a loss.
He’s not. Not even close. I hope when Milton’s value to this team is weighed, Jimbo looks very closely at (1) his history of injuries and (2) his insanity. Milton has played 141 games ONCE, and never more than that. Adam has played less than 152 games ONCE.
How is Milton is better than Adam? He’s better defensively, but I’m not that knowledgeable a statistician to evaluate how the 30-40 games he’s going to miss over a full season—taking away his bat—is going to help us. Joey Gathright’s bat isn’t going to overcome Milton’s defensive abilities more than Adam’s bat would help us for playing a full 162 game season.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Insanity?
That’s going a bit far. He’s never had any off-field incidents. He has a fiery temper, but everything that’s ever happened has been on the field.
actually, he's had at least one domestic dispute
when he was on the Dodgers.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 1:03 AM CST up reply actions
It's easy to forget
because there are so many. It’s almost like he needs his own Top Ten list of anger mismanagement.
Although some of his incidents are less serious than others, his behavior shouldn’t be minimized as escapades.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 1:33 AM CST up reply actions
I also don't think we should turn a blind eye to some other players
Like Zambrano. I cringe when everyone praises his fiery disposition. What he did to Barrett was inexcusable.
He also would be a much better pitcher if he seriously worked on his impulse control
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 1:38 AM CST up reply actions
-1
I disagree. Let’s not blame that whole Barrett thing on Z. None of us heard what was said in the dugout that day and I seem to remember Barrett having some fire in him — remember the A.J. Pierzynsky situation?
I’m not condoning what Z did, but all I’ve ever seen him hit is Barrett and a water cooler in LA. He made an ass out of himself when he called out the Wrigley boo birds but most of the time he just screams and yells at himself. Two total meltdowns in several seasons isn’t too bad
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
cooler heads prevail
Z has been calmer
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
for the first half of 2008, yes
He regressed after the all star break, though.
Here’s my Frankenstein fantasy. Put Greg Maddux’s brain in Z’s body.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 3:08 AM CST up reply actions
that would be sweet
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
You're right that Barrett was not without fault or blame
but he needed stitches afterward. That didn’t happen because of one heat of the moment punch. Z obviously took the fight to the next level.
Z does not just yell at himself. He also yells at the umpires. He has improved in that he no longer glares at his teammates when they botch a play, but he has a long way to go from being a talented, streaky pitcher to a consistently dominant ace.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 3:06 AM CST up reply actions
You're right!
Z has some work to do. It seems as time goes on he mellows out more and more.
Whether or not the stitches were a result of him taking the fight to the next level, who knows? I think Z is just a big, strong boy who gets a lot stronger when he’s mad. More than likely, Barrett didn’t stand a chance and got his ass kicked
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
so you should NOT have removed the +1 lol
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
one day he will be complete
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
This immediately becomes one of Jimbo's worst signings.
Hopefully this is nothing more than last year’s Brian Roberts crap.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Really?
Yeah, let’s hope Hendry doesn’t sign the best right fielder available.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Dec 30, 2008 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
In your grand total of 5 posts on BCB
I have found no evidence of your suggestion that Milton is the best RF available.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
How many posts does it take for your opinion to matter?
by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 30, 2008 11:54 PM CST up reply actions
I simply went looking for relevant posts
that include some sort of evidence or at least a backed-up fact or two.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
How many times do you have to go on the DL
to be considered the best RFer
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head, Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind, the answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The best RFer available?
WOW! Better than Jacque Jones?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I'm not thrilled either, BUT...
…you can’t call a FA signing one of the worst until you see at least one season. That would be like calling Obama the worst President before he takes the oath
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
well
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
well two things
We should not talk politics on this blog, this is not the forum
and you can make an argument about a FA before he even plays
if we signed a guy who will undoubtedly spend time on the DL, the problem can be of how much time,
this carries a stronger probability with reason of becoming a bad signing
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
You call that talking politics????
PLEASE — it was a comparison.
You’re absolutely right!! You can make an “ARGUMENT” - But calling it the worst signing ever before the guy even plays - especially when you look at his numbers last season is ridiculous. I stand by my Obama comparison because that too, would be just as ridiculous
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
WHOOPS, got NO idea why that line came in there
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
I already made the case for Bradley being a bad FA signing
One of his best seasons and played in how many games? 126
What do we do if he misses 36 more games this season?
What if he misses 50? Not unlikely with MB.
As far as Obama, well
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I've made it no secret I'm not thrilled w/ Bradley!
I’d much rather have Dunn or even Abreu.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
And for Al's next project...
a contest for how many games Gameboard will play this year.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
And for Al's next project 2
How many times has Kaplan been mis-informed, ok wrong
I’m glad we’re looking for someone. but is Bradley the answer
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
He just has to play a dozen or so in October.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
you've repeated this argument many time...
…inferring that it really doesn’t matter if MB is hurt during the year, as long as he’s around to play in October.
Well, if you acknowledge the possibility that he’ll be hurt a lot, then who’s to say he won’t also be hurt in October?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Anyone could be hurt in October.
And Bradley is more likely than most to be hurt in October. That’s relevant. Of course, you can imagine that the Cubs trainers will be doing everything they can to get him on the field in October.
But everyone else is complaining about him only playing 50 games or so. I don’t see why that’s a big deal.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Because we're paying him 8-10 mill/year?
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Dec 31, 2008 5:49 AM CST up reply actions
But we were going to spend 8-15 M on this position no matter what.
Unless you were going to fire Lou, we were going to bring in a guy with that cost. Bradley’s cost is probably the lowest of the options out there. It’s possible if we wait long enough a bargain will jump out, but it’s also possible that waiting could leave us holding the bag, so the money isn’t so much a negative here for me.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
It's only a negative to me if Bradley only plays 80 games...
…that’s all I’m saying…
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Dec 31, 2008 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
Bruce Levine had this report as well
Great news IMO. I see a lot of people on here who don’t want anything to do with Bradley, he is without a doubt the best RF still out there. Better all around hitter than Dunn and also a better defender than Dunn. Yes he is an injury concern, but is 120 games of Bradley in RF better than a full season of Fukudome? The answer to that is yes.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
Mizzou deserved none of that victory.
As a Big 10 alum and current Big 12 doc student, I was cheering for a great game, and it was…from Northwestern. I think Chase sealed the deal that he’s not going to be in the NFL in any worthwhile capacity. Pretty disappointing season for the pre-season Heisman hopeful.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
WAR, past three years, courtesy of Fangraphs:
Dunn: 1.9, 3.1, 2.0
Bradley: 3.7, 2.5, 2.9
So we think that Bradley is more valuable than Dunn because, um, he’s been more valuable than Dunn in the past. (And WAR accounts for playing time – being Wins Above Replacement, that figures that a replacement player plays the rest of the games when player is not playing.)
by cwyers on Dec 31, 2008 12:02 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Where did you get that from?
You showed me StatCorner, and I can find hWAR, but not WAR. I see Dunn’s hWAR as: 2.7, 3.9, 5.3; and Bradley’s as: 6.0, 3.5, 2.1
And I don’t trust those numbers at all for Milton. How can you Colin? Milton had the best season of his career—by far and away his best ever—to look at it more as an abboration than anything else. And in 2007 he played 67 games. That doesn’t look like a far comparison to me.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Note
Meant to say I can’t find it on FanGraphs. Am I missing it?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
67 games of Bradley's 2007 performance, and 93 games of random scrub...
…is just as valuable as 160 games or so of Adam Dunn. If Bradley plays more than 70 games, then he’s better than Adam Dunn.
I guess we can agree to disagree.
I can’t take 2007 and 2008 as his “typical” performance. He’s a career .280 hitter, and last year he had the benefit of the best offense in MLB. Granted, our team was #2 in offense, but can we expect that from our team again? Like I said, I do not expect anything close to that (or 2007) performance again; to me a typical Bradley season looks like his 2006 line of .276/14/53.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
The '09 projections on Bradley are pretty consistent and good
CHONE .289/.397/.495
B. James .287/.391/.489
Marcel .293/.392/.502
That’s not 2008, but it’s still very good.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
All of those presume that he stays in the AL.
I’d expect to see those numbers improve if he goes to the NL.
Really?
Surely he will suffer more fatigue and his likelihood of injury is sure to rise from playing the field everyday
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Why should the numbers improve?
What is it about the NL that makes hitters better than they were in the AL? I can understand pitchers getting better coming to the NL (removing the DH), but why would hitters get better?
by SouthernCub on Dec 31, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
Here is an article that talks about this.
Interestingly, 2008 was the first season in a number of years where the hitters DID NOT improve when switching from the AL to the NL.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
I think the opposite is what the article said...
that 2008 was the first year that hitters improved by switching to the NL… could have read it wrong though…
by SouthernCub on Dec 31, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
Damnit.
Now you’re convincing me, and I don’t like that. Me wants lumberjack Dunn.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Yeah, those numbers are giving me pause as well.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
Hmpf. Me likey.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
And it should be noted that the Cubs don't just have random scrubs.
It’s not like if Bradley gets injured it’s Josh Kroeger time. When Bradley’s on the DL, you can roll out an outfield of:
LF: Soriano
CF: Johnson/Gathright
RF: Fukudome
Which quite frankly is a pretty good outfield in my estimation.
Reed and Joey in CF all season long will be a disaster!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
We’re not going to get the CF offensive production we got last year from Jim/Reed, but our CFs will cover plenty of ground defensively and hopefully provide some sort of speed at the plate and on the bases. And if we sign a RF Dome will be in the RF/CF mix, too.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Dude?
Reed and Joey are meant to come off the bench
Not start. Fuku is fine, will have break out season.
CF everyday or RF should be for someone other than Bradley
I would have loved Nate McClout
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Yeah, sure, so long as we ignore...
…fielding, baserunning, league quality differences and the platoon advantage, it’s a horrible idea.
for which player, McClout?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
McLouth
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Him too.
Did you know? Rafael Palmeiro won the Gold Glove in 1999, despite only playing 28 games at first base. And yet McClouth deserved his GG less than Palmeiro! True story!
But a Reed/Gathright platoon is only a “disaster” if you look at raw offensive figures without any sort of context. If you look at things like defense, it’s not the worst idea.
And it wouldn’t be for a whole season, most likely – I’m sure the most pessimistic around here about Bradley’s PT still figure on him playing at least 50 games, am I right?
so McClouth's All Star year was a lie? He's not better than Bradley?
Was Palmeiro using Viagra in 1999 or just steriods?
Maybe both, that’s how we can explain the Gold Glove in only 28 games.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I feel like you're gonna lose this argument, my friend.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Even if we go ahead and give McClouth the full benefit of his 2008 numbers, compared to Bradley, Bradley was still better – McClouth had a 3.4 WAR compared to Bradley’s 3.7. Sure, that’s a pretty small gap.
McClouth had an awful season on defense – where he’s never been particularly good to begin with – to go with his good offensive numbers. Let’s suppose that the offense goes down a tick, and the defense rebounds a bit. McClouth is simply not in Bradley’s league as a hitter, and even if Bradley’s only an average defensive right fielder anymore as opposed to a superb one like he was a few years back their defensive value is probably pretty close.
Oh, and then you get to the question of how you’re going to pry McClouth away from the Pirates. They fired Dave Littlefield, you know.
There's no need to pry if he so-called sucked
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
How can 70 games of Bradley be worth more than 160 of Dunn?????
Dunn’s defense, while subpar, is not going to lose 90 games for the Cubs. It’s not like he takes the field running in wicker snowshoes and trying to catch and throw while wearing boxing gloves. And Bradley does not move as well as he used to.
Just as you can substitute other Cubs for the many games Bradley is on the DL, you can substitute for Dunn late in the game when it’s more important to protect the lead. Even when Bradley’s healthy, his defense is worse than any current Cub outfielder not named Soriano, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to use this strategy for him, too.
Another problem is that filling in for Bradley will wear down Theriot, because DeRosa will be moved to right, Fontenot to 2B, and Pinella won’t let anyone else play SS. What would we do if Theriot and Bradley were on the DL at that same time?
There are other ways to minimize the risk of leaving Dunn on the field, too. Throwing certain types of pitches in select locations to reduce the likelihood of the ball traveling to RF. The CF can venture into right center when lefties are batting and left center when righties are at the plate.
Okay, but your Dungeons and Dragons stats say Bradley is 20 Mhz better than Dunn. The guys who play the other 90 games are worse, so if you average it out, is Bradley plus the others really going to add up to be 99 jigowatts better than Dunn by himself?
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 2:23 AM CST up reply actions
but this stat doesn't factor in who else is on the team, and what that team needs most
For example, the Cubs need a power bat in between Lee and Ramirez. It is too easy for opposing pitchers to pitch away for called strikes right now. Dunn is the best for that job. If what the Cubs needed most is a slick fielding RF, then obviously, Dunn would not be the best choice. Fukudome would be.
I could see the use of that stat for a fantasy league, but I don’t think it can accurately predict who would be the right player to sign. Another example, on paper, it was a horrible idea to sign Jim Edmonds. But he ended up being the right player to keep the lineup strong from top to bottom, and his defense was fine.
Bradley helped the Rangers quite a bit last year, but the Cubs don’t need his defense, because they already have Fukudome. The Cubs do need someone who is durable, to make sure the rest of the team is not worn out by August. That, too, would make Dunn more qualified, flaws and all.
by Championship Vinyl on Dec 31, 2008 2:56 AM CST up reply actions
On paper it was an excellent idea to sign Jim Edmonds.
Edmonds was a low-cost, potentially high reward option who was free for the taking.
The Cubs have player depth to help durability. The manager just has to use it.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Well this is an interesting comment on MLBTR. Makes it sound like we are making multiple moves for Peavy. Then again, Bruce is an idiot, and I believe last year he said the BR deal was done about sixteen times.
Dan
PS – New window, as always
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Oh Nooooooooooo!
It’s the RETURN OF THE SON OF THE TRADE THAT COULDN’T BE KILLED!
Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.
Oh, we may yet hear of the daddy, too.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
huh?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
The Dread Oriole Roberts
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Methinks this may come down to monies more than anything else.
Milton made $5/mil last year, Dunn, $13/mil. This deal better be low and for very few years. Or ideally, it doesn’t happen at all.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Good call
If it is infact $$$, why on Bradley
Why not find someone else through a trade
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Don’t you think that Jim has explored this?
As mentioned above, Bradley was a terrific fielder before his tet-a-tet with blue. He switch hits and led the AL last year in OPB (.436) and POS (.999). If he keeps his anger under control (and note that his teammates only have good things to say about him) I think he will be HUGE in Cubbie blue.
Sosa would be good, too.
I mean, since we’re discarding history and attitude, let’s resign Sammy Sosa.
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 31, 2008 12:34 AM CST up reply actions
I'm sorry I'm not hip, D-Bags?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
got it
So are they leaders or just jerks
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I don't understand what you're saying...
all I’m saying is we don’t need a team of upstanding leaders to win.
Free Ronny Cedeno
Scallywags. Rascals. Ne'er-do-wells.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
Wow!
Jeromy Burnitz, Antonio Alfonseca, and LaTroy Hawkins are going to look like GENIUS signings compared to this one. Ouch.
This is not just bad, but mentally retarded bad. Just field the team “as is,” please. I want upgrades, but I’d rather lose a starter and then go into 2009 “as is” than add Bradley.
This will be dead money, IMMOVABLE money, a bad signing, and will not only hurt this team now but later because it will be salary the Cubs cannot use to sign another player later. Absolutely the worst move that could be made this offseason, hands down. Please, let this be a false rumor. Please.
Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot repeat it enough: this will be a bad singing now, later, and always. DO NOT TAKE THIS LIKE IT"S A BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL, JIM HENDRY!!!!!!!!!!!
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 31, 2008 12:29 AM CST reply actions
Absolutely the worst move that could be made this offseason?
Are you kidding?
You’ve got to be kidding.
…right?
Yeah, let’s not sign a guy who just put up a freaking 1.036 OPS. That’s TERRIBLE! Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
yeah Bradley would be a bad signing
playing in just oh 50 games tops
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Prove that he's going to play in only 50 games.
Are you best friends with Milton Bradley? Does he have a fatal heart disease that will cause him to drop dead in the middle of some series in June? I’m incredibly intrigued. Please, do explain the rationale behind your statement.
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
No but I own many of his board games.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Yes Milt, that's what we call him
Said he’s gonna miss Dallas
as posted earlier
2005 – 75 games
2006 – 96 games
2007 – 61 games
2008 – 126 games
He’s due to miss!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
and its not 120 games is it?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Why do we need 120 games?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
At this point, I have no idea what's going on.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
I think I know.
CubFreak thinks that having a random picture of an Asian girl makes him automatically right.
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
LOL
just do the math.
If he plays 120 games, not start , plays in 120 games,
is that really better than anything out there say for $5-7MM
We ALL know that he’s gonna miss games, it’s part of who he is.
I like a fiery leader but a leader should play in most games.
Can’t argue with that. You can, but you would be wrong.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Argue with what?
Silly platitudes about leadership?
What matters at the end of the year is how many games you’ve won. Bradley will help us do that more than any of the other candidates out there, EVEN IF he misses time. EVEN IF he misses a third of the season.
That's the thing I wish people would look at.
Every pro-Bradley post in here accounts for him missing playing time. It’s not much of an arguement.
The fact is that people are hung up on the fact that they just don't like him personally
And grasp at straws trying to find reasons that he isn’t the best option.
His injury history is the only thing working against him as a player so they parrot that line. Again. And again. And again.
His injury history is the ONLY THING
so if injuries didn’t matter anf if it didn’t matter
than we would have kept
Wood, Prior, & Nomar just to name a few
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Wrong.
Bradley’s injuries have not affected his ability to play when healthy. We have depth at the position as well to absorb any time off he needs.
Free Ronny Cedeno
so how many games will you be happy with
60 90 120
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
or to rephrase
How many games would you like NOT to have your regular in the line up?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
We aren't looking for a leader.
We’re looking for a token LH bat.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Token? Interesting
Don’t overlook leadership, everything succeeds or fails bc of leadership
That dugout was kinda quiet the last two post seasons.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
The Cubs are paying Lou Piniella over $3 million to provide leadership.
They want a guy to hit and field baseballs.
I thought Lou was making more
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
The manager is paid to be the leader.
The players are paid to play.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Really,
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
So no players should or can lead
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I betcha
if he signs with us, Hendry would introduce him using the word leadership
Everyone talks about his fiery persona,
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I don't have an issue
with him being a leader type ball player
just the fact that he’s injury prone
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
I know I'm convinced.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
(75+96+61+126)/4=89.5
100 games of Milton Bradley is better than 160 games of Adam Dunn – hitting, fielding, the whole nine. Especially given the fact that the Cubs have a multiplicity of decent options to play the other 60 or so games.
What's more
100 games of MB is likely to end up cheaper than 160 games of Dunn. Right now, the likeliest replacement for the other 60 games is a Mike Fontenot and Reed Johnson platoon with a little Joey Gathright mixed in. When you have this depth, you might as well leverage it.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Mike Fontenot plays center field?
No shit! Good for him, glad to see he’s trying new things this offseason.
(i’m being sarcastic)
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
DeRosa plays RF;
Fontenot plays 2B.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Yeah, I figured.
Actually, why not move Fukudome over to RF and put Johnson in center? UNless you’re really desperate for Fontenot…
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
Because...
Fontenot+Derosa > Fukudome+Johnson and for that matter Derosa> Fukudome+Johnson.
To hell with it, why not throw Milton in CF and start both DeRosa and Fontenot, hopefully we can get about 90 games out of him before he gets hurt and he can just fester on the 60 day DL until October.
don't forget about 1B
Might be a problem with high throws
but that’s ok BC when we need a LH bat
we need a LH bat
Doesn’t matter from what crazy source it comes from!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Prove that he won't hit .040
Unless you’re best friends with him and all…
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 31, 2008 12:42 AM CST up reply actions
oh we all know he's gonna hit
SOMEBODY!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Well, I certainly can't.
However, I can make educated guesses based upon previous seasons that yes he will, in fact, hit over .040.
And for what it’s worth, the Bill James projections have him playing 123 games and putting up a .287/.391/.489 line, which is pretty freakin’ good. Would I rather have Adam Dunn patrolling RF? Yes. Do I have a problem with Milton Bradley? No.
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
Now that Bill James has spoken I can feel better now
than why didn’t he trade for him to suit up in Boston during the trading deadline
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Okay, so let’s ask you, then. How many runs do you think Dunn is worth on offense? How many runs do you think Bradley is worth on offense?
I think you have the answers my friend
I’m not sold on Dunn either
My point is My Crazy Cousin Milt is going to the Nutty DL more than I’d like That’s All
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
So when he has his tantrum and gets injured....
….and gets into it with fans, and eats up precious salary with an injury,
I’m sure you’ll be there telling us what a deal Bradley was (rolling eyes).
This is going to be a big contract, multiple years, with a no-trade clause. There is no excuse for this one – this is bot a bad signing Hendry can EVER claim that EVERYONE did not see coming from day ONE.
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Dec 31, 2008 12:42 AM CST up reply actions
Like I said...
…he was paid $5 million last year. If this is gonna happen, it’s not going to be a monster deal.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Too late, all you naysayers! Milton's already signed, sealed, delivered, and in the Cubs team photo for next year!
by ballhawk on Dec 31, 2008 12:51 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I see what you did there.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
For those upset
it could be worse than Milton Bradley.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Good for the Reds, Dusty needs his Coreys of the world
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Of course, Taveras is a relative bargain
the Dodgers are paying 5X that much for the same player.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
LOL
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Who didnt see that coming a mile away?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
All you Bradley non supporters
you guys r completely retarded. First of all, I’m pretty sure you guys don’t have the resources that Hendry and the Cubs have. So to say that the most he’ll play is 50 games is stupid. Just think about it this way, if hendry knew that Bradley would not be able to stay healthy, then he won’t sign him. That’s so weird how you guys don’t mention how he pretty much played the most games last year. I could very well see him playing 150-160 games.
As for Dunn, I wouldn’t really mind if they signed him but if it were my choice, i would take bradley. However, if you are in support of Dunn, then don’t ever complain about defense. Cause if you want the worst defense in the league, you’re gonna get him. So don’t ever complain about bad defense.
let me retract my statement
I didn’t mean you guys are completely retarded. What I truly meant to say was that, your statements are completely and utterly stupid with no thought and should not even be seen. Sorry for the “name-calling”
by lexmarklover on Dec 31, 2008 1:42 AM CST up reply actions
Oh Ok we're not retard just stupid,
Thanks for clarifying that for us.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
No you're just a D-Bag
I just learned that term a few minutes ago
I’m glad I was able to use it on you
Timing is everything!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
and for those who like to go a step too far
you can turn it up a notch with the term “douche nozzle”. From urban dictionary:
“1) The underappreciated apparatus of the Douche that actually does the stinky work. Attached to the Douche Bag.
2) A male who acts and looks like an utter jackass. Someone who transcends common insults to the point that simply calling him a "jackass” or “douchebag” will no longer do. Much more offensive than simply calling someone a douchebag. "
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
50 games was just being sacratic
Point here is that we ALL know he’s gonna miss games,
my concern is how many games will it affect us
We need a LH bat so bad that we’re willing to have it only 60-70% of the time.
If he’s healthy that’s fine. But he rarely is.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
The problem is that you don't understand the implications of his missing time.
As noted above, all of the projections and historical evidence provided herein take into consideration that he will miss time.
by BarryZuckerCub on Dec 31, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions
He was a DH most of last year....
And he couldn’t stay healthy. He’s never stayed healthy. The only thing retarded is thinking that he could actually be an everyday right fielder in the NL and stay healthy.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Dec 31, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
Well.
You all know how I feel about this, if it’s true. It’s a waste of money, because you’re signing someone who’s likely to spend half his time on the DL.
If they’re not going to sign Adam Dunn, my alternative would be Bobby Abreu. At least the guy’s in the lineup every day — has played 150 or more games for 11 straight years, scored 98 or more runs every one of those years, and has a .405 lifetime OBA.
And would probably come cheaper, as he’s older. You’re only looking for a short-term fix here anyway, right?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Agreed Al...
As with EVERYONE here, I love the potential from Gameboard’s bat, but I cringe at the thought that he will likely miss 70 games (cwyers posted the avg of 89.5 games above)…can you really factor the WAR for him being hurt when the replacement is Joey Gathright?
Gathright won't be the replacement unless
he’s posting a high OBP. Consider the Bradley signing a guarantee that Fontenot gets more ABs next year.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I'm sure your right...
but if he is missing 70 games, there is a chance that replacement could be Gathright for at least a few of those games.
Like I mentioned above, if this all plays out, I’d rather see Bradley, DeRosa, and Fontenot at CF, RF, and 2B respectively for most of the games, or Reed, Bradley and DeRosa against LH.
I don’t hate it, I just wish we could count on 150 games or so out of him, the only real “waste of money” in this whole conversation is Fukudome.
I'm bullish on Dome going forward.
I think he’ll earn his keep.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
"Waste of money"
The reason I’m ok with Bradley (as a Cub signing) is that I feel like the other alternatives were going to tie up even more money while saddling us with bad defense. Every other option had negatives when they’re playing. Bradley’s only negative is that he won’t play a few games, which isn’t so bad with the current Cub roster.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Maybe...
I agree with Colin for the most part, but another way to look at is that Bradley may be the lowest cost free agent option. He was paid a little over $5 million last year- Dunn around $13 million and Abreu $16 million. So, it isn’t outrageous to believe that of the three, he could be the lowest cost option. Probably not a bad one given the risk/reward possibilities. If his 2008 is the upside and the downside is something like 90-100 games with our current guys playing the 60-70 remaining games. With or without any more roster changes the Cubs will be the odds on favorite to win the division- nothing we do in the free agent market will dramatically change that.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
Abreu might have to settle for less...
… given his age.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
There was definitely a way to approach this off-season
waiting, waiting, waiting to get a bargain, probably on Abreu, but what if we missed? For a team that thinks they HAVE to get a LH-bat, this was the way to go.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
My thoughts after reading this. (and Marquis)
1. Dont compare the guy to Jacque Jones. Milton straight out raked last year, leading the American League in OPS. That is the same league as I last checked that had A-Rod, Josh Hamilon, and others.
2. He is not only a Left Handed Outfielder BUT a SWITCH HITTER which will help the lineup out at all times.
3. IF and his is a big IF he stays healthy for 140+ games watch out. This man brings a passion to the game and an intimidation factor that is unmatched.
4. i am not worried about his temper. As long as people dont do the things that they did to jacque I am not worried. No racism in the bleachers= no Milton scaling the wall and trying to kill someone.
5. I actually like that he is a bit of a hot head. Spice stuff up a bit.
6. Should be interesting to see what Lou does with the lineup. Will he continue to stroke D-Lees ego and keep him at three when he should probably be at six now? Will Bradley bat fourth? If so does Rammy bat third or fifth? My lineup? Soriano, CF platoon, Rammy, Board Game, Soto, Lee, Fontenot, Theriot
7. Why no DeRosa? I think he is going away in a peavy deal. Appearently Bruce Levine thinks hes on the way out.
8. I really liked the Marquis deal. Vizcaino had over a K per inning and just got hurt with the long ball. Although (dont know if this is a 100 % true) Bob Howry could have said the same thing.
9. happy new Years to All.
10. Everyone be safe tonight!
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
I hope you are wrong...
about DeRo, we are going to need him as insurance if we sign Bradley. Unless you want Reed and Dome BOTH playing about 40-70 games.
Bradley in Centerfield?
If I remember right, Bradley used to play some centerfield. Does anyone know if he was decent there? If so, I wouldn’t mind moving the Fukudome/Johnson platoon back over to RF. I like Dome’s defense in RF.
by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Dec 31, 2008 6:23 AM CST reply actions
Bradley will play RF and will do a pretty good job
Much better than what some people might think.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
And you base this on what?
He played only 19 games there last year.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
His past history shows he can play at the very minimum league average defense in RF
Which is waaaaay more than Adam Dunn. I would think he could do at least what Mark DeRosa did in RF while giving us an impact bat. Remember he was coming off knee surgury last year so he played in the AL to get his body back into shape.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
fun comparisons
I found it hilarious to read through ~180 posts and hear all the “negative” opinions on Bradley……why not just give the guy a chance and see what happens rather than saying “this is the worst signing ever…”, etc. Aside from that, here are some interesting stats to review/discuss:
HR/game Hits/game BB/game K/game
Player A 2007 0.26 0.91 0.66 1.09
2008 0.26 0.80 0.80 1.07
Player B 2007 0.24 1.28 0.23 0.96
2008 0.27 1.17 0.39 0.94
Player C 2007 0.21 1.05 0.51 0.67
2008 0.17 1.06 0.63 0.89
Player A is Dunn, Player B is Soriano, and Player C is Bradley. Keep in mind that Soriano actually played LESS games than Bradley last year…….
Soriano...
… played 145 or more games six years in a row from 2001-2006.
Bradley has played that many games in a season… never.
So who’s more likely to play a full season in 2009?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I just think it's funny
How most everyone on here cites Bradley for “character” issues, yet doesn’t say anything about Zambrano despite what he did.
Look, plenty of teams have won with guys with character issues (Need an example, do some research on last year’s World Series champ).
If you want a “nice” team, well, then have fun in mediocre land. I’d rather target the best player out there and give the benefit of the doubt.
Zambrano also threw 200 for five straight years
and over 180 this year, Bradley has never come close to that level of health in the field
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I don't see what he did to help the team he was on last year.
They missed the playoffs by quite a bit.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al, you've got to stop pulling out this old chestnut
“Player X must not be that good…his team didn’t win.”
There are 24 other players on the roster. Player X could be phenomenal, and the rest suck. It is no reflection on Player X…even on his character, unless there is some specific reason to think his attitude detracted from the team’s desire to win.
Or did Andre Dawson not deserve his MVP?
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by cubzfan on Dec 31, 2008 8:54 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
One man cannot win a title alone
If you would look at the stats, Texas finished near the bottom in almost every category in pitching, to which Bradley does not contribute. That was their problem. The Rangers also finished near the top in many offensive categories in hitting, to which Bradley contributes.
Cubs already have a solid rotation, so that takes that out of the equation. He would add to the mix and make them better, plain and simple.
Dunn has 0 as in zero chance of playing for the cubs
Lou want’s speed, he likes power but speed shows up every day, speed translates
into production. I hate to quote dusty but Dunn would clogg up the bases, It would
take a home run to drive him in. Fukudome scored more runs than Dunn did last
year, also Abreu zero chance, has some speed but is not liked by lou not a lou type
player. Hendry likes Hermidia and then Bradley, Bradley hiting in front of Aram would
have a monster year.
I think there's a good chance of that.
But we have to see how the rest of the off-season shakes out. If DeRosa is traded that will affect the lineup.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Third or fourth
Its up to Lou, but based on his split stats it needs to be in front of Aram, reason being in
texas they pitched around him alot.
I read through and don't see any factual evidence on
the possible contract for Bradley. We know Dunn appears to require a multi year at $10M+ per. If Bradley earned $5M last year and other teams are not chasing him, what $$$ are expected to sign him?
If Bradley can be had at $8M per for 2-3 years, this may be the better signing. With Bradley, you risk health, with Dunn you risk seeing Canseco styled fielding.
Anyone have ideas on what Bradley wants?
So we don't have any new evidence of this trade?
Just Bruce’s ramblings?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
it was actually Kaplan ramblings
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Didn't he "confirm"...
That the Peavy deal was “close” a few weeks ago? I don’t know how reliable Kap’s sources are.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Dec 31, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
Lots of ramblings
from several sources. One of them, I think it was Gordo, said something along the lines of “it’s been a foregone conclusion in baseball circles for weeks that Milton Bradley will sign with the Cubs. Payroll issues need to be worked out first.”
.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
It depends on the hitting, the money, and the health...
Defensively Bradley is an upgrade over Dunn and Abreu. I have a few questions with Bradley though.
Would we be getting the 2003 and 2007-2008 Bradley, who was a hitting machine in the 145-165 OPS+ range? Or would we be getting the 2004-2006 Bradley, who was a solid hitter but only in the 108-118 OPS+ range?
Also, would we be getting Bradley for 80 games per year or 120 games per year? And will Fontenot be the hitting force he was last year, or a mediocre/decent hitter like in 2007?
If we’d be getting a ~150 OPS+ hitter for 100 games and then replacing him with very productive time for Fontenot at 2B, it’s worth it. If we’re getting 162 games of 110+ OPS from Bradley/Fontenot, I think it becomes more debatable. We’d be losing 20-25 OPS+ points, and I don’t know for sure that the defensive upgrade offsets that.
And the amount of money and years on the contract are especially pertinent in the latter case. If Bradley is substantially cheaper than Dunn, cost-effectiveness comes into play. If he’s in the same price range, then I’d worry that Dunn would have been the better get.
Ultimately, Bradley just presents a lot more risk than Dunn. There’s the potential for much greater reward, but also the potential for much more catastrophic outcomes. With Dunn, you’re pretty sure you’re getting a 125-135 OPS+, 40 HR, .380ish OBP, sub-.250 AVG, and poor defense. With Bradley, you’re either getting a tremendous offensive force and solid defender or you might be getting an expensive mediocrity (if he gets hurt and Fontenot can’t hit like 2008).
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