Jon Heyman On Milton Bradley - Bleed Cubbie Blue

Interesting...

It does at least stick a hole in the “Milton is a good teammate and clubhouse guy” bucket.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 3, 2009 3:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

only if you believe the author.

it’s not like he offers any evidence thereof. Bradley’s teammates are pretty supportive, past and present.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 3, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, really.

The remark comes off like a cheap shot. Kinda like this one from Gordo on Twitter yesterday:

Right calf strain on Bradley. Third body part already for $30-million OF, counting spring — not counting head.

He better hope Milton isn’t a tweeter.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 3, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a difficult time

imagining Heyman making that statement without there being some basis. But if you chose to believe otherwise,…

by Damen Jackson on Jun 3, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

Heyman is fairly well-respected and very connected. I doubt very much he made up what he wrote about Bradley and the Rangers.

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Jun 3, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

show me evidence.

I don’t care WHO makes the statement. Everything I’ve ever read about Milton Bradley says that his teammates think he’s a great guy who deserves more support than he gets from the press and from the fans.

Show me something that says differently, and I’ll evaluate it.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 3, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jon Heyman's article says differently.

So why would you believe other writings but not his? He has no particular bone to pick with Bradley. Why would he write this if it weren’t true?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 3, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

but like anyone else, make a statement and provide some supporting evidence, right Al?

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing...

… Heyman spoke to some of those Rangers. My guess is that they agreed to talk if their names weren’t published.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

which is fine

if he mentioned “according to some I have spoken with” or something along that line

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's implicit in the statement, isn't it?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but why is it

all reports seem to point to him being a good teammate from interviews, etc except when a reporter is posting a negative spin on him? I posted a few links and quotes below (and seems others are as well).

Seems people are looking for a scapegoat for Hendry, and MB is their #1 target, and it is unfair to him. An article like this explains to me exactly why MB doesnt like to talk to the media, and I cannot say I blame him

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

then it's heresay.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then a lot of reporting is if sources aren't revealed

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sure

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well for one thing

because it’s a two line blurb that doesn’t reference anyone specifically, whereas specific Bradley teammates have stepped up and publicly supported him. Heyman provides no evidence.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The bottom line is...

… that players don’t call out other players in public. It simply doesn’t happen. If reporters ask for PUBLIC comments, players are universally supportive of their teammates.

Privately, though, that’s a different matter.

Can you name specific teammates that have supported Bradley and give direct quotes from them?

I thought not.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course I can.

There was a New York Times interview with Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton. It was linked to this very board. Hamilton was VERY supportive.

Cmon, Al. You thought not? Give me a break.

This is a two-line throw-away in what is, essentially, a sports gossip column. I will put no credence in statements made without supporting evidence.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, that's one.

Name some more.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DLee did this season

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here are a few

http://www.mouthpiecesports.com/blog/2009/05/20/out-of-the-ivy-is-milton-bradley-a-good-teammate/

perfect paragraph with links

But I have a problem with his statement by Abbatacola because it goes against everything I’ve heard. There are a couple of things on this site that suggest Bradley has a good relationship with the people around him. Carlos Zambrano thinks he’s a good guy. And Bradley and Jake Peavy seemed to get along. He and Ryan Theriot hug in the dugout, make bets and share bats. And Bobby Scales told ESPN 1000 yesterday that Bradley is one of the best teammates he’s ever had (here, at about 51:00).

here is another article about how everyone raves about him as a teammate

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/108912-milton-bradley-so-much-criticism-so-little-knowledge

and that is just a few links that came up via Google. I do not buy into him being a bad teammate, or a clubhouse cancer. The guy gives 100% on every play and that is something I respect and appreciate. It is a lot like Griggey Jr who has a history of injuries, and like MB, they are usually from going all out rather than loafing it.

My point being is we’ve heard nothing but positive things from Bradly’s teammates, coaches, and past announcers. Josh Hamilton, Frank Thomas, and Josh Lewin (Texas Rangers announcer) are just a few.

Believe it or not, the Chicago Cubs actually do background checks. Hendry has spoken with numerous players and coaches about Bradley, and the reaction is the same across baseball. Bradley plays the game extremely hard, and is a good teammate. He sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him, but he is one of the hardest working players in the game.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

post fail

this paragraph

and that is just a few links that came up via Google. I do not buy into him being a bad teammate, or a clubhouse cancer. The guy gives 100% on every play and that is something I respect and appreciate. It is a lot like Griggey Jr who has a history of injuries, and like MB, they are usually from going all out rather than loafing it.

is my opinion

this one

Believe it or not, the Chicago Cubs actually do background checks. Hendry has spoken with numerous players and coaches about Bradley, and the reaction is the same across baseball. Bradley plays the game extremely hard, and is a good teammate. He sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him, but he is one of the hardest working players in the game.

is part of the quote from the link above it.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sigh.

First of all, you said “can you name one” and I did in five second. Secondly:

Z says he and Milton relate.

Bobby Scales tells ESPN 1000 that Bradley is one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

Ryan Theriot makes bets and shares bats with Milton Bradley.

After Royals announcer made some unkind remarks about him, Many players tried to console Bradley, who had his head down at his locker.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

woo hoo

we posted the same ones, but you didnt include that he and Peavy get along….but who is Peavy?

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't see the Peavy one. :D

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What, nothing on Brian Roberts?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

not sure about Roberts, but the Gatorade Machine never complained about MB, but was unhappy with Dempster as a teammate I bet

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yuppers

check here

http://www.mouthpiecesports.com/blog/2009/05/20/out-of-the-ivy-is-milton-bradley-a-good-teammate/

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay truth and facts!

Two of my favorite things in the world.

"Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them, well, I have others." - Groucho Marx

by Keith on Jun 4, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm suprised at this, Al

I really am.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ditto

i believe it is that people want a “reason” and MB is an easy target for them, to blame for the Cubs not running away with the division. By people I mean media in particular, but there are some fans on that same boat (not saying Al is, but there are some and we have heard from them on here even)

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

By people I mean media in particular, but there are some fans on that same boat (not saying Al is,

which is why I’m so surprised that Al is talking this way.

He’s played in 39 games. There’s only been 50 in the season so far. His teammates, current and past, support him. He’s quite clearly and obviously been jobbed by the media and the umps. He COULD dog it. He’s got a multi-million dollar contract that’s guaranteed for this year and next, even if he DIDN’T make it to 75 games. He could easily sit back and coast.

So if he’s such a bastard, and loser, why is he pulling his calf running out routine grounders to short?

Milton Bradley is flawed, just like all the rest of us. I fail to see why that should make him a target.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs

That's a well-stated argument

Rec’d

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

and if he was only playing for his 75 game clause to kick in, wouldnt loafing make more sense, so he would not risk missing a game?

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and rec'd

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh, I dunno.

I really do want to like Milton Bradley. He’s becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy with the injuries. I have no doubt he wants to win very badly. He may be one of those players prone to injury.

FWIW, though he has played in 39 games, he has started 33. Just FYI.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No argument on that, either

But Drew stated his case well above.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but that doesnt make him a bad teammate

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok. in 2009

Derrek Lee has been in 40.
Soto has been in 42.
Rami has been in — and I didn’t realize this — EIGHTEEEN.

Ryan Theriot is the only player who has played in 50 games.

I never said that Bradley wasn’t injury prone. He is. He could actually stand to be a little less muscular below the hips — that’s a big reason why players get leg injuries is that you can strengthen muscles, but not the tendons and ligaments, ESPECIALLY where the attach.

Tim and I showed you several instances of players saying he’s a good teammate when you said I couldn’t name even one. Meanwhile, Heyman produces… rumors and whispers. Yet you question me, and support him when all he’s doing is dragging a player on a team that you have season tickets to.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, I believe you.

Like I said, I want Bradley to succeed. I agree re: him being perhaps overmuscled and this may make him more prone to injuries like the ones he’s had this year.

I hope he doesn’t have to go on the DL and he comes back and has a June to remember.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

me too.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we all do Al

even those who hate him want him to produce I am sure. It is a simple out for many to blame him, since he is an easy target.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watching Cubs fans this year

…is like watching a lab experiment to prove the existence of confirmation bias.

by Wreckard on Jun 4, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm tiring of him as well...

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Jun 3, 2009 3:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I just feel bad for Milton now

The best thing for him would be to get out of the spotlight for a bit, the problem is you can’t avoid the spotlight in Chicago, which is probably the thing that will doom him this year.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 3, 2009 3:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A week in Iowa could be what he needs

to get his swing back and get outof the spotlight

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good. Hope he doesn't get to 75 games so the clause doesn't kick in. A saving grace admist a craptastic season for GameBoard.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jun 3, 2009 3:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So in other words

You hate Bradley more than you like the Cubs. Because they need him to play 75 games and if you could see through your blind hate you’d see he was starting to hit.

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 3, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sheesh

“blind hate” pretty harsh.

Sorry have to call you out on this, we all defended you when BM told you to “pound sand” the other day. This “blind hate” stuff is pretty uncalled for, IMO.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Jun 3, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some of us have

eyes wide open hate toward players

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jun 3, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You do throw around that word with rather shameful alacrity.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 3, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That point below notwithstanding...

She still uses the term “hate” like it’s going out of style…

by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 3, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look

I’m one of the biggest Bradley fans on the board, but I don’t think that thinking he was a bad signing means that Dan hates him.

He just doesn’t like him.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 3, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, let's be fair to dtpollitt here

It’s not like he’s come out and said he hates him or anything. I can’t imagine what would give anyone that idea.

by Wreckard on Jun 3, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

well

I’ll let Dan answer that one, then.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 3, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Point, KOW.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 3, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KOW?

Ouch. Low blow.

by Wreckard on Jun 3, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

her former screen name was:

kerry’sotherwife . She did fun stuff like arrange community picnics.

by philadelphiacub on Jun 4, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've always felt like those that waste time searching thousands of comments to support their pre-conceived notions of people...

…are a bit, well, childish? This is akin to arguing politics. You can find a statement to support whatever you want to support.

I said that when Milton booted a single to RF that ended up turning into a triple. Here’s that game.

Seriously though, who gives a flying crap? I don’t like the guy, NO, I DO NOT, and I think he’s a horrible signing that’s a headcase and sucks the life of those around him, and screwed the Cubs into a three-year contract with 75 games played this year, but I don’t think I have to justify myself as a Chicago Cubs fan first and foremost. Clearly I want the Cubs to succeed. This is ridiculous.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jun 3, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh please

This isn’t me cherry picking some comment. It took me two seconds to find a comment where you said “I hate Milton Bradley”. In fact, I didn’t even have to go to the second page of the search results, it was right there on the first page just past the comments “I strongly dislike Milton Bradley…” and “As much as I despise Milton Bradley…”

Childish? Childish is cheering for a player getting injured, like you are in your comment above. I’m just making sure you aren’t misrepresented, given that the suggestion that you don’t hate the man is laughable.

by Wreckard on Jun 3, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Whatever dude.

I’m not attacking anybody and I’m sure as shit not taking some vendetta out against you. Not real sure why you’re being a hardass on me.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jun 3, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why am I being a hardass?

Because you’re openly cheering for a player to fail. Because you’d rather the Cubs were worse this year at the expense of a player you hate for reasons that go beyond anything he’s ever done on the field.

by Wreckard on Jun 4, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

I'm gonna say "Good chat" right now and call it a day. I'm fine with disagreeing.

My words are my words and I know what they mean. I don’t have to explain myself.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jun 4, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a joke

“you can find a statement to support whatever you want to support.” Isn’t that kind of dependent on you saying those things in the first place?

If you left comments like “I hate Milton Bradley, I really do. I have from day 1” in the holster, then others wouldn’t be able to repeat it back. I’m sure they couldn’t search the comments to find you saying “I love MB, I really do, I have from day 1”, unless you’re speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

If that statement does not reflect your true thoughts on the matter, maybe hesitate before saying it next time. But its a pretty clear indication of your thoughts on MB, and not unfair for someone to pull it out when the subject of bias later arises.

by Orval Overall on Jun 5, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, not "in other words".

I said what I said, stop putting words in my mouth, and stop throwing around “blind hate” like you know everybody on this board. I wasn’t attacking ANYBODY, nevertheless you, cubtoseriesby100, so you can stop attacking me, capesh?

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jun 3, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a lowlife

No wonder players hate the media. What a slimy article.

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 3, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

What about what Heyman said was false?

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Jun 3, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don't really get the "lowlife" label

Maybe it’s because he dared to be critical of something the Cubs did.

by bluekoolaide on Jun 3, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe its

the part where he says, unsourced, that his Rangers “teammates” were starting to tire of him by the time he left. Thats the kind of vague innuendo that only plays because people have a preconceived notion of Milton as a bad person/bad teammate. Every Ranger I’ve ever heard quoted on the matter has said he was a great teammate. And most often, these guys who the media feuds with ARE great teammates, they’re so uncomfortable speaking to the press that they turn inward and form stronger bonds in the locker room.

Latroy Hawkins was that way. Guys on the team would routinely say how much they liked him, how much they enjoyed playing with him, how he’d walk through fire for his teammates, etc. All you heard in the media was that he was a stand-offish, aloof, SOB. The reason? The sports media, ladies and gentlemen, has an agenda. Its not a conspiracy, its just simple economics. They make more money when they write good articles; they write better articles when players talk to them; consequently, they as an inducement to talk, they lavish praise on the ones who talk, and as punishment for not talking, they villify the ones who don’t talk, creating more pressure to get with the program.

Milton has every appearance of being one of those who isn’t all that comfortable with the media. Articles like this from Heyman are going to appear a lot this year, it doesn’t mean a word of it is true.

by Orval Overall on Jun 5, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

slimy?

Please elaborate.

by elgato on Jun 3, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heyman is actually a very respected writer

by bluekoolaide on Jun 3, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, he really isn't

He used to be. Then his column became all about “whispers” and rumors, the majority of which turn out to be untrue.

by Orval Overall on Jun 5, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhmm....5 million this year

for 26 hits in 2 months is absolutely pathetic. Heyman is correct in saying that Bradley has been the worst free agent signing so far.

Damn the media for stating the facts!!!

by ScottT on Jun 3, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm tiring of Bradley too

I wanted him over Dunn, but as of right now, I’d rather have Dunn instead for lots of reasons, consistency being the biggest one.

by jerry morales rules on Jun 3, 2009 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Usually I'd say that everything seems easy in hindsight...

but in this case, it’s seeming more and more obvious that Hendry ignored the warning signs when he went after Bradley. Like a lot of us, I was more worried about his injury history than his supposed bad attitude. Bad attitudes can somtimes be at least temporarily fixed (see Denis Rodman) but, if a guy is brittle, he pretty much will ALWAYS be brittle. I don’t so much mind that Hendry decided to rol the dice on a guy who, to all evidence, was dying to play here, but it’s absolutely inexcusable that he allowed us to go into this season without a legitimate plan B for when the inevitable injuries started to occur.

I’ll be very surprised if Hendry still has a job once Ricketts takes over.

by bluekoolaide on Jun 3, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Outfield

is the place where we have backups. Johnson is a perfectly viable CF, Dome moves to right, and I don’t think we really sacrifice much. Hoff can (sorta) play outfield, and Fox might get some time too.

It’s the infield depth that’s the problem.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 3, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

RJ can't hit RHP

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, except this year he can.

Small sample size: .269/.316/.462 vs. RHP in 52 at-bats. Johnson actually has more AB vs. RHP (52) than LHP (29) so far this year — not including last night.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Small sample size and respectable line - nothing great

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he doesn't have to be great

he just has to be good enough.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I'm not convinced he would be over the long haul

I think he plays the role perfectly.

(See: Mike Fontenot)

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Reed Johnson

and I think we could do a lot worse than having him play more.

Still, I worry that, his and Dome’s weaknesses will be exposed if they start getting a lot of playing time.

As much as I hate bringing it up yet again, a lot of these problems would’ve been solved if they had just kept DeRo.

by bluekoolaide on Jun 3, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

its too bad it all has to come back to that

but it does.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jun 3, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want to be pissed at that articles commentary

But I can’t find any fault in it either…which sucks.

by ak123 on Jun 3, 2009 5:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by bluekoolaide on Jun 3, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have reversed course on Milton Bradley

In hindsight, this was an awful signing. I have no idea how Bradley is perceived among teammates and all that sort of stuff inferred by Jon Heyman. But objectively speaking you’d have to say this signing has been an unmitigated disaster. Bradley can’t stay healthy and it strikes me is unwilling or unable to play short of being 100%.

Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...

by BLou on Jun 3, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just a dynamite offseason by Hendry

kudos to him for destroying a 97 win team

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 Jun 3, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Adversity sometimes affects people differently

We are about to see what it does to Bradley. I am fearful he’ll tear the team apart. His personality scares me. And, he is a horrible fielder. If Jim Hendry came to this site he’d be reading my “I told you so”, post now. I posted all winter for Ibanez or Dunn. At least Dunn knows he stinks in the field and wouldn’t brood if he was pulled in the 7th for a better defender.

by Nibbles on Jun 3, 2009 10:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Milton Bradley is among the best right fielders in the game of baseball when semi-healthy. The metrics clearly validate this point too. He also was a very good center fielder a few years back before the knee thing in San Diego.

You can knock Bradley for all sorts of things. But defensive play is not one of them.

Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...

by BLou on Jun 3, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he's not healthy

And his performance in right this year has been questionable. He may have been a good fielder before his knee injury, but all we care about is now. And now, he is not getting it done.

by dr stabbingworth on Jun 4, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back that up

Among right fielders appearing in 30 or more games, he has the 2nd-highest zone rating in all of baseball.

by Wreckard on Jun 4, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blou just referenced defensive metrics

the world really is coming to an end

by philadelphiacub on Jun 4, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jon Heyman is an idiot

St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008

by vivaelpujols on Jun 3, 2009 11:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fucking results based analysist

St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008

by vivaelpujols on Jun 3, 2009 11:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Knock off the profanity.

And explain your comments, please.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

People openly rooting for a player to fail who plays for a team they claim to be a fan of.

No Cub fan wants him to fail.

Heyman is a typical hack sportswriter who if a player doesn’t kiss the media butt makes up stuff.

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 4, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No one wants Bradley to fail.

We are worried that he WILL fail, unfortunately.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you have data to support the Heyman claim?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

let Heyman

support his claim first.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 4, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I can ask her to support her claim

And no offense, but she can speak for herself.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Simpe

Blind hatred is hating a player so much you want him to miss a lot of time even though the team needs him.

Again if he was a bad guy and we only have sportswriters who define bad guy as one who doesn’t kiss their butts to go on.

of course to a lot of fans not performing makes a player a bad guy. Since the greatest athlete in Chicago and maybe sports history was a bad guy that’’s really funny (and serial cheating on your wife and using your kids as props makes Jordan a bad guy)

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 4, 2009 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Milton Bradley brings things on himself

I’m rapidly learning that he relishes the role of victim. It probably is to explain why he has had ugly breakups with so many teams across baseball. Look, the guy needs to suck it up and get his butt out on the baseball field. Sometimes you have to play through pain and produce. I’m not questioning the validity of his multitude of injuries, but sometimes you just need to suck it up and play with pain.

This signing has been an unmitigated disaster.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 4, 2009 9:32 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I don't often do this, but I am rec'ing your comment

There’s not one thing in there that I don’t agree with.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to watch the next homestand if the Cubs continue to flounder

Milton Bradley is going to be under withering attack by the boo-birds. I openly wonder how he handles that or if this thing goes even further south.

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 4, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually,

given that you can pretty much DH him for the entire homestand, I think he’ll stay downstream of the boo-birds for awhile. I’d expect him to do quite well for those three series, and he’ll be able to stay away from right field.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 4, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Except

it would be nice to see what Fox can do with 4 ABs a game. The DH would allow for us to see whether or he’s going to be worth trying to force him into a position where his defense is likely to hurt us.

by madcow256 on Jun 4, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't see DH'ing him for the entire homestand.

There may be some days where you’d want Jake Fox to DH (if the Cubs face a LHP).

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see it...

he should be coming back from that calf injury just before, so it’s hard for me to imagine sticking him out in right with a chance to DH him, but we’ll see I guess.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 4, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Fox isn't DH'ing in some of those games, why is he here?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You tell me...

But in my opinion, if you’ve got a chance to keep Bradley in the lineup by DHing him most of the next month — especially given his multiple leg injuries this season — that’s what you do.

I’m sure you can find a way to get Fox in a game or two, but DH is what I think Bradley does best, and just maybe a few weeks of doing it exclusively will heal him up enough to get him back on track.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 4, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox or Hoff

unless you start Hoff and want to DH Lee to give him a breather.

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lou would have to be drunk.

Lou would have to be drunk to DH Lee in favor of Hoffpauir.

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 4, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

for one game out of three

to give his neck a little rest durign the game is not that insane of an idea

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 4, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, guys?

You can’t DH anyone on the HOMESTAND. That’s AL parks. Cubs are still in the NL, even if they are interleague games.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I'm..

having a brain cramp this morning.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 4, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He probably does DH on the DET/CWS portion of the end of month roadtrip, though

Assuming that he’s healhty enough to do that . . .

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Six whole games.

Big whoop.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I was just trying to cover for you guys

And the fact that you forgot the NL doesn’t DH!

:)

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well it's a homestand, and they don't have the DH in the NL

by philadelphiacub on Jun 4, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, we know.

Damen forgot, and I spaced out on it too.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 4, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember

Remember Bradley doesn’t kiss the media butts so read anything you read about him with questions in your mind.

Also there’s a difference.

Disliking a player is saying I don’t like him but I know him doing well is important to the Cubs.

Hate is wanting him to fail.

Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jun 4, 2009 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a loose definition of hate

I’ve known people who have “hated” players but cheered when they’ve helped the Cubs.

You do seem to have a preoccupation with the word and throw it around pretty freely.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 4, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heyman

is the king of unsourced rumor and innuendo. 5% of it works out to be true, which is about what you’d expect even if he made it all up. I could believe a more credible author saying that anonymous players felt Milton was a bad teammate. But you take a guy who writes a “whispers” column, where the whole point is him just retyping whatever people feed him with no real research behind it, and I think it carries zero credibility.

The only self-fulfilling prophecy here is that the people who didn’t like the Milton signing at the beginning of the year are willing to believe the worst things about him. I personally love the guy, and hope he finds a long term home here.

by Orval Overall on Jun 4, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs