Cubs GM Jim Hendry says Milton Bradley may be back in 2010, and called the outfielder's '09 season a "major hiccup"
Via Twitter from Carrie Muskat
10 days ago
AndrewJStone
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Posturing
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
by DTJchris on Nov 9, 2009 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yup....
Translated into English:“We’ve got a deal cooking, but someone wants to take on too much money”.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 9, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Other GM's...
…are definately chuckling at these comments, but they are indeed nothing but posturing.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 9, 2009 10:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I sure hope it's just posturing.
Bradley’s return to the Cubs would be an utter disaster.
That said, the three-way deal that’s been reported tonight won’t happen. Toronto isn’t interested in Bradley.
And frankly, I’m not interested in Castillo.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 9, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly...
…I think most of the initial Bradley interest is nothing more than teams hoping the Cubs will be forced to eat the vast majority of his deal to move him. The only way any GM (with a brain) is going to take him on is if the Cubs are paying about 75% of the freight. That way, if Bradley plays his little games, or decides 2010 will be one of his DL years, that GM can at least say they didn’t have to pay much for him.
Getting rid of Bradley is going to cost a lot of dough no matter how you slice it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 9, 2009 10:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It all depends on...
… whether the Cubs will take on someone else’s bad contract in return, to equalize the “freight”.
Magglio Ordonez is looking like a better and better option.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 9, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
And at least one can HOPE a return to Chicago brings shades of Magglio’s past to bear…………….some real – potential – upside in his case, at least.
"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 Nov 10, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In the end...
…the Cubs either eat the bulk of Bradley’s contract or they take on a contract that no one else wants. At the end of the day, it will be a costly proposition to unload Bradley, because it will limit what they can do in other areas.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Nov 10, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention that it would really throw the Offseason IT'S HAPPENING contest for a loop... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 9, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
IMO, there's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy here.
The more attention this gets, and the more people get upset about it, the worse the conditions will be for his return.
by shawndgoldman on Nov 9, 2009 10:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But, but ...
Ken Rosenthal said that people would be shocked by the interest in Bradley. I’m still convinced that if the Cubs do unload him, it won’t be cheap either in terms of money sent, players sent or contract received in return.
by rlpete on Nov 10, 2009 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This isn't a contradiction
There are always a lot of people interested in the flea market, too. It is a great time for bargain hunting.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
by vonde6 on Nov 10, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
Considering what is rumored to be offered, is it possible Bradley stays? Or will he be gone before last call at the O’Hare Hilton?
To keep Fukudome in CF another year seems like suicide, though. I’ll have to hope on the posturing.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 9, 2009 9:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
MB has burned enough bridges that he can't be back
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
by DTJchris on Nov 9, 2009 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
I still don’t see how he did anything that awful.
All the indignation about him just feel like pointless uproar to me. I was out of town when whatever happened and it doesn’t seem quite as awful as every one tries to tell me it was.
Then again… I still don’t think anyone actually gave the guy a shot to begin with and just waited for him to stub his toe and eff up so they could all pat themselves on the back and smugly say “i knew that would happen”… so i’m probably not the most unbiased person.
Get a real CF and production out of anyone other than first base and I don’t think Bradley is a problem. But no one will ever let him stay, so thats probably wishful thinking anyway.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 9, 2009 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 11 recs
I may be the only one who agrees with you
He certainly wasn’t the model teammate and Cub, but I agree that people blew his entire season out of proportion. If a good trade can be made that gets us a serviceable player and doesn’t hamstring us financially, I’m fine with letting him go. But IMO whether the Cubs return to the playoffs next year has a LOT more to do with Soriano, Soto, Zambrano, etc than it does with MB. Time will tell.
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 7:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish i could rec this 100 times.
My biggest preference would be to see Bradley go. 100% what i’d like to happen. To make this clear: I WOULD RATHER SEE BRADLEY ON ANOTHER TEAM.
That being said… having on an asshole on your team does not preclude said team from winning. Blaming this season on Bradley has been ignorant from the start, and while i’ll buy that he was a distraction and whatnot, he didn’t cause Soto to drop off or Soriano to play hurt or Miles to exist or Gregg to crap out or Pinella to do any number of questionable things or…
If the season had gone well, how would we feel about MB? If we didn’t need an easy focus for our rage, would we want him gone so badly, especially in light of what we may end up with in return? Or would we all be laughing about that time he miscounted outs and tossed the ball in to the stands?
The Cubs screwed this one up. If you call call up a girls previous 5 boyfriends and they all say the chick is off-her-rocker crazy, do you jump in to the deep end with her (3 years, $30 million) without setting up something to get yourself out? Even IF she promises to play nice? Hell no. The Cubs knew who they were signing, knew his history, knew his potential, and went for it anyways. And now everybody acts like MB is to blame? Hendrey got ‘fleeced’? Seriously? How dumb must the man be (and no, i don’t actually believe this) to get fleeced by a guy who’s history is well established?
If he can’t be traded for something of actual value, figure out how to get MB under control. Anger management, a friend signed to the roster, benching him for 10 games if he so much as FARTS in a way that offends his teammantes, the media, the fans. Media training. Acupuncture and foot massages! I don’t care what it takes, but do NOT handicap this team beyond the 2 years / $23 million or so that it is already in for. Swapping one bad contract for another is pointless – why take on somebody else’s problems to rid ourselves of Bradley, who, pain that he is, COULD at least contribute on the field if things went well.
I’m sure i’ll be debated to no end on this. I’m sure everybody will tell me he needs to be gone AT ANY COST. I ask you to consider this: what is better for the team in the long term? Taking on another teams more expensive and longer term crap? Paying Bradley while he plays for somebody else? Or simply admitting neither side handled it well last season, and giving it another crack?
Again, for emphasis: I WOULD RATHER SEE BRADLEY ON ANOTHER TEAM. But not to the long term or short term detriment of the Cubs.
Flame away, friends.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
It's hard to flame something well-written and thought-out.
I vehemently disagree though.
Even with all your proposals to keep [name redacted] under check, his—for a lack of a better term—“bad juju” will rub off on the team. It’s really hard to keep a team on-track when one member is pulling the wrong way. And you and I know that the first time [Dempster/Theriot/Lee] farts the wrong way, [name redacted] is gonna lose his [marbles], causing irreparable tension—yet again.
While I simply can’t just quit my love for the Cubs, if [name redacted] makes it to the Opening Day 2010 roster, I will have to take steps to find a new hobby.
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Many, MANY teams have found a way to win...
… with a player or two who isn’t a ‘nice guy’, who isn’t well liked, who doesn’t give a good interview or get along with those around him. Examples of players and teams who didn’t exhibit good chemistry have been thrown around here aplenty, so i won’t do it again. But…
Most likely, the options are:
- Find a way to keep Milton while doing everything in the teams power to get him under control (something i don’t think we can honestly believe was done this last season).
- Take on some other teams castoff crap and / or pay MB to go (likely) produce for somebody else.
Many here would rather just be done with him. I understand how that might be easy to say when it isn’t your $23 million, but it is a waste of team resources, and it robs the fans, his teammates, and the club of the chance to put the most talented team possible on the field.
Dude is a malcontent, for sure. And i’d love to see somebody else in the outfield. But nothing i’ve seen rumored give this team a better chance to win next year, or beyond… and isn’t that the point?
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I get your point.
And you’re right about the rumors thus far.
I’m dreading, though, Opening Day at Wrigley: [name redacted] “running” to RF and being showered with the loudest boos ever heard at the “Friendly Confines.” Then, during the bottom of the second, he strikes out looking. More, louder boos rain down. And you know what happens next—for another 161 games.
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Puppies and rainbows
and Peanut Butter Cups fall from the sky? (Well, peanut butter cups falling; I don’t want any puppies falling. They can run onto the field from the dugout) ?
:)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Nov 10, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But wouldn't that show
more ignorance from an ever-increasing ignorant fan base than anything else?
I’m ambivalent about Bradley staying or going, but I think Stone’s got an excellent point.
If the Cubs can get something of value for Bradley, I’m all for a deal. But I’m not for a deal just for the sake of a deal.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 10, 2009 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course it would. And I dread it.
The fanbase’s IQ is decreasing at an alarming rate.
My hypothetical story is a worst-case-scenario. But I don’t think it’s too far off. And once [name redacted] hears those crass boos, his frail ego will shatter, bringing himself and those around him down.
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could be.
But regarding bringing others down, I don’t think you have to love all your co-workers to do a good job. I don’t think Mick Jagger and Keith Richards love each other to death, but look at what they created together.
I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m guessing MB won’t be a Cub next season. But if he is, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, IMHO. Whether his psyche can handle it is another question.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 10, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a question that doesn't get brought up often - and it's a good one.
Whether his psyche can handle it is another question.
The keep-MB fans are right in that if the Cubs got a “typical” MB year, keeping him is likely to add more statistical value than whoever they’d get in a deal. However, would he even be capable of putting up a typical year for him in that environment?
We can gnash our teeth all we want about the fan base – and I tend to agree – but it’s not going to change overnight.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, it won't
Which, in a way, also adds yet another layer to the mountain that is the Cubs’ attempt to win it all, don’t you think, SB?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 10, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed.
I wish I knew how that gets changed – I suspect team management does, too.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Porfessor and NBF, I had a meeting.
I want to believe that the Cubs would be OK if he stayed. I really do, because the more I think about it, the more convinced I am this is a very distinct possibility. But knowing his story and seeing him almost every day this last season, I don’t think it’s a good fit for either.
Let’s call it a divorce. Both parties have irreconcilable differences, one has to pay alimony to keep the other content, and let’s move on.
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I agree with that
I was speaking to the mentality of the fan base in general.
MB and the Cubs are better off without each other.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He needs to go-of course his psyche can't handle it.
We got to watch last year as all the things we feared about him came true. Jim Hendry should have to pay for his stupidity.
As it is the clock is ticking Jim…..
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not his psyche.
It’s the psyche of the other 24 players, all of whom were reportedly happy to see him sent home.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want to see that happen any more than anybody else...
… but i’d rather that then some of the desperate moves that have been suggested here. Worst case, this guy is gone in two years with $23 million more of the team’s dollars. Do NOT sign anybody worse at baseball, costing more, for a longer contract, just to avoid that.
I don’t care if your scenario plays out, the boos rain down, and he gets sent home for two more years, or sent to Iowa, or whatever else. Just don’t handicap the team’s payroll any further.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
rec'd
I agree. We should not do the deal just to be rid of him.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
by vonde6 on Nov 10, 2009 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
woah
cool. when i saw “4 replies” on my profile… i was convinced it was going to be me getting flamed. Not actually having people agree.
Awesome. :-)
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 10, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm loving that people are finally seperated from last season enough...
… to come out and defend ideas like this.
Back in August / September, something like this WOULD have gotten you flamed.
Progress…
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Back in August I never would've even
clicked on a Bradley thread… I avoided all of them after I clicked on one accidently.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 10, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I sure wish I had back then.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I clicked
started to skim… and was completely appalled by the reactions. So ugly for no reason. All the people who were usually reasonable and interesting seemed to to possessed.
It sucked what little fun was there in a crap season.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 10, 2009 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There were a few comments that I'd still like to undo
Enough of that – how are things going?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They're going
I guess. Not looking forward to winter… but who does?
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 10, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Skiers, snowmobiliers, Mr. Plow . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Smarty. :-P
How are things with you?
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Nov 10, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can't complain.
Kind of quiet, but not bad. Also not looking forward to winter, but if it’s mild like it has been in the upper midwest, it’s ok with me.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was a great Simpsons episode.
They just are not as good anymore…..
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I only watch occassionally
There are a handful of shows that I make a point to DVR, but the Simpsons isn’t one of them. I’m usually amused when I see it, but I just haven’t put it on the list for whatever reason.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its really not worth it anymore-they seem to have run out of ideas
Are we the only two on here?
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like Ballhawk is still around
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's been 20 years
Shows are bound to run out of idea after that long stretch of time. I’m just glad that The Simpsons is still at least slightly entertaining.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by azul_cachorro on Nov 11, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Back in August...
I was one of the people getting flamed. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Nov 10, 2009 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
(I say that as a throw-away comment)
I don’t actually take any pride being yelled at. No one enjoyed those days, I’m sure. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Nov 10, 2009 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Make it 5 - I'm with you, Allie
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 10, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm bumping this FanShot to the front page so it can get more attention & discussion.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 9, 2009 10:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not what you wanted for your birthday Al ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 9, 2009 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd be willing to give him another chance
If Billy Williams thinks he is worth keeping, I’d give him another chance. The problem is, however, I don’t think many other Cub fans would.
by dansram on Nov 9, 2009 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect to Billy Williams...
… in this case, I think he’s wrong.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
IMO Billy appears to be speaking only to the talent potential
not all the other “stuff” which can overwhelm a clubhouse.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 6:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No way - I don't believe it - No f*****g way
Can’t Milton do us all a favor, and see the light and decide to turn on, tune in, drop out, go away, disappear….
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 9, 2009 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Here's the question...
Let’s assume that the Cubs only options are to pay most of Bradley’s salary, trade him for a worse contract (like Vernon Wells’s), or for a player with a roughly equal contract that’s a much worse player (like Pat Burrell). If that’s the case, what do you do? I keep him, and make sure he realizes he gets suspended if he has more problems.
by shawndgoldman on Nov 9, 2009 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hard to suspend him
He agreed to the suspension at the end of the season but keep in mind he lost NO money and the Cubs lost a roster spot. It was
September so nobody cared. I really think keeping him is the lesser of the evils but it is very, very hard for a team to suspend a player. He would basically have to refuse to do something on the field or walk off, possible but likely. Milton is smart guy, angry but smart. As far as I know he has not said a word since the statement he issued after the suspension.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 9, 2009 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And prepare to get booed like there's no tomorrow in his first AB in 2010
He’ll continue to drag this team down if he stays with the team. It’s Jim’s job after 2010 if Bradley is back.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Nov 9, 2009 11:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's a key point...
… Hendry has to realize that if Bradley’s back and we have a repeat of 2009 next year, Hendry’s done. Therefore he probably has quite a bit of motivation to ship him off.
Imagine if your job depended on whether or not Milton Bradley can behave… hehe
I don't care how long you've been around, you'll never see it all.
by Dou on Nov 10, 2009 5:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds about as bad as your job depending on whether the mediocre player
with an awful contract you got for MB has a career resurgence in Chicago. And if one of the players you were rumored to have as an option does do that, you can fully expect to hear about it all season long, before losing your job.
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 7:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If the team wants to invest some effort...
… they could help Bradley out here. Make a big deal of an apology, show him working out with some well liked team mates, spin the cubs PR wheels, and you may bring the booing down a bit.
And if he can produce a little (like we know he is capable of doing)… well… we all know what success breeds.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
That's a good point.
I’m surprised that the Cubs seem to have taken no effort to reduce the negative energy surrounding Milton via PR work. Instead, the flurry of people getting the vapors (or exuding righteous indignation, depending on your perspective I guess) keeps building and building until we reach what seems to be essentially an unworkable situation.
For how much money and more is at stake, this seems to me to be a colossal organizational failure.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Nov 10, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The mistake was signing Bradley in the first place
I hate to say it, but it was. Jim Hendry realizes that this was a big mistake and he’s trying to at least get something for it. I can’t blame him.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Nov 10, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In retrospect...
I agree that it was a mistake.
But businesses (and sports clubs) can’t fixate solely on what should have been done; they just have to adapt to what the circumstance is now and move forward. Either way that occurs (ie trading MB or retaining him), it seems to me that a healthy PR campaign would help the cause.
The Cubs come off like a third rate business that talks down the goods they’re trying to sell. Whether or not Hendry deserves to be canned for signing MB (I don’t think so), it seems beyond question that the person in charge of the Cubs pathetic PR efforts should be fired for sucking at their job. If all the scumbags in the celebrity world who do horrible and illegal things and still end up more loved by their fans than ever before, I see no reason why someone as comparatively benign as MB can’t be resurrected…
by CubsWin!Oregon on Nov 10, 2009 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is a totally valid point
I certainly know a majority of fans spent the season waiting for something bad to happen, and that may be understandable. But it seemed like the organization was either a) okay with that happening or b) unwilling to accept this fact and try to take extra steps to protect their $30m investment. Now they’re paying the price, and it may be too late to recover a good deal of that lost value.
by madcow256 on Nov 10, 2009 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I was saying that way back at mid-season...
… when things really started spiraling. The history was there for everybody to see. If the team wanted MB’s contributions on the field, they needed to make some effort to deal with his issues off it.
A dinner with Hendry isn’t enough.
Pinella calling him a “piece of…” was only going to make it worse.
Did nobody with the club think to put anger management in to his contract, to find out what made him tick before and try to prevent it again, to get him some media training, to bring a buddy along (like is often done for foreign players), to do SOMETHING to ensure history didn’t repeat itself with the guy?
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GONNA WRITE THIS!
We weren’t supposed to know about the “PoS” comment. That was a massive fail by Cubs PR and the local media, not to mention the PoS Sox attendant who leaked the story.
I’m pretty sure, at least, my perception of [name redacted] would be slightly different had I never heard/read that “story.”
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I am glad Lou said it. It was about time somebody held him accountable.
That said, Lou didn’t really do anything. He was right back in the line-up. A real manager wouldn’t put up with his shit. When he FINALLY got suspended it didn’t matter anyways. All the Cubs did at that point was wreck any trade leverage they had left. Typical Cubs…..
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That is the POINT though.
Calling him a POS isn’t holding him accountable, its name calling. Absolutely horrible management.
Do that to somebody who LOOKS to be a victim, and what do you expect will happen?
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask yourself why Lou felt he had to call him that.
… and you’ll have your answer.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lou didn't HAVE to call him that...
… and Lou poorly managed his player by doing so.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As noted above...
… that wasn’t supposed to be for public consumption.
Again, I don’t really understand why you can’t see that a lot of what goes on is never supposed to be made public.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I see what everyone else sees...
… i just perceive it differently than you do. You don’t need to keep acting like i’m clueless or dumb because i’m looking at something in a way you aren’t. I understand just fine.
And i’m not the only one that perceives it this way.
Are you really defending Lou’s decision to say what he said? Do you believe it to be OK managing? Would you ever expect to see something like that at your workplace?
I know where i work, no matter how big a pain an employee is, their manager is NEVER going to shout at them about being a POS. I doubt it’d be tolerated in most places.
Intentions to be public about it or not, it’s not good managing, and its doubly bad in that MB is a player who needs to be handled carefully.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The ironic thing in this POS thread is...
…that this is the one time Bradley handled himself pretty well, IIRC. Once Lou got in his face and called him a POS, Bradley didn’t blow up, fight/spit/yell back, or otherwise create a major scene. I think he just left (or was told to leave and he did).
Given his volatile nature and what the masses have come to expect from Miltonstein, you would have thought he’d go on a rampage, setting Bridgeport on fire, overturning cars on the Dan Ryan, knocking over pagodas in Chinatown – who knows what he would have done if he’d made it to the Willis Tower…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 10, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What is this Willis Tower?
The only tower i know of in the area is “Sears Tower”.
Blah.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 11, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
… I have seen managers in the TV business yell and scream and swear at employees. Is it the right thing to do? No, but it does happen, and that doesn’t necessarily make that person a bad manager.
In any case, I think the bottom line is this: we have seen how divisive having Milton Bradley on this team is. He divides fans and players and media by his mere presence.
You say MB “needs to be handled carefully”. That may be true, but why should he be special? That may be another reason his teammates resented him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 7:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone think bidding vs themselves for an ass was a good idea?
Only Hendry……
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How do you know they didn't try all of those things?
And failed at all of them?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because i suspect we'd have heard about them if they had.
Come on Al. We are all Cubs fans here, and we all love the team. But do you really, deep down in your heart, not see it fit to assign at least a fair share of the blame for how this turned out on the club?
You were against signing Bradley from the start. Now that it’s all gone to shit, you don’t seem to wish to hold the team responsible for doing something you could clearly see was a bad idea. Blaming MB for this would be like me blaming my dog for barking at a squirrel out the window. It’s WHO HE IS. I got the dog knowing full well dogs bark. The Cubs signed MB knowing full well he was a pain in the ass.
If i wanted the dog to stop barking, i get a bark collar. What did the cubs do to keep Bradley from being himself?
In the two plus years i’ve been reading this site, this is the first time i’ve vehemently disagreed with you on something. And every time i try to make a point, you wave your hands and talk about some hypothetical, or the 20% / 80% ratio of Bradley misdeeds we didn’t know about. Its infuriating that we perpetually are told to assume the worst in MB and the best in the team when even you knew in advance that there was a lot of potential for it to go poorly.
Dum spiro spero…
Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Nov 10, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course the team is responsible.
As I said, they shouldn’t have done it in the first place. I don’t think they did their due diligence, and sometimes even if you get the dog collar, the freakin’ dog keeps barking.
That seems what likely happened in this case.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
take on an equally lame contract and move his...
arse out of here! That’s the route Jim has to take if given the options above.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 6:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs do keep Bradley
I feel they need to trade Fukudome and get a true CFer.
So who do we want for Fukudome?
Rowand, Castillo, Burrell, Vernon Wells or Oliver Perez?
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 9, 2009 10:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
if we didn't want any of those guys for Bradley, why would we want them for Fukudome?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 9, 2009 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
All in jest, shoulda had the ;) or something, just not internet savvy
And if the Cubs keep Bradley does that mean I can win your contest even though I didn’t enter it?
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 9, 2009 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tell you what - if the Cubs keep Bradley...
…AND all the other non-Bradley events happen (I think there’s 11 of them) AND they trade Fukudome, then I will declare you winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 10, 2009 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kosuke has a No Trade Clause...
he’s not going anywhere.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 9, 2009 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome loves it in Chicago so much
He would refuse any trade?
Peavy had a No Trade as well and ended up on the south side.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 9, 2009 11:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he does like it in Chicago
He is unlikely to go anywhere without a large Japanese community but I don’t see Seattle or San Francisco or either
NYC team needing him.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 10, 2009 12:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Package Dome and Bradley for someone?
Brilliant!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 10, 2009 12:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PUJOLS!!
GET IT DONE JIM!!!
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by azul_cachorro on Nov 11, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MB and Hendry, both back next year?
I don’t even want to wait for next year. if that’s true. Wait till the yer after next, then. Ugh! I hope it’s just posturing.
by Fraggin Judge on Nov 9, 2009 11:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You are correct
MB and Hendry are now tied together. Hendry’s job is tied to what and how he handles MB.
That’s not true!!! WHY THE F*CK WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU AHOLE!! Ok maybe your right but you gotta give a little something here for it to work. I don’t know what I’m going to do this is the worst thing I’ve ever read, this day could not get any worse. Fine, F*ck it, you’re right.
by Ditkavsworld
by gaclaudy on Nov 10, 2009 6:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good Lord
Just eat his contract.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Nov 9, 2009 11:29 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Being professional...
… is sometimes SO overrated.
I said before the season was over I wouldn’t be surprised if he was back. Still, I hope not…
by TheHawkRules on Nov 9, 2009 11:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If the team is so gung ho about getting rid of him
I’d rather just eat half the contract in exchange for mid level prospects instead of acquiring all the awful contracts that have been speculated.
But if he does come back, then so be it. I’m a cubs fan, so I’ll root for him.
by shoemile on Nov 10, 2009 12:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Questions
- Who is Carrie Muskat?
- Can Carrie Muskat be considered a serious and informed source?
- Who is Carrie Muskat on Twitter really?
- Is Carrie Muskat of http://muskat.mlblogs.com/, Twitter and Banks to Sandberg to Grace?
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 10, 2009 2:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Preview fail....
The last question should be:
Is Carrie Muskat of http://muskat.mlblogs.com/, Twitter and Banks to Sandberg to Grace the same person?
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 10, 2009 2:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
She’s the main beat reporter for the Cubs. She does the weekly “Inbox” in the Cubs site.
I’d like to point out that nowhere in his quote (at least the portion that was published) does Hendry say “Milton may be back next year”. It’s just inferred by his “other people” comment. Definitely just posturing… at this stage….
I don't care how long you've been around, you'll never see it all.
by Dou on Nov 10, 2009 6:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Carrie Muskat is a horrible source for anything serious......
She is the Cubs Bahgdad Bob. But she is great if you need to know the lyrics of a song or a uniform number.
Just don’t expect her to answer tough questions.
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
And she asks Ed Hartig for the uniform numbers!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think she has many thoughts of her own. I think she has to check with Cubs brass before she answers questions.
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Seems that way
I’ve seen criticism of Marty Noble on the Mets blog, but he’s not afraid to criticize the team.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, Baghdad Bob...haven't heard that reference in a while.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I lile it too, but I have to admit I saw it here a couple months ago from one of the fine BCB posters.
It just fit so well……
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"The Cubs are nowhere near trading Bradley"
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just think...
If Carrie somehow hooked up with a certain ex-Cub reliever from 2000-07, they would make quite the geographical couple. I’m sure they’d be very popular in the MidEast…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 10, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Glad to hear.
I’ll be looking forward to saying I told you so to all of you Bradley bashers when Milton returns.
by Hank493 on Nov 10, 2009 2:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
As long as you agree
to come back and eat crow if he gets shipped.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Nov 10, 2009 8:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It may be posturing, however
Jim has to make a move soon, either at the GM or Winter meetings. This cannot consume the offseason.
There is going to be a LARGE number of non-tendered players this off-season due to the economy and the Cubs must be positioned by roster & financially so they can make the best moves once all those players hit the market.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 6:19 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Hendry does NOT want to have this unresolved at Cubs Convention time.
Can you imagine how excited he’d be to repeatedly answer all the inevitable questions from fans and reporters about MB’s status if he’s still a Cub come mid-January? No thanks.
Something will happen before that…
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
by Zeke on Nov 10, 2009 7:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly what I said...
either the GM mtngs or the Winter mtngs….
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 8:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it sounded familiar... ;)
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
by Zeke on Nov 10, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just found this on the Herald site
in yet another fine article by Bruce Miles: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=335359
That suspension was cheered, literally and figuratively, by Bradley’s teammates, some of whom were said to have broken out in applause after the announcement.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 6:36 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
This should put to rest forever...
… any questions about whether Bradley had any support from Cubs teammates, and also the question about whether he’ll be back. He won’t be.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 7:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming that said occurrence really occurred: Yes, you are correct
were said to have broken out
Who said exactly what, and independent confirmation would be nice, but probably too much to ask for.
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 10, 2009 7:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Since this is Bruce Miles reporting
I’d have to say its credible. By wording it the way he did, he didn’t implicate any individual player.
I do remember however an interview with Theriot (don’t know who interviewed him) where he stated in some terms he was happy with the suspension decision.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 7:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Miles is 100 percent trustworthy
His sources are solid and he will not print something that’s way off-base. Just sayin’
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Dempster was on Chicago Sports Nite saying the team would be willing to give him another chance
When Ricketts was announced, CSN had interviews with Tom, Demp, Sully and a few others. Ryan said that the team could come together and get past it. If the Cubs were winning, Milton wouldn’t be a big deal. He was run out of town for quotes and that’s just silly to me.
He wasn’t in trouble with the law, we wasn’t a Wrigleyville Drunk, he kept a low profile once he left the ballpark. On the field, he hit the cut off man, worked counts, put the ball in play, and didn’t have the power numbers we were hoping for. In the end, fans just couldn’t deal with what he said, not what he did, what he said.
This whole Milton saga illustrated two things to me.
1) The Cubs have a serious lack of leadership in the locker room, from coaching on down.
2) Why any player would talk to the press is beyond me. Look at Fukudome’s and Milton’s numbers. They’re similar for last year . Milton talked, Kosuke didn’t and our view of these two players are different because of it. If I were Hendry, I’d give Milton an extra million just to never speak to the Chicago media, that is our cheapest option in my opinion.
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 7:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest difference between Kosuke and MB
is Kosuke doesn’t come out and look to be the victim of anything, MB does. Instead of taking the high road when things are not going right, he looks for an “out”.
Best case in point was D-Lee early in the season. Did he BS around about his slump? No, he just worked to correct it and thought before he spoke.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 8:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just to be clear, it's the quotes that bother you, correct?
Specifically, the quotes at the end of the year when he talked about the hatred he received. Milton’s early season quotes put it all on him, that he was struggling and was going to work hard to get better.
If you think he should be run out of town based on performance, I think there’s five or six Cubs that should be on the next train with him.
I just find it so hard to believe that he’s being run out of town over quotes.
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
I just find it so hard to believe that he’s being run out of town over quotes.
People get fired over “quotes” all the time. Say things about your employer for public consumption and see how long you keep your job.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 8:26 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly.
He pissed off his boss… and Jim Hendry gave him a LOT of rope. Hendry is a player’s GM. If a player pissed him off to the point that he wants to deal him almost no matter what, it must have been pretty bad.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's everything
…like arguing with an ump in your 1st WF AB and getting thrown out.
…like throwing the ball into the stands after 2 outs.
It’s not just the quotes as much as a lightning rod he is for the quotes, or just the thought that there may be a sound bite from him when something does happen.
There just comes a time when a player has to bite his tongue. MB just doesn’t do that. It’s opposite of the reason why I respect so much, guys like D-Lee and Kosuke.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Everything indeed
To me, the season went like this:
… like showing up to camp overweight and out of shape (Soto)
… flailing away at low and outside sliders (Soriano)
… jogging to balls bouncing in the corners (Soriano)
… telling everyone you were hurt four months after the fact (Soriano)
… fading in the second half for the second straight year (Fukudome)
… contributing nothing on offense (Fontenot)
… not being able to throw strikes (Marmol)
… Not tieing playing time to performance (Piniella)
Milton has a track record of hitting and that’s what we need. His old batting coach was just hired and maybe he can have similar success. If the two choices are eating $21 million or dealing with quotes, maybe everyone just needs to ignore what’s said. What was said wasn’t untrue, we just didn’t want to hear it.
Bottom line, if the Cubs are winning, the quotes are sweeter. Who gives the Cubs the best option of winning, Pat Burrell (.221) or Milton Bradley?
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On the field only?
Perhaps MB is the choice, perhaps. Off the field? No way in hell.
And who’s to say that his presence will not affect others?
I’m not making any cheap excuses for the other guys but none of them are the lightning rod that is MB.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Affecting Others
If Milton’s quotes have the ability to affect others on the field, then we’re not mentally strong enough to win it all anyway. If a player is tired of the drama, it’s up to them to change it. It seems like everyone waited for Hendry to step in and then chimed in like a bunch of cowards.
To me, it all comes down to locker room leadership and I think we’re truly lacking in that department. A leader must produce on the field, and set the tone off of it.
None of us know what was said to each other in the locker room, but it sure didn’t produce the desired results.
I think Sandberg could set the tone from a managerial level. I wonder if Blanco was still here, if things would’ve been different.
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a difference in mental toughness
to deal with the challenges of the game itself. When it comes to the BS that’s associated with MB, that’s where lots of teams will have issues.
He’s best left in a place where it’s less of a fishbowl.
All the locker room leadership in the world may not have a positive affect if MB himself is determined to be a loose cannon.
I don’t know what was said either but when a credible source such as Bruce Miles reports what he did, I have to believe there was a negative tone set in that locker room that the only way it can be fixed is by the removal of MB.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line, if the Cubs are winning, the quotes are sweeter. Who gives the Cubs the best option of winning, Pat Burrell (.221) or Milton Bradley?
if the cubs traded MB for burrell, he wouldnt even be on the team come spring training
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 10, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another quote:
"Like I said all along, he’s on our roster and until he’s not on the roster that’s how you have to look at it," Hendry said. "A lot of people have had worse exits than that at the end of the year and they returned. The goal will be the best you can to put a good club on the field by spring training. Until people aren’t here, then as a GM approach it’s like they are here."
Bradley still is owed $21 million on the final two years of his deal. Hendry hasn’t spoken with Bradley but has talked quite a bit to his agent.
I can’t tell if that’s posturing or resignation that he may indeed be back if Hendry can’t get a deal….or a little of both.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 10, 2009 7:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
It has to be posturing.
What do you expect him to say? That Bradley is a clubhouse cancer and he can’t wait to dump him? Of course a GM is going to say that.
The truth is that no, there haven’t been “a lot of people” with “worse exits than that” who have returned. If anyone here believes that, name names.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 8:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If ’ol Jimbo woulda only read The Ordinary Wizarding Levels of Milton Bradley & the 2009 Chicago Cubs, he would have learned not to make the claim that Milton had a “hiccup” of a season. Evidence, per my sidekick SWL:
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Nov 10, 2009 8:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Keeping Bradley = No Playoffs
Thats what I think anyway. That would be hell and a thorn in the side of the team. He would be booed and yelled at immensely, would continue to underperform and blame everything for it. Get out of here.
2009 Cubs Record: 12-6 (11-6 home, 1-0 road)
by AndHart120 on Nov 10, 2009 8:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Muskat is being manipulated...
I’m assuming Cubs are starting to use the media to try to increase Bradley’s trade value…you look at the media reports over the last week…the Billy Williams interview, the Cubs.com story…all stuff you didn’t hear before two weeks ago.
by doc_blume on Nov 10, 2009 9:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Of course, what are they going to say?
I think the Cubs learned their lesson during the Sosa exit after the 2004 season. They went out of their way to embarrass him with the video cameras etc then wondered why they couldn’t deal him. How’d that work out?
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, not that badly.
The best thing they got out of the Sosa deal was the throw-in, Mike Fontenot. Still, your point is taken — they could have done better if they hadn’t done what they did.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's still a trend that I hope changes under new ownership
You can’t just throw someone under the bus and expect the source of all your ills to be easily traded. Even without the suspension, if I were a GM, I would outright refuse to trade for Milton Bradley under any circumstances. Bradley is a clubhouse cancer.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Nov 10, 2009 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Posturing, but not exactly the best posturing
As Sullivan is reporting that the Cubs are searching for a CF and plan on moving Fukudome back to RF. If that’s a case, then no GM is going to buy the idea that we’ll bring back MB to play CF. At the end of the day, I hope we can net a good deal, but I still fail to see what our leverage is in any negotiations involving Milton, and I still expect him gone before January 1, 2010. I still think the best case scenario is something similar to the Marquis deal.
by toonsterwu on Nov 10, 2009 10:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's a good point.
Why would Hendry openly state that he’s moving Fukudome back to right field if there’s any chance Milton could stay? Unless we’re headed toward an insanely expensive platoon arrangement.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We're not.
Hendry’s just trying to raise MB’s market value. Look, remind yourselves: Hendry turned Todd Hundley’s bad deal into Eric Karros & Mark Grudzielanek, both of whom were key parts of the 2003 division title team. And also remember this: at the time that deal was made, not a single Cubs fan I spoke to thought either of them was worth anything.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
While I'm not accusing, nor do I suspect MB of anything,
the Hundley deal took place before drug testing, steroid reports, the greenie ban, etc.
The Dodgers took Hundley on the off chance he could become the hitter he was with the Mets. Knowing the source of his Met HR power, that deal wouldn’t happen today.
MB had one year of real power and it happened in Arlington, where even Theriot would hit 15 HRs in a season.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right, but doesn't it hurt his bargaining leverage...
…to state that Milton’s position has essentially been filled? I doubt any other GM believes Bradley’s going to play center, so Hendry has basically said, “We have nowhere to play this guy.”
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
EK & Gruds not worth anything?
Really? I wasn’t singing the praise of MVP’s or the like and did think at first it was addition by subtraction but I did at least think “serviceable” when it came to EK & Gruds.
Of course maybe I thought Hundley was the albatross of all things Cub come the 21st century. I now know that was the 2nd albatross of 21st century Cubbies.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Nov 10, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would agree with most here...
…that Hendry’s quote is more than likely posturing. He can’t just come out and say, “We’ve got to move this guy – and the sooner the better!”
The Billy Williams story, however, does give me a little pause. So now we have two “fatherly” figures – Jaramillo and Williams – in the Cubs organization who could, conceivably, try to advocate on Milton’s behalf if he stays with the team. I’d still categorize this as a conspiracy theory but…well…my mind will remain open to anything until I encounter a rumor with legs.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 10:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm pleased.
And I’ll paraphrase what I wrote in another thread.
Given the deals that have been discussed, Bradley staying is clearly the best choice to put the most talented Cub team on the field in 2010. Whether that’s best for the team, well, I’ll agree to disagree there. I don’t want Rowand. I don’t want Wells. I don’t want Castillo. I’d take Bradley any day of the week, attitude problems and all. The only deal that intrigues me is the Halliday speculation (not rumor) that Bruce Miles came up with. It might be our best bet to package some prospects with MB and try to pry out a top-tier player, whomever that might be.
The suspension and harsh remarks from JH were pretty much a silly idea. I realize the issue needed to be addressed, but the very public criticism and suspension backed Hendry into a corner this offseason. The team was already floundering, and the best move may have just been to sit him 4-5 days a week and keep things ‘hush hush’ until the offseason. Hendry realized this offseason how difficult it is to trade a player he hung out to dry (and I’m not saying Bradley didn’t deserve it). Now he’s doing a bit of posturing to recover some value on MB.
One other angle that may not have been mentioned is that MB on the roster in April may not imply MB on the roster in July. If the Cubs brass is convinced Bradley needs to go but can’t find a decent deal, maybe they hang on to him and reconsider in May/June. If they could just get a decent and quiet month out of him, they could trade him with a better return.
by Kansas25 on Nov 10, 2009 10:38 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Just a little spring training hitting exhibition
eat half his contract and free up $5M plus for 2010 and 2011. Trade out of the division – Win Win.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What Hendry might call a "major hiccup"
I call diarrhea of the mouth.
I sure hope this is posturing like many of you say and not him preparing us for the possibility that the major hiccup is that no one will take him.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Nov 10, 2009 11:10 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Milton just can't stay here...
If he had pissed off either the fans, or his teammates, or his boss… then maybe he could stay. But he pissed off EVERYONE. Threw EVERYONE under the boss. There’s just no conceivable way that he can be on this roster in 2010. It would have disaster written all over it.
by kanderber on Nov 10, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd hate to be thrown under the boss:
by chilango2 on Nov 10, 2009 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
All he is now is a whinny political activist.
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Continuing the theme started by my journalism professor, I think you mean "whiny"
Here’s a whinny activist:
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You are correct
And the pic of the horse’s ass is fitting for both my error and the Boss in general.
by TJ11 on Nov 10, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ROFL
I’m not commenting either way on Springsteen, but that was funny.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 10, 2009 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just tossin' this into the mix:
@SI_JonHeyman: milton bradley’s “like oddball kid in class” with #cubs teammates. “no way he can go back,” source says.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 10, 2009 1:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Correct.
So if you were looking at a situation where baseball talent alone was deciding whether he’d stay or not, sure, maybe you’d want him back — given the fact that he’s probably going to miss anywhere from 40-60 games even in a good year.
But with all the other factors…
There. Is. Just. No. Way.
He’ll be gone. And let’s hope soon.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We've heard from one player on this issue, Ryan Dempster
He was on CSN saying that if Milton was here in the spring, his teammates and him could work it out. Until I here otherwise from other players, I’m not buying what Heyman is saying. People have a great capacity to forgive and forget, especially if you’re hitting above .300.
Also, I’m unclear of why it’s “fact” that he’ll miss 40-60 games “even in a good year”. If you want to say it’s possible or likely, fine- but let’s not call if fact. I’d also say it’s likely that Aram will be on the DL for that same amount of time and Soriano will play injurred to the detriment of the team.
Finally, I’ve been reading BCB for years and have just started to post. Can we please retire the term “clubhouse cancer”? To me, it’s akin to calling someone a Nazi and is really just a lazy way to label someone by equating them to something terrible. It’s just disrespectful to people or families battling the disease.
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Dempster was just being politically correct...
… and trying not to reduce Bradley’s trade value.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree on Dempster.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
by sue369 on Nov 10, 2009 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Players who cause
trouble in the club house have been called that for years. It’s not going to change because you don’t like it.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
by sue369 on Nov 10, 2009 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Out of curiousity...
Did you both see the interview? Are you making your judgements on what you saw, or what you believe in the greater context of the ongoing Bradley debate? Personally, I take Ryan at his word and believe teams can turn the page.
Sue, just because a term has been around for years doesn’t make it right. It’s true I don’t like the term but it’s also true that we have the power and intelligence to stop using it. Would you think it’s acceptible for a player to be referred to as clubhouse AIDS or clubhouse MS? I don’t see the difference and I absolutely hate the term.
Always loyal to Leon
by 239 Brigade on Nov 10, 2009 5:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stick and Stones.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 10, 2009 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I was there when Dempster was giving the interview.
Surrounded by microphones at Wrigley Field at the press conference where his new boss was being introduced, what would you think he would say? That Bradley’s a jerk and he (Dempster) is glad he’s gone?
Dempster was being politically correct.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 10, 2009 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and what is Dempster going to do if, come May 2010, Bradley is still around?
He’ll have the spotlight on him just as much then. Is he going to quit on the team because he doesn’t like Milton Bradley or is he going to go out and try to win games? I’m pretty sure he’ll go out and try to win games. Extend this to all the players. They won’t have much choice but to try and work it out. That doesn’t mean they’ll like it, but it does mean it will basically happen.
by aldimond on Nov 11, 2009 1:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They will, but...
… they won’t have to worry about it. Bradley will be gone.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Nov 11, 2009 7:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I did see the interview
and I still believe he was just being politically correct. I also saw the interviews of the players after MB was suspended. I was a defender of MB’s but after he was suspended it became obvious to me he needs to go.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
by sue369 on Nov 11, 2009 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever they decide to do...
they need to do ASAP. The guy is going to be a distraction on this team without the season even going on. They need to make some sort of move and eat whatever amount of money they have to or this is going to just go on and on and before you know it, it’ll be spring training. Do it, deal with it and let’s move on.
by Easy Ed on Nov 10, 2009 3:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
not about MB but..
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/11/cubs-rumors-marmol-payroll-theriot.html
Hendry was also asked whether middle infield was a priority this winter, and replies: “Not necessarily. I’m very happy with Ryan [Theriot].” He adds that Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles had disappointing 2009 seasons, but that he expects them to bounce back next year.
ah crap
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 10, 2009 4:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Need a .gif of their heads knocking together to evidence the bounce back
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Nov 10, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 10, 2009 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Were happy with our minor league middle if"
….I know you have to sing the company song, but aren’t you always looking to get better?? How are you not doing your if your not?
This is more about miles and fonty then the servicable theriot btw
by JB 23 on Nov 10, 2009 11:50 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was talking
more about the Theriot-Baker combination…cuz that didn’t work too badly.
Aqui viene el Toro Venezolano, Carlos Zambrano, a batear...el lanzamiento...A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by azul_cachorro on Nov 11, 2009 10:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs GM Jim Hendry says Cubs GM Jim Hendry wont be back in 2010
is what I want to hear
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.
by bren on Nov 10, 2009 6:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
the debate
about bradley being a good guy or bad guy is kinda moot. the big problem is he cant keep his mouth shut.when you start badmouthing the organization you work for thats not good.
by NOMAR on Nov 14, 2009 7:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
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