Keep Bradley And Move On!
by mudd on Dec 10, 2009 12:19 PM CST
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Trade him, cut him, keep him. What else can be done? No other team seems to want him. The Cubs have said they dont want to cut him so I guess the only thing left is to keep him.
I would guess Bradley wants out of the Cubs organization as much as the Cubs want him out. Bradley wants a fresh start somewhere just like the fresh start he got in Chicago. Well we all know he screwed up his latest fresh start and he will screw up the next one as well. He is a spoiled "I" player who to my knowledge has never taken responsibility for his actions.
Who knows if the Cubs come out and say they are going to keep him and run him out to right field maybe the guy will quit? Probably not, but I for one would not want to run out to right field knowing that everyone in the stands hates me.
It doesnt really matter. The distraction will goes away if the Cubs tell everyone he is staying. I would rather focus on winning with what we have. Quit talking about Bradley. Lets find another starting pitcher.
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Cubs have precisely two options...
A. Cut Bradley and eat $20 million
B. Eat crow and begin a reconciliation process with the toxic Bradley
===
Cubs are not going to move Milton Bradley in a deal. Nobody wants him at any price. And the latest theory floated by Al that the Cubs have 4 months to move Milton is a load of hoey. He will be just as immovable on March 1st as he is on December 10th.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Well, Crane Kenney has already stated publicly...
…that they aren’t going to do Option A. And the team has shown no signs of considering Option B. I would disagree that nobody wants him at any price. It appears the Rays will still take him in exchange for Burrell, but the Cubs are going to have cover all of Milton’s 2011 salary.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
And I would do that.
It’s an expensive lesson, but a necessary one.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I figured that.
But now this oops is above your reply.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, it's what needs to happen.
I would guess Hendry is just exploring every possible alternative before giving in. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay knows that and isn’t budging on its terms.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
One question
Does Burrell have positive trade value given his salary? I mean, if you could put him on waivers today, would a team claim him? If Burrell doesn’t have positive trade value then trading MB for him and paying all of MB’s 2011 salary makes absolutely no sense. If it comes to that, you just release MB instead of acquiring another financial problem in Burrell.
Well, I'm tempted to say the question is moot...
…because, as mentioned above, Crane Kenney has already gone on record saying the Cubs will not release Milton Bradley under any circumstances. As far as Burrell’s trade value goes…uh, I dunno. He had a negative WAR in ‘09, and I believe there are a lot of DH types on the market. So I’d guess Pat’s trade value is pretty low, if not negative. But I’m still hopeful he could succeed in a Jake Fox-like role for the Cubs for a season.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Sure
The guy has been good offensively his entire career (can’t explain his horrid 2009) and he certainly could be a useful bench player. However, benching a guy who has been a starter his whole career is just asking for trouble. It would be really stupid to acquire Burrell, pay all of MB’s salary and then have to take on another bad contract to trade Burrell to another team. I know this is the team that signed Miles for two years and 5+ million, but c’mon.
Btw, I don’t think too much about what Kenney said. He has to say that regardless, otherwise other teams would just wait for the Cubs to release Bradley and then try to acquire him for the minimum.
Right.
Burrell had a pretty good year in 2008. He could be of some use to an AL team that has an injury to a DH or even to a 1B, because he could be moved to 1B.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes, but
Sure he could be useful to an AL team. But the question to ask is whether he would be useful at a cost of 9 million. Would a team give Burrell 9 million for 2010 if he was a free agent (after his performance in 2009)? If not, then he has negative trade value.
Right, but we're trying to get rid of a highly compensated, disgruntled employee here.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
That's a good point about what Kenney said...
…but, if that were the case, he should have toned down his rhetoric. He basically implied releasing Bradley would be cowardly or dishonorable, so if they do it now, he – and the Cubs – are going to look quite silly.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
this quote?
“And eat $21 million?” asked Kenney. “I have 21 million reasons why we’re not releasing him. If there’s any prospect we can get back, players who can help us, or save some of the money (to do other things with), why wouldn’t we explore that? … We don’t have an unlimited budget.”
the only thing i get out of that (aside from his mastery of the obvious), is desperation and anger at the mere notion of flushing $21M down the toilet in the middle of a recession.
No, this quote:
“We don’t run away from our problems,‘’ Kenney said. "That fact it’s painful doesn’t change anything.’’
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
some would argue that
dumping Bradley while paying 80%+ of his salary is running away from your problems.
Yeah, I agree.
My point was just that Kenney comes off as way too emotional in that quote. When asked about releasing Bradley, he should’ve just said something like, “We’re not considering that option at this time.”
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Not really.
It’s admitting you made a mistake, taking the heat ($) for it and moving on.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Option C
Stick him on the bench, watch him fume until he explodes and then we can stop paying him for breach of contract.
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
If it is a forgone conclusion that he'll "explode" anyways...
… why not let him play till he does, instead of benching him?
And if it isn’t forgone that he’ll “explode”, why not just keep him?
Your comment makes no sense!
I anxiously await the reasonable trading of Milton Bradley.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Dec 10, 2009 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry...
I was meaning it as a joke forgot /sarcasim button on the bottom
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
Isn’t MUDD a brand of female jeans?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Primus f'ing rules!!!
My fantasy teams, Mr. Krinkle’s Minions, are named after one of their songs.
"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
Ha, that's awesome.
I actually haven’t listened to them much for a long time, but Mudd’s name reminded me of that song. I saw them back in…lemme think here…’94 or ’95 in DeKalb. Amazing show.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Your statement...
The distraction will goes away if the Cubs tell everyone he is staying.
is false.
If the Cubs tell everyone he is staying, the distraction starts again on day one of spring training. Or maybe even at the Cubs Convention, when management gets an earful of fans who are upset with the whole thing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Cubs Convention...
… would it be wrong to think that the Cubs management will probably get an earful about MB? Regardless if he is still around…
by TheHawkRules on Dec 10, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
for $21M the Ricketts might be wise to hire a polling company to determine
exactly how unpalatable MBs return would really be. if he has a 30% approval right now, and they believe a ‘hug it out’ press conference would get him anywhere near 50%, it might be something they seriously consider. like in politics, 4 months in sports (and its endless 24/7 news cycle) is a long, long time. it’s outside of the box time.
Maybe, but...
… even if they polled now and found something like 50%, that number is going to plummet the minute he reports to spring training and the circus starts all over again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
there's nothing the media
loves to lap up better than a second chance story. if orchestrated properly, the Ricketts, with some help from the pavlovian media, can change the narrative by spring training; the ‘circus’ would be to cover a story of redemption, a fresh start, Jesus helped me through this tough time, etc.
That'd be lovely, wouldn't it?
The chances of that happening for real are about equal to the chances of me being elected king of Canada.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Agreed.
Sorry, Mudd, but both the sentence and the sentiment are categorical fails.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd
Is that you!?!
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
I agree that Bradley should be kept.
Given his career history, I imagine he’ll be more productive in this coming year than in 2009. And I think it’s a little odd to essentially burn $20+ million to avoid dealing with some unpleasantness. I’ve heard all the stories, and frankly I had more difficult work conditions when I was a cashier at the gift shop of the Lincoln Park Zoo.
by HereComesASpecialBoy on Dec 10, 2009 1:01 PM CST reply actions
Based on his career history the Cubs can expect
he will get hurt (check)
go psycho (check)
play the race card (check)
say he is not respected (check)
be a good hitter (still waiting on that one)
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 10, 2009 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
missed that one
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 10, 2009 4:54 PM CST up reply actions
This Chicago Cubs team is currently Aaron free. Keep it that way, please.
by jesus christos on Dec 10, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
gracias
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 12, 2009 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
And
that was well-known before JH signed him to a three year deal. Sure, let’s dump him, trade him, and eat his salary cause that’s the American way. When things aren’t going right, we tend to just throw things away instead of trying remedy the situation that we’ve made. Even with the distractions (why do Cub fans have so much power over mgmt’s decisions?), the Cubs are a better team with him, rather than a Burrell or some other retread on the FA market.
We're not scaremongering (nightmare of a season continues), this is really happening (Bears are more than done) - Radiohead
He'll be gone by Jan. 15 (that's what I have in the pool, anyways)
For better or worse, the die has been cast. Given MB’s statements about the fans and team, the Cubs cannot in good conscience bring him back and expect “all to be forgiven” between Bradley and Cubs fans.
The Cubs will eat money and move him. Keep in mind that last year, the Cubs did not make their major roster moves until Dec. 31; that is 3 weeks from today. The Cubs have 5 weeks (until Jan. 15, the beginning of the Cubs Convention) to try and find a better deal than what they’ve discussed with Tampa before they are, in theory, forced into accepting that offer. One way or another, he’ll be gone.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Let's play with this scenario.
I don’t think it’s likely at all, but let’s play with it. The Cubs would have to unite in an attitude of refusal to comment or notice Bradley – like parents with a two year old throwing a temper tantrum. You ignore it so long as it doesn’t veer towards causing someone harm.
On the field, you could look for a cheap CF in the mold of Ryan Church (below average defense) or Chris Young (questionable bat) and move Dome back to RF and say that Bradley is Dome’s platoon partner. How would Bradley take it? It would be interesting to see.
Is he traded yet?
No that is not what you do.
You make some effort to repair the damage the Cubs have done in handling this. You say things were just bad last year and everyone was frustrated. Milton can be very charming and fan friendly when he wants to be. You convince him it is everyone’s best interest if he comes the Convention, yes seriously. You get Lou to say how he looks forward to seeing him the lineup. I don’t care if he chokes on those words because it is part of the job. Lou continues that he will see how things go in Spring Training to decide on who plays where in the OF. Sign another vet but skip Cameron, Byrd etc unless Ricketts gives you another 20 million for the budget.
The only time you cut players due 21 million over 2 years is if they TOTALLY SUCK and have no real chance of improving. That is NOT the case with Bradley. Look Jeff Kent who was HATED by nearly all of his teammates played for what 20 years ? Milton is NOT hated by his teammates. His issues are with media , the management and the fans but too bad as long as he can be a useful player you keep him and see how he does. If you can’t get past the "distraction’ of Milton Bradley , you are not going to win anyway.
If they can get a trade of some value fine but if not Milton Bradley should stay on the team . I don’t want to cut him because he upsets Lou or Hendry or the fans for even some players , lose 21 million and watch him produce for a new team. And if you think he is going to really screw up like refuse to do what Lou tells him ( which I don’t believe he would do) then you can cut him for cause and keep your money.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice
I could see this happening, not very likely but it could happen.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Dec 10, 2009 1:33 PM CST up reply actions
See who blinks first!
It might be the best shot we have.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Dec 10, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
Well that's definitely part of what I'm wondering... re: cutting him for cause.
After last year, the Cubs can make the case statistically that Dome should play RF v. RHP and Bradley v. LHP. Bradley can be told he has to earn more playing time, not only by performance on the field, but also within the clubhouse.
If you did that, would Milton do something that would give you cause to cut him if you said, “He’s our platoon RF and we’re not commenting on anything else he does.”
DS – you seem to be in the camp that thinks his issues are not with anyone in the clubhouse. I don’t know. I think initially you were right, but sides were taken – hence the players’ press statements. We’ll see, perhaps – perhaps not.
Is he traded yet?
I don't find the players statements especially damming.
They are clearly angry at him for attacking the fans and dissing playing in Chicago but I don’t think he is a clubhouse
asshole ( which I prefer to cancer) like Kent, Farnsworth and others. In order to be suspended for cause it would have to be something like refusing to practice, not going to pinch hit when Lou asked him , etc. Just saying nasty things gets you that fake you are suspended but we are paying you anyway and you stay on the roster thing which is no good.
What makes Bradely SO frustrating is that he can be a perfectly nice guy and my friend says the lady from that cardiac survivors group who he stopped to talk to still raves about him. He does have some friends in baseball but at the same time he brings anger management to new heights. You just want to shake him and tell him he REALLY, REALLY needs to get some professional help
My line on Milton continues to be the old phrase " just because I am paranoid does not mean everyone isn’t out to get me"
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
Unfortunately
none of those friends are on the Cub roster. I heard that he is int the same fantasy football league as Theriot and a few others, but no one talks to him.
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions
That's probably because he is beating the crap out them in the fantasy league
and he traded Theriot Cutler for Favre before the start of the season.
Just kidding of course but in the end I really don’t care if no one is talking to him in the off season. It is not a reason to cut a potentially productive player and eat 21 million.
Look I am not a Bradley fan but I think the venom against him is just illogical ( Worf help me here). There is a better way to handle this than cutting him.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
I would hope so
but I just don’t think we are dealing with a rational person. I think that when Hendry made the deal, he didn’t think that Bradley would do things that would intentionally harm him, but it seems that is exactly what he’s doing.
Bradley could easily “play the role” and he’ll sign another big contract after this, but he shot himself in the foot too. He cost himself at least another $30M if not more with this stunt. he does have a lot to gain by just acting like a good guy, but I don’t think he has it in him.
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
Well then it is a win-win for the Cubs
If he does something crazy involving his playing like refuse to do something Lou tells him to ( ok provided it is not to stick his head up his ass) the Cubs suspend him FOR cause, if he actually does work his charm he can be a productive member of the team. Either of these beats cutting him and snacking on 21 million while he goes to Tampa.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
That's assuming that things can't get worse
and I think they can. I’m trying to think about this in any way that least hurts the Cubs, because I think it’s obvious that there is no good solution here, only least horrible.
I think that Bradley is a person that will continue to do things that are detrimental to the team and, like I wrote, he doesn’t do things that are rational. I don’t believe he can be motivated or incented in any positive way that can be predictable.
There’s just going to be crazy things that he does. There’s no stop to it. If you’re a fan, you just hope he’s not on your team.
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
He DID refuse to pinch-hit when asked
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 Dec 10, 2009 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
Then the Cubs should have suspended him for cause
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
That was around the time that the suspension was handed out.
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 Dec 10, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions
Right.
I suspect the Cubs didn’t want to try to suspend him without pay, which would have brought the MLBPA in, and perhaps an arbitrator, etc.
Just sending him home was likely the best idea at the time.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Y'know, I must admit...
…this thought crossed my mind this past season, too. I think, at the time, the idea of platooning two guys with salaries as big as Bradley’s and Fukudome’s was out of the question. But, hey, I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to it if doing so was the only way to make the arrangement work. (Disclaimer: I realize Bradley more than likely isn’t coming back to the team. We are speaking typing hypothetically.)
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Dome is too good to have a platoon partner
So is Bradley. If you’re gonna keep him, you definitely have to play him – he isn’t a question mark on the field.
by vivaelpujols on Dec 11, 2009 1:07 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, there's that, too.
Plus, Dome would get most of the ABs, leaving Milton to sit glowering on the bench.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
No he isn't
Left handed pitchers owned Fukudome last year. And Bradely actually hits better right-handed.
Agree, it was a small sample
But his performance in it was so bad Piniella stopped playing him, including a lot of “swing two feet above a slider” moments. He was much better in 2008, but last season LHPs may have had a book on him.
Fukudomes splits from 2009 are interesting for another reason – he had 536 PAs against RHPs. Clearly no one line up their LHPs to face the Cubs.
Bradley isn't going to wear a Cub uni agian unless he buys one
He is toxic, toxic, toxic. Let’s not forget that Piniella called him a piece of (crap). I heard on the radio this mornign that he’s had no contact with anyone – players, management, anyone. The guy was told to pinch hit and he refused.
You can’t come back from that. Bradley’s Cub playing days are over as far as the Cubs are concerned.
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 1:47 PM CST reply actions
There is no question Bradley has gone undercover
I can’t say I would believe for certain he has had no contact with players but only because I have no idea how you can be sure of such a thing. As for the refusing to pinch hit , I have heard that too now if true the Cubs could have suspended him FOR CAUSE.
They may have chosen not to since it was Sept etc but they have done themselves no favors in how they have handled ( take our crappy. malcontent player , please ?). If Bradley should refuse that kind of instruction even in Spring Training he could be suspened for cause but the Cub would have to be very careful about documenting that stuff.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
Are there any lawyers here ?
I have heard the same stories about MB .. Not pinch hitting when asked to .. Also some of the other stuff that went on .. You would THINK maybe just maybe the Cubs can file a lawsuit for breach of contract .. Any lawyers ?
You don't need a lawsuit
If he did that he can be suspended WITHOUT pay. It may be he did and they decided since it was Sept they really didn’t
care about dragging it out so suspended him with pay but they would NEVER do that during the real season. If Bradley were to refuse any reasonable order from Lou they can dump him and the contract.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 9:35 PM CST up reply actions
Not quite that easy.
You’d get the MLBPA involved, lawyers and arbitrators, and it would stretch out for months.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If Bradley wants out so badly...
…I’m sure he wouldn’t mind accepting some sort of buyout, say $5M. But we all know that’s NEVER going to happen.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Well Bradley may be crazy but his not stupid.
Would you give back 5 million ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not suggesting he should/would.
It makes no sense for him to accept a buyout of guaranteed money in that amount. I’m addressing the OP’s idea that he wants out as badly as the Cubs want him gone.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
♪You down with the OP♫?
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 Dec 11, 2009 9:42 AM CST up reply actions
LOL, what?
He’s still owed, like, $21 million, isn’t he?
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
The best any other team would offer
him at this point if a buyout was reached for be 4-5 million, so it would take a 10-12 buyout from us which is basically what the Rays are asking for.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Dec 10, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
My point exactly.
The OP said he wants out as badly as the Cubs. That’s simply not true and if it were, he’d take some sort of reasonable buyout.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
If we kept Bradley,
maybe he would try his best at first to see where it gets him. If there is one thing about Cubs fans, they can be your friend when things are good, and will turn on you in a blink of an eye is you start doing bad. He needs to accept this fact, shut up, and put up.
He has always had the reputation as a perfectionist and a hard player. His “will to win” is what apperently makes people in the clubhouse hate him because he points out other people’s flaws.
If he comes out and hits 14 RBIs in the first 10 games, people will start rooting for Gameboard again, maybe.
by Don't Fear the Reaper on Dec 10, 2009 3:07 PM CST reply actions
You could have said this a year ago.
It didn’t work then. It won’t work now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
How did his "will to win"
kick in when he refused to pinch hit when Piniella wanted him to?
I think that’s all BS. He has no “will to win”. He may in fact be a perfectionist, but it’s only on the things that he wants to be perfect at. Winning games is not it. Perhaps he wants to protect his OBP or his average. In most cases, this will be good, but not in all.
The last time that someone hit .400, Williams was asked if he wanted to sit the last game of the season so that he could protect his .400 average. If he went 1 for 4, he would have gone under .400. He wanted to play because it was the right thing to do. He respected the game. Does anyone think that Bradley would do the same in that situation?
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 3:18 PM CST up reply actions
maybe his will was crushed by the time he was asked to pinch hit?
I don’t know, I was just trying to think of anything that would happen if wasn’t traded. Do I want his cancerous personality on the team? NO. We as fans can do nothing about it. Things will happen, and hopefully for the better.
by Don't Fear the Reaper on Dec 10, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
That's an awfully weak "will to win" then
Derrick Lee played hard all year. I think Soriano did too even though he was injured. While ultimately it hurt the team and wasn’t smart, I do think he at least tried to help the team. The easy thing to do would have been to sit.
I get that you are trying to figure out a good solution and probably wish that Hendry would have never gotten the Cubs into this situation in the first place, but I think it’s getting to be a fool’s errand at this point. This is a totally messed up situation. There is only least worst at this point.
by jerry morales rules on Dec 10, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions
Actually, that question has been answered in real life.
At Texas, there were stories about Bradley sitting out games to keep his numbers up. Call him the anti-Ted Williams.
If he does stay
Maybe we can all have a BCB bet onto what day he snaps and get suspended in 2010!
Let's see
He’ll try and be good for the first week. Of course this will cause him to struggle because he’ll be pushing too hard to get off to a good start, which will lead to him failing, causing the boos to come, causing him to upset, causing him to bat destory the Gatorade machine, causing Lou’s head to explode as he attempt to curse of MB, causing Bradley to transform into the Hulk, and Hulk smash, so I’ve May 23.
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
Opening Day is going to be brutal....
….if Gameboard jogs out to RF in the top of the first. Brutal.
And the reaction he’s going to get is EXACTLY the kind of publicity the Cubs’ front office wants to avoid.
Al, has any Cub been met with a chorus of boos on opening day during the player introductions? It always seems like it’s “hey, it’s a new season we love everyone on this team” type of reaction on opening day. But I don’t think that would be the case if MB stayed.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
I can't think of anyone.
Plus, he will have already gone through a spring training — likely with some issues, there always are some — and a week’s worth of road games.
If he went 0-for-that-first-road-trip? Could be real dangerous out there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
IS THAT A THREAT!!!????
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 10, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
Al's got a pretty strong right arm...
…but I’m not sure even he could throw a Big Gulp that far.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
The irony of it all
Would be if Bradley stays. Cubs win World Series and he becomes MVP.
I could forgive him if that happened.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 10, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions
id have to add some salt to it
but id probably do it..
This Chicago Cubs team is currently Aaron free. Keep it that way, please.
by jesus christos on Dec 10, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions
Sad part
I think some fans still wouldn’t be happy…
Well, I would, despite my feelings about him.
But the chances of that happening are about equal to the chances of me being elected king of England.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Welcome to Bleed Bradley Blue
Here at BBB, or Triple B as the long-time faithful will tell you, that Al Yellon strives to ensure that every Bradley is observed and reported on. Milton Bradley, the savior of the Cubs, was once a maglined player but since winning the World Series for the Cubs, Al will not allow one negative thing to be posted about him.
Come on in, express your thoughts, but ensure that you worship at the Shrine of Bradley.
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
Y'know if I had a lot of time on my hands...
…I would’ve started a “Trade Milton Bradley” blog the day after he was suspended. I certainly wouldn’t have lacked content.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
Could have been a sub-blog (is there such a thing) of BCB
Ran it through here had a seperate link on the side, would of a bunch of hits. Could have really sold some advertising.
Hey if the trade does go or Milton is cut, want to work something out on it? We’ll cut Al in for say 20% of the profits?
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
Forgetaboutit
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
No chance.
I realize we are dealing in the extreme hypothetical here… but Bradley isn’t the type of player that wins MVP’s.
Slightly more likely scenario: Bradley stays, cubs win world series, and he drives in the winning run at the end of the deciding game. Do fans cheer? Do his teammates mob him? Very interesting to consider.
Also interesting: The last five (non-pitcher) world series MVP awards have been given to guys who have had a BA of above .400 in the series.
I anxiously await the reasonable trading of Milton Bradley.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Dec 10, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions
BRRRRRR...
The devil just got chills.
"Anyone on our team that thinks we are cursed will be moved to a lesser-cursed team"
-Tom Ricketts
Fire Hendry and Move On
just had to say it
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 agree with bren
Time to move on .. 3rd highest payroll and the Cubs will be lucky to place third behind the Brewers and Cardinals ..
Agreed
Jim Hendry has so hamstrung this organization for two years running that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Frankly, I’m pissed off that the Ricketts don’t have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right. My God, they had nearly one year to vet the Cubs and analyze the organization before the sale was consummated…WHAT precisely do they have to evaluate for the next year before changing over the front office?!?! Would you let the Captain Hazleton of Exxon Valdez fame keep steering the ship after he crashed it and cut open the hull?!?! Of course not !!
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Al, what is your assessment right now
You keep insisting that Milton Bradley is done in a Cub uniform. And you keep insisting that because the Cub organization has sent clear signals to support that.
But given that…
A. Ricketts says the Cubs won’t cut Bradley and swallow his salary….
B. There are NO TAKERS for Bradley’s services, even in a salary wash deal
Then….what in the hell do you suggest happens next?!?! And I don’t want to hear this tired argument that there is a market for Bradley (Ken Rosenthal was full of crap) and / or that the Cubs have several months to move Bradley. Fact is Bradley will be just as immovable, if not even moreso, as the calendar ticks away to spring training.
So what happens now?!?! The way I see it Ricketts eats a crap sandwich and swallows $20 million or the Cubs begin a reconciliation process with Bradley.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Your second given isn't a given, yet.
Just because he wasn’t traded this week doesn’t mean there are no takers.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Wonder if he becomes more marketable
if some AL team has a corner OF/DH come up lame in spring training?
Possible.
But do you want to take that chance?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
at this point, it appears to be the only chance we have
his market value is clearly nothing now, and as the calendar moves closer to the new year, it’s rather obvious that teams aren’t interested in trading for him, without the Cubs paying a huge portion of his contract
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 15, 2009 7:37 PM CST up reply actions
Hendry is now saying............
February. Ugh.
I read "by Christmas" somewhere...
…but February wouldn’t surprise me either.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
In an article on cubs.com. Here’s the link. Check the first paragraph along with references to “spring” and “before spring training”
That's the writer's speculation.
Hendry said “before spring training”. That could be tomorrow, or Feb. 10. We just don’t know.
I’m hoping “tomorrow”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
please. You don't say before Spring Training if you mean "before Christmas"
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 15, 2009 7:37 PM CST up reply actions
I love that headline by the way
“Stays Patient” as opposed to, “absolutely effed up the only real move you could make, and so don’t do a damn thing”
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Dec 15, 2009 7:39 PM CST up reply actions
I have a feeling...
that the only contract that Ricketts would be willing to eat will be Hendry’s at the end of the 2010 season. The bad backloaded contracts that he allowed after the 06 season are coming back to haunt him now. He outbid himself by three years and 40 mil for Soriano’s services. It was the Tribunes money at the time, but now Ricketts is left paying the bill. Not a good situation for a new owner to deal with. I’m sure that Ricketts would have loved to make a big splash, but Hendry has made it impossible for him to do so.
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