Milton Bradley's Statement
"I chose Chicago as a free agent because I wanted to be part of finally bringing a championship to Cubs' fans. I expected to have a great season and I am deeply disappointed by my performance and the team's struggles. I played every game with everything I had and wanted desperately to win. My frustration and disappointment boiled over and I said and did certain things that I regret. In hindsight I wish that I handled certain things differently and I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.
"The air has been cleared and we all want to move on and look forward to better days."
Frankly, I still want him back. We'll see what happens.
2 months ago
drewishdrewid
159 comments
2 recs |
Comments
I am extremely unimpressed by this "apology".
As with similar apologies by celebrities these days, it sounds like it was carefully crafted by a lawyer.
Look at what he apologized for: “those things that did not work out for the better”. No apology for throwing his teammates under the bus, no apology for dissing the entire organization and all Cubs fans.
I cannot imagine, Drew, why you would want this bad apple back as a Cub. It’s mystifying to me.
In any case, he won’t be back. Jim Hendry has made that clear; even if the Cubs have to eat the entire contract, they’ll simply release him, if they can’t deal him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 23, 2009 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
At a minimum....
…… he needs to complete some extensive anger management or some sort of therapy, if not only to help him get another job in baseball, but just in life. He’s the kind of a guy who expects to be insulted or slighted, and then goes off and pouts, talking to no one for long periods of time. Until he conquers this idea has has that everyone hates him, this will only keep happening.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 23, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where...
…did Hendry clearly state MB won’t be back next year?
by TheHawkRules on Sep 23, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure it's been made clear, but reading between the lines
he clearly isn’t saying “yes he’ll be back” he was flat out asked if Bradley would be back and he said “we’ll think about next season after this season is over”
Do you think he’d be so vague if you asked him “Will Derek Lee be back next season?”
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Sep 23, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
… but you really cannot compare DL and MB. To be honest, I don’t know of any situations that you can compare this MB one too. (There may be some, but I don’t personally know of any).
So really, that answer isn’t satisfactory.
I’m sure Hendry will try to trade him….. but I don’t know if he will swallow 23 million, especially if MB does a bunch of damage control and goes around kissing a lot of butt.
Personally, I hope he is traded… but will trading him hurt the team next year? Will swallowing the 23 million hurt the Cubs chances for winning over the next 2 years. Hendry will have to ask himself and his crew (and boses) this.
by TheHawkRules on Sep 23, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
to be honest
bradley is better off not in chicago. i cant imagine the bleachers reaction if he came back next year
The official slogan of your 2009 Chicago Cubs:
Why?
by jesus christos on Sep 23, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
…next season would be worse on everybody…
by TheHawkRules on Sep 23, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Insert [Rich Harden] and that would be a good thing to ponder.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Sep 23, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least he (or his people) had the sense to not include the standard celebrity apology conditional clause
“…if I’ve offended anyone.”
Whenever I see that phrase, I know the apology isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
As for Bradley’s apology, I dunno Al, were you expecting him to list out every single transgression he’s committed this year? It’d take so long, even Kanye wonna let him finish.
I think “My frustration and disappointment boiled over and I said and did certain things that I regret.” can be interpreted to include the teammates/bus and dissing organization/fans insults, as well as many other verbal missteps he’s made this year.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Sep 23, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
his people!
What the hell is that supposed to mean?!
"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 Sep 23, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lawyer, agent, PR team, etc.
I was just going under the assumption that most pro athletes, celebrities, corporate bigwigs, etc. have “people” that work for them. You know, as in…
ballhawk: “Hey DTJ, you wanna go grab a beer?”
DTJchris: “Sure, have your people get in touch with my people and set something up.”
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Sep 23, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, no, I know
My sarcasm font is broken. Just all the racial issues surrounding MB, I thought it was fitting to poke fun at you saying, “his people”.
"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 Sep 23, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I think he could have spelled that out
As for Bradley’s apology, I dunno Al, were you expecting him to list out every single transgression he’s committed this year? It’d take so long, even Kanye wonna let him finish.
I think "My frustration and disappointment boiled over and I said and did certain things that I regret." can be interpreted to include the teammates/bus and dissing organization/fans insults, as well as many other verbal missteps he’s made this year.
Basically, what he’s saying is, “I’m sorry you don’t like the way I roll.”
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 Sep 23, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i must admit im pretty jealous..
The official slogan of your 2009 Chicago Cubs:
Why?
by jesus christos on Sep 23, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with ballhawk.
And I’ll add that it’s awfully hard to judge motivations in the moment. If it’s a sincere apology, maybe the team could bring him back in – and that would be very cool. But even if it’s sincere, they might not.
Either way, I don’t want anyone dragging all the dirty laundry out into the open.
"Jim is a smart man. He knows what he has to do. He knows what went wrong. I'm pretty sure he's going to fix it." - Aramis Ramirez on one of the best GMs in the game.
by DGU on Sep 23, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone's tired.
Let me be clear, that just because I gave two “if it’s sincere scenarios,” that doesn’t mean I’m convinced it’s sincere.
"Jim is a smart man. He knows what he has to do. He knows what went wrong. I'm pretty sure he's going to fix it." - Aramis Ramirez on one of the best GMs in the game.
by DGU on Sep 23, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, I agree - My first gut reaction was "Apology, what apology?"
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
by eths on Sep 24, 2009 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To use Milton's own words: "What else you got?"
Agreed Al. This was written for him, most likely at the strong urging of his agent and legal counsel. It’s part of the chess game now- the one designed to make sure the flow of the $21 he has coming doesn’t stop. The secondary concern is that he’d still like to play baseball in the majors somewhere next year. Again, this statement lays that groundwork.
Reread the text. Do you honestly think the man who said nothing remotely like the character of these words all season chose the phrases:
“…deeply disappointed…”
“I wanted desperately to win”
“In hindsight”
“…did not work out for the better.”
Please.
I did not see Milton say this on camera, so I cannot comment on whatever sincerity he may have put into the delivery. Maybe it’s my cynical side, but I think Milton’s input into this statement was a “yeah, whatever” and then just reading it.
Did he take questions after it was issued/read?
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 6:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hee-hee. That would be "$21 MILLION"...
Hee-hee…
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Let him become a new person somewhere else. Let the Sox take him on. Just get him away from the Cubs. Maybe team number eight for him will be the charm.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 23, 2009 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
♪♫ Don't get fooled again! ♪♫
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How can you still want this guy back?
Its blatantly obvious that neither management nor the Cubs players want anything to do with this guy. He brought negativity and an overall horrible attitude to what seemed like a fun clubhouse last year. He never had been nor ever will be good for this organization.
"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 Sep 23, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i wonder how much he paid to get that written up
The official slogan of your 2009 Chicago Cubs:
Why?
by jesus christos on Sep 23, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
same old song and dance
From this poster! It’s tired Drew!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Sep 23, 2009 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a PR statement
intended for digestion by potential future employers.
Given the tenor of Hendry’s statements, and the feelings of the rest of the team, I think you’re going to be disappointed, Drew.
"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa
by Goodie1969 on Sep 23, 2009 9:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was with you Drew until the fateful interview,
but now I have to part ways. There is no way that Milton can play for us next year. He will face things next year that he is not equipped to face. There will be such a torrid of hatred that he will not be able to cope. (Even if he did make amends with his teammates)
I agree with the others now, Milton can’t play for us. Which is a shame because I thought it could have worked out.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
by KaliCub on Sep 23, 2009 9:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My feelings exactly.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
by sue369 on Sep 24, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find this phrase odd and suspicious:
I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.
Maybe I’m just tired, but I cannot figure out what that is supposed to mean.
In any case, I will be shocked if Bradley is not traded during the off-season. I think his employment with the Chicago Cubs has essentially been terminated. The relationship is likely over. Let’s just hope Jim Hendry can get something of value in return.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 23, 2009 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We can criticize Hendry all we want.
But when the man has had to make a trade with his back to the wall (see: Hundley, Tood; Sosa, Sammy), he’s done remarkably well.
Maybe we do have the right GM, given the situation.
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
by Trey2317 on Sep 24, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hope you're right.
If he can trade Bradley for even one useful player, OR simply get rid of most of the contract, he should be GM of the year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's done it before
For some reason, I’m optimistic he can come out with something if he can make a trade.
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
by Trey2317 on Sep 24, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the one that GOT the team in those situations!!
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 Sep 24, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
Both Sosa and Hundley were already on the roster when Hendry became GM. He inherited those guys.
by azjazzman on Sep 24, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My bad on Hundley - I was thinking Hendry was apprenticing at the time for MacPhail.
But Lynch was still GM.
However, he was GM when Sosa’s trade value was essentially trashed by releasing the videotape of Sosa leaving early.
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 Sep 24, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet, the Cubs got reasonable value for Sosa.
What more do you think they could have had? He had a big contract and was getting older. Mike Fontenot has been at least a decent major league player.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if they could have gotten more or not
But they made their own job tougher than they needed to.
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 Sep 24, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karros, Grudzielanek and Fontenot
isn’t a terrible haul for making trades with one hand tied behind your back.
Yes, did Hendry help enable Sosa? Probably, but so did everyone in the organization.
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
by Trey2317 on Sep 24, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
something of value in return.........
like two cases of Champagne
Don't let anyone steal your Joy
by bigz38fan on Sep 24, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
should have been a reply to Daver
Don't let anyone steal your Joy
by bigz38fan on Sep 24, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it was - cheers!
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get the hell outta Chicago, Milton.
I didn’t want you then, I don’t want you now.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Sep 23, 2009 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This!
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 25, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly, I still want him back.
Care to elaborate on why you want him back?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Sep 23, 2009 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's why it would be nice if he could come back.
As it is, we’re going to have to take a net loss of on-field talent to trade MB and acquire someone with a similar skill set. We’re probably not going to have any extra salary room to help this issue and we may even need to reduce salary next year.
In terms of just on-field talent, Milton Bradley is the best LH RF we’ll have access to acquiring. So, that’s why it would be nice.
But it won’t happen. Milton Bradley is gone.
"Jim is a smart man. He knows what he has to do. He knows what went wrong. I'm pretty sure he's going to fix it." - Aramis Ramirez on one of the best GMs in the game.
by DGU on Sep 23, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because
I think he’s a good player, and I think he didn’t get a fair shake, I don’t think there’s anyone else better out there, and I think it’s stupid to throw that money away.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't get a fair shake? Really?
Given his track record, the Cubs being his seventh team in ten major league seasons, he got more than a fair shake when he was offered the contract he signed last winter. What with all his baggage, and this before his 2009 meltdown, his best option would have been to take a one or two year deal with Texas, who didn’t feel compelled to match three years, $30M. All Bradley had to do in 2009 was stay out of trouble. Except, he couldn’t. He started the season suspended, he ended it suspended. And in between, there were a host of things he said and did that got him in hot water.
It apparently can’t be said enough times. He’s gotten in more “situations” than any other player in the last ten years. Almost every place he goes there are issues. And the common denominator each and every goddamm time is Milton Bradley. After a while, the inescapable conclusions is Milton IS the problem. To continually try and excuse him, to say he didn’t get a fair shake in Chicago, is to insult everybody else and ignore the obvious. He doesn’t need to enabled anymore. He needs therapy, he needs help, even tough love if you will by cutting him loose here. He’s had more wake up calls than anyone in recent memory. It’s about time he recognizes one before no one else ever wants him again.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 24, 2009 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 10 recs
+1
well said….
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Sep 24, 2009 5:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that no teammate is defending him
should speak volumes.
Name on the front, drew, not on the back.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 5:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reggie Jackson said the same thing...
The name on the front of the uni is WAY more important than the one on the back…
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didn't get a fair shake.
that’s my opinion. I don’t particularly care if you think that’s insulting, tho no insult is meant.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Explain why you don't think he got a fair shake.
Personally, I think they gave him FAR more rope than he deserved. But if you feel different, explain your reasoning.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Asked and answered
I’ve done that, over and over and over again. I’m only going to beat my head against the wall for so long.
I want him to come back. I think he can be a contributor. I think he never really got a chance here — the cards were stacked against him from the start, he didn’t have the ability to overcome that, he had a slow start, and combined with the crap season Soto, Gregg, Fontenot, Soriano and Rami had, it was simply too much.
I don’t think we can afford to throw $20mill away. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who will perform better. So it all ends up hurting the Cubs.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about how the other players feel, though?
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 Sep 24, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we don't know how they feel
and don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise. Maybe he’s apologized in person, maybe he’s planning too.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, the media is lying again
and all the players who were quoted in the stories were misquoted, or they were lying.
If someone slapped you with a dead fish, would you question whether it was a tulip?
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thus
proving the point I made early. You’re not interested in actually hearing anything about this.
Fine. I’m done. Bradley will be back, or not. None of us run the Cubs.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I'm not interested in hearing you tell me the media is lying
or misquoting, or killing puppies, or anything else you will come up with to somehow prove that the players weren’t fed up with Bradley.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don't?
What about all the direct quotes?
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 Sep 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Media was lying
media was making it all up, dontcha know.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
damnit
I didn’t read the quotes as that alarming whereby players were “stoning” Bradley with their words. I don’t think anything was said that he couldn’t come back.
He’s not coming back though. Cut Drew some slack on this.
by socalbob on Sep 24, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I won't
sorry, Bob, but drew is being a pissy brat here.
There is too much else in this world to do besides try to convince someone on an Internet message board to deign to tell you their reasons for something.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you digging in
on principle or because you really want to know and continue the discussion?
I think he has made his point clear. I don’t agree with all of it, but I can understand his view. And I side more with your view on it.
deign—great word. I had to google it. I had forgotten what it meant. Nicely done.
by socalbob on Sep 24, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's made his point for keeping Bradley clear, yes
But this whole “We don’t know how they feel” stuff is classic drew.
If something is reported that contradicts his view, it’s wrong. If multiple sources report it, it’s a conspiracy.
It really is like looking through the rabbit hole.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should we not believe...
The quotes from Dempster, Ramirez, Lee, RJ, Lou, and even Soriano (from earlier in the season from Sori). Are their direct quotes just more media propaganda to sabotage Milton Bradley?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 25, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand that you want him to come back...
…but do you think he can come back at this point? As mentioned above (and probably several other places), I feel this has become an employment dispute more than a baseball issue. There comes a point when a business relationship becomes so untenable that it simply can no longer be pursued – no matter how much money is involved. It appears that’s what’s happened here.
Before the apology was released, I still held out a sliver of hope that maybe Milton and Hendry would have a sit-down and work through things, but it really appears that Bradley’s tersely worded apology is just part of a bargaining agreement that will keep him compensated for the rest of the year while the Cubs seek a trade.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
his apology
took responsibility for his actions, and apologized. I don’t see anything wrong with that apology. I read Al’s “version” and it made me want to throw up. I strongly disagree with his interpretation.
Yes, I think he could come back.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How?
If he’s been treated unfairly up to now according to you, how in the world would he be able to function as a Cub next year after what has happened in 2009 up to now? You can’t seriously think he wouldn’t be crucified the first time he did ANYTHING untoward, large or small, intentional or unintentional. And then it would just get worse.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 24, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I guess we'll see what we see.
It feels to me like Milton Bradley’s relationship with the Chicago Cubs is over. And it’s hard to believe that he is capable of doing what it would take to restore any sort of working relationship with his general manager, manager and teammates.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
rec'd
I would say the teammates thing is easy. He is one of them.
Mgr and GM, not so much.
Fans in Chicago—NEVER.
It feels like he is done.
by socalbob on Sep 24, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Teammate thing may not be so easy...
… you say “he is one of them”. The players, in their comments, pointed out (particularly Reed Johnson) that Milton seemed to go out of his way to separate himself from the rest of the team.
He’d have to go a LONG way to get most of this year’s Cubs on his side again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clarification
here’s the point — about MB being a “player” and players will forgive him if he can HELP THEM WIN. “That is why we play the games.” (Herm Edwards). At the end of the day, the players want to win and want the best players on their team. Can he help achieve that? Yes. Sometimes not as much as others, but his ability and past have indicated he can be a very good player.
I am suggesting that Milton would have to reach out in a big way to them to even make it a possibility. I was not suggesting by walking in the clubhouse in February and not having spoken to the guys that everything would be perfect. Sorry if it came across that way.
by socalbob on Sep 24, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understood.
I don’t think Milton is the kind of person to “reach out in a big way”, as you put it. He didn’t do that all year — why would he do it during the offseason?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't this year
but may have to next year. He may not have another choice. I think he put too much pressure on himself, coudln’t deal with it (trend), and then imploded.
New year, new MB? He’d have to go thru some serious therapy. Heck, he may even be divorced by then. From all accounts he is in a pretty volatile marriage. Maybe, but I wouldn’t bet my mortgage on it. He’s closing in on having nothing he cares for in his life.
by socalbob on Sep 24, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right...
He alienated himself from his teammates and threw them under the bus, he is not one of them.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 25, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
where did he throw his teammates
under the bus? I have asked a couple of people because I did not hear this.
I do not subscribe to “I play harder than anyone” as throwing teammates under the bus. He believes he plays every game and every inning and every at bat harder than anyone. He may be right or he may be wrong. But that is hardly condemning.
If he said “I play harder than anyone. And these guys are lazy and could learn from me and how I play the game.” Then, YES that is thorwing your teammates under the bus.
Is this the quote which makes you say he threw his teammates under the bus? Or have I missed something? If so, please share so I can gain my understanding. Thanks.
by socalbob on Sep 25, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saying he plays harder...
Than anyone else on the team, referring to the team and the organization as “they” and distancing himself from the Cubs. He said there was nothing but negativity surrounding the team, and when asked if it was the fans, media, or organization, he said it was “everybody”. Again, indicting management and his teammates.
A few weeks ago when questionned by reporters, he told reporters to go talk to Geo or Theriot if they want vanilla, PC answers… he “tells it how it is”. Again, a shot at teammates for not being as “honest” (more like twisted and brash) as he is.
Juding by the reactions from players, Hendry, and Lou, he disrespected the entire Cubs organization.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 25, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
disgaree
too much between the lines and stretching his words.
by socalbob on Sep 25, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again...
Based on the comments from his teammates, Lou and Hendry… it’s not much of a stretch.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Sep 26, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's entirely possible the fans didn't give him a fair shake
but if this was just about the fans, he’d still be here.
So, yeah, explain yourself drew.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've done
a dozen times. You’re not interested in listening.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You did it like months ago
and I have no interest in going back and finding it.
The situation has changed. Now it’s about the team and the players.
As I’ve said a million times, if this was really just about the fans, he’d be in the lineup tonight and penciled in as the #2 hitter in 2010.
So tell us why he should be back AFTER what his teammates have said.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
asked and answered
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Humor us, please
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 24, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no.
I’ve answered this question over and over again.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, no, Drew, you really haven't.
Things look a lot different now after virtually every one of his teammates, in effect, said that Milton isolated himself from the rest of the team and wasn’t really a good teammate.
You haven’t really given any reason for him returning other than “I think he could come back.”
Please illuminate.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His teammates are obviously working for the media...
or the media has “twisted” what they said so it looks like they’re all not supporting him.
Or the rest of the team is being blackmailed by the fans that never gave Milton a chance with threats that they will get their “chances” take away from them next year if they say supportive things about Bradley.
Or they’re all tired of putting up with Bradley’s shit too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 24, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see that.
I reject your supposition from the very start.
His teammates have commented on his difficulties.
Some of them have talked about how they tried to help.
Some of them talked about how they didn’t think he was coming back.
Not one of them has said “Milton Bradley is not a good teammate.”
I have answered the question — in this very thread, no less. Scroll up. And I think that your interpretation of his apology is very similar to your interpretation of my reasons — you’re seeing what you want to see. You’ve made up your mind about Milton Bradley, and nothing is going to change it.
You all can gang up on Milton Bradley all you want. You can blame him for the majority of the crappy season all you want. You can decide that his apology is fake all you want. You can decide that he’s only done the things you think he has, and hasn’t done anything you don’t think he has. You can decide that what you have seen can only be 20%, which means that there’s 80% out there that MUST BE WORSE. It’s a terrible logical fallacy, but many of you seem to have bought into it nonetheless.
I continue to believe that he could bring value to this team. He HAS brought value to this team. He’s a good player. That’s my opinion. It’s not going to change, just like yours isn’t. Except mine saves the Cubs $20mill, and keeps a high OBP player on the team.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 24, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You right...
I’m only seeing what I want to. Help me see the truth.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 24, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's how
Step 1: Tear out a piece of aluminum foil
Step 2: Wrap it around your head like a turban
Step 3: Put straws in the top so you have antennae
Step 4: Read the newspaper from cover to cover, writing down every fourth letter.
Step 5: Assign each letter a number based A=1, B=2, etc…
Step 6: Subtract 4 and add 5 to each number.
Step 7: That is your answer
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
This is so far skewed from what everyone else sees, I don’t think we’ll ever agree.
I give up, Drew. You’ll never see the reality of this situation. He’s brought nothing to the Cubs but trouble. I’ll be glad when I hear he’s traded, or released.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou called him a piece of shit
I think that is indicative of the 80% behind the scenes stuff we don’t see. If his own manager says that about him, I think its really a telling statement about how MB was in the clubhouse.
Hell, that was close to the beginning of the season as well, before all the throwing his teammates and organization under the bus.
"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 Sep 24, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Know What?
I don’t even think you’re looking at Bradley. You have to be thinking of someone else, because there’s no way Milton Bradley is the type of player you describe. Moreover, you STILL haven’t stepped up and addressed why this keeps happening to Bradley just about everywhere he’s been. If he brought this perceived value to a team, the Cubs would never have had a shot at him. Some other team would have locked him up.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 24, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ob⋅sti⋅nate /ˈɒbstənɪt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ob-stuh-nit]
–adjective 1. firmly or stubbornly adhering to one’s purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty.
2. characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude; inflexibly persisted in or carried out: obstinate advocacy of high tariffs.
3. not easily controlled or overcome: the obstinate growth of weeds.
4. not yielding readily to treatment, as a disease.
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 Sep 24, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really discount the 3 year, $30M Contract?
THAT wasn’t a fair shake? Don’t you think that was an outstanding show of support?
I’d be very interested to hear your response reagrding his track record, how he has problems everywhere he goes, and how he’s the common denominator. How are you able to discount the idea he’s the common thread?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Sep 24, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bradley defenders should want to see him leave
unless they want to see batteries thrown at him next year
The official slogan of your 2009 Chicago Cubs:
Why?
by jesus christos on Sep 24, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
batteries?
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
by sue369 on Sep 24, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If a single battery comes out
the players should get to take turns returning it to the fan via a different opening.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
That sort of behavior is unacceptable. Unfortunately, there are a lot of idiots out there who would like nothing better than to try it.
Bradley has to either go to a team that won’t play at Wrigley next year, so that would be any team in the AL except the White Sox, Angels and Rangers, unless the team acquiring him agrees to leave him home when they play @ Wrigley.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 25, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stop thinking Drew.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 24, 2009 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He is a good player
but a lousy teammate
"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 Sep 24, 2009 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before and I'll say it again
If he was “targeted”, why did none of his teammates speak out against those who were targeting him?
- Are they too stupid to realize?
- Are they selfish jerks?
- Are they afraid of the media?
- Did the team give them gag orders?
Someone give me a plausible explanation, because I can’t find one.
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 Sep 24, 2009 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best explanation I can give...
…is that Milton simply never got close enough to any of his teammates for them to take this step. Actually, come to think of it, I thought Soriano and Bradley had become friends, but Alfonso had his own problems this season. Also, I believe Big Z did give an interview (to mouthpiecesports.com, IIRC) in which he tried to explain why he and Milton (and others) have a tough time dealing with the media in the Cubs tiny, cramped clubhouse.
But, at the end of the day, I would guess that his aloofness and self-imposed isolation kept many of his teammates from feeling motivated enough to go to bat for him. And when he threw them all under the bus in his comments to Bruce Miles, well, it was game over.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seemed like Soriano was trying to give him advice
Soriano had a rotten year, but he never bit a reporter’s head off. He never made an ass out of himself. He never took it out on the fans. And by all accounts, he was gracious and helpful with Jake Fox, who was (until the Scales obsession took hold) the guy most likely to take his spot.
That DOES matter. From a purely baseball point of view, you’d rather have a surly guy produce than a gracious guy not produce, but when you’re talking about a sport where the best fail 60 percent of the time, levelheadedness matters.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose
Still, don’t you think that guys locked in to long-term deals wouldn’t want the media acting that way towards ANY player if it wasn’t warranted?
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 Sep 24, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to say how aware the other players were of what the media was doing.
I’m guessing most players tolerate the media’s presence in their lives but don’t spend that much time reading and listening to everything it spews out. Maybe this was another one of Milton’s problems – he read too much of his own press.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not everyone loves the media
Jim Rice and Eddie Murray had Hall of Fame careers and despised the media. It worked for them (although I SERIOUSLY doubt it would today)
Curt Schilling and Reggie Jackson would trip reporters who didn’t stop by their locker. Reggie is a HoF and Curt probably will be (or should be, IMHO)
Most everyone else just nods and says, “We’ve gotta play one game at a time” or “I was just trying to hit a single” or some such bullshit and moves on with their lives.
That’s been my beef with Bradley all along. I got so tired of the Mary Martyr act about how he was honest and paid for it.
You know what? No one cares. The reporters are just there to get a few quotes and move on so they can go home.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to think it would get back to them
Hell, Todd Walker knew what the announcers of both teams were saying before the end of the game.
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 Sep 24, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a brave stance to take, Drew...
…and I don’t completely disagree. As DGU points out, it’s going to be exceedingly difficult to replace Milton’s production (or, at least, projected production) in the lineup. I still believe he’s a very talented baseball player. And I still believe that, if he could’ve just kept his shit together, he could’ve been a force at the top of the Cubs lineup for the remainder of his contract.
In any case, I applaud your effort to stay focused on the game of baseball. Oh, and as far as whether Milton got a fair shake, well, I don’t think many fans and most of the media gave him a fair shake. I think both parties expected him to fail and never missed an opportunity to point out when he was doing so. Ultimately, however, Milton Bradley is responsible for his own success or failure – and he has apparently decided to choose failure with the Chicago Cubs.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe too much was expected of Milton
had Ramirez not gotten hurt and had Soto and Soriano produced anything, then Bradley’s bad year would have been less important.
Kevin Gregg didn’t get a fair shake either. And until late July, he just shut up and did his job. (After late July, he just shut up.)
The point is, Gregg is just as much gone from this team as Bradley is and you never hear a peep from the man.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, in many ways, this was a perfect storm.
Sadly, Milton just doesn’t seem to have the emotional capacity to ride something like that out.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg's also at a different point in his career.
Gregg has the motivation to make himself as marketable as possible to get the best possible free agency deal his first time eligible for it.
Minor point.
"Jim is a smart man. He knows what he has to do. He knows what went wrong. I'm pretty sure he's going to fix it." - Aramis Ramirez on one of the best GMs in the game.
by DGU on Sep 24, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you imagine
If the Cubs brought him back next year. What a freaking zoo spring training would be. The only story would be Milton. No thanks, he is gone. Cubs will eat the money. This is on Jim Hendry. To think that Milton Bradley could go a year without causing some sort of bullshit is fooling themselves.
Good bye Milton, thank goodness.
by Grockcubs on Sep 23, 2009 11:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"The air has been cleared and we all want to move on and look forward to better days."
Yes, with Milton Bradley in a Mariners’ uniform. Or Rays, or whoever.
Milton Bradley epitomizes “clubhouse cancer”. A half-assed apology is worse than no apology at all, in my opinion. Although, from a Cub perspective, I’d want Milton to do as much ass-kissing as possible to try and seem reformed so that trading him will be easier.
The one thing that MUST NOT happen, though, is something stupid along the lines of what happened to that player on the Bills. Milton thinks Cubs fans are a bunch of racists with bad attitudes? The best thing to do as fans is to DROP THE MATTER. Petty retaliation just sinks this (mostly) great fanbase down to his level.
"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"
by cubs0505 on Sep 24, 2009 1:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This statement was not written so he could stay a Cub
it was written so some other team would get suckered into taking a chance on him.
Day care center workers here are calling his son the n-word, after all. I can’t imagine why he would want to stay in such a city.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 5:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And so he could continue getting paid.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The more I think about it, if this was genuine...
Milton would have then opened it up to questions and stayed until every last one had been asked and satisfactorily answered. Just exhaust the media until they can’t think of anything else to ask.
That’s the ONLY way you get behind this and return to play at Wrigley.
This statement is just helping to ensure the paycheck and possibly playing elsewhere in the majors next year.
But it won’t be with the Cubs. If it is, I’ll voluntarily give up my place on the season ticket wait list. (About 11,000)
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 7:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I nominate the following for a special award of merit for most unrealistic idea of the day
Just exhaust the media until they can’t think of anything else to ask
"Jim is a smart man. He knows what he has to do. He knows what went wrong. I'm pretty sure he's going to fix it." - Aramis Ramirez on one of the best GMs in the game.
by DGU on Sep 24, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I didn't say it would be over in 5 minutes.
Milton WOULD have to pack a lunch (and maybe dinner)…
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Worf
that the statement was written more for his next team.
I’m not a Bradley enthusiast. As many did, I had significant reservations about the signing that is well documented here.
However, I do see a scenario where this could work here in Chicago.
He becomes DLee’s shadow. They spend the offseason together working out and DLee essentially teaches him some freaking manners and gives some pointers in dealing with the press. Makes sure that Milton is in top form, rehabbing the balky knee, etc.
Then, MB agrees to show at the Cubs Convention. Has a scheduled news conference where he is flanked by DLee and maybe ARam on either side and his family at the table and he again makes statements of apology and does open it up for questions. States that he has been attending anger management and counseling on a voluntary basis to address the issues that surfaced not only in the past year, but in the course of his career. He points out that therapy is a process and like most Americans, sometimes he messes up. Plain and simple. He asks for the forgiveness of the fans and of his fellow players and the Cubs organization. He formally apologizes to the Ricketts family for starting out their ownership on a sour note. He stays until all questions are answered and signs autographs for free for anyone at the convention that wants one.
He comes into Spring Training having drank the Kool-Aide, is all smiles for the camera and panders to the fans, again, signing autographs, posing for pictures, the whole deal.
But he’d have to have a MONSTER spring for this all to really matter. Even if he is able to build up some good will and sympathy with the fan base, if he comes into the season hitting .200 with no homers then he’s going to hear it.
Even if he does it perfectly, he’ll get some razzing from the fans Opening Day, but if he can stay healthy and positive and produce, it’ll lighten up.
Admittedly, all of this goes against pretty much everything we know about MB and how he acts and would be a huge feat to pull off. I’m not saying that I want MB to return, just offering a scenario where I think it could be possible.
by ScottT on Sep 24, 2009 7:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lee already has children
He doesn’t need another one.
Lee tried. All the players tried.
This is a good idea, and if Bradley was a 22-year-old with his skill set, I’d be in favor of it. But really, what are we getting for all this hard work trying to rehab him?
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it would be a really bad idea to have him at the convention.
There’s no way D-Lee would agree to do this, especially with a new baby in his household. What benefit would come to Lee for doing this?
I think Milton will be gone long before convention time anyway.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What benefit would come to Lee
Having MB be a healthy and productive part of a potential championship team with a closing window of opportunity for winning the ring.
Again, I’m not advocating to retain MBs services, but there is no doubt he is capable of producing and it would be more beneficial for the Cubs to have that production on their team since they’re paying him, rather than paying him to play somewhere else for 2 years.
Trying to take emotion out of it (I simply am not a Bradley fan) and look at it more from a business standpoint for a team with limited available resources due to a glut of poor contract signings.
by ScottT on Sep 24, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way. Why would you want to punish Lee's good behavior
for Bradley’s bad behavior? If Lee is going to spend extra time working for cause, let it be a cure for his daughter. He certainly doesn’t need to be burdened with Bradley.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His daughter was misdiagnosed....
but the rest of your comment is spot on.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Sep 24, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, thanks-I wrote that weird.
I am under the impression though that he still continues champion the cause.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, I'm not suggesting that I want MB back
Just presenting a possible scenario where it could allow it to happen.
DLee has stated that if Milton called him and wanted to talk, he would listen. So I suggest DLee for 2 reasons: first, he has exemplified professionalism in his career and he seems to be the only “friend” MB has on the team.
I agree that Milton will be gone. I think it’s likely the best move for the team in general. At the same time, this team is under significant financial strain with bad contracts and eating an additional 21 million means continued mediocrity for the next few years and I think that is something we would all like to avoid.
It’s also fully possible that since I’m a counselor, I want to believe that even someone with as many demons as MB can seek help and start to change if he is willing.
by ScottT on Sep 24, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, if was 22
I’d do this. But this is awfully hard to work for little return.
I would like to see the Cubs slow-play this though, and at least act like there is a plan to bring him back. If other teams believe the Cubs have left the door open, it will help the Cubs not get totally screwed in a deal.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
However...
… your scenario breaks down on the “if Milton called him and wanted to talk”. I don’t expect that to happen.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's an interesting and bold idea.
It would certainly make for some hot drama in the middle of cold January. But I just don’t think he’s close enough to any of his teammates – including DLee – for that to happen.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Sep 24, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton is not
Derrek’s responsibility. Milton needs to be responsible for himself. The man obviously needs help and I hope he gets it but not from Derrek Lee.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
by sue369 on Sep 24, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If MB came back next year
1. The rest of the clubhouse would be soured beyond repair and comprehension
2. The organization would be saying, Despite your oddities, we can’t win without you Milton.
3. Upon reaching FA, the current core of the team would not re-sign with the Cubs. I’m speaking of Lee, Ramirez, Demp, Lilly, to just name a few. One man’s, $20 million contract, is not worth losing all these players, IMO.
I can see how slow-playing the MB trade may get more in return, but is it really worth it? I believe if the Cubs get two cases of Champagne in return, they should be happy.
Don't let anyone steal your Joy
by bigz38fan on Sep 24, 2009 9:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
There's an old adage:
When you’re standing at the bottom of a deep hole, stop digging. The Cubs stopped.
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Sep 24, 2009 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Or dig up.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For someone who probably still thinks he did nothing wrong
I think this was big of Bradley to make any form of apology and perhaps the first step in the right direction.
by ak123 on Sep 24, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I didn't think such a creature existed
For someone who probably still thinks he did nothing wrong



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 Sep 24, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure if I was clear
But I meant Bradley doesn’t think he did anything wrong, not me. I think he needs to be rid from the team.
by ak123 on Sep 24, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, got it
Actually, when I read it again, you were clear. Guess I just wanted to post a pic of Big Foot.
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 Sep 24, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nessie looks, um, a little plastic.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You thought that was the real Easter Bunny, 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 Sep 24, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's NOT?
OMG.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't feel bad.
I shouldn’t expect someone who doesn’t celebrate Easter to recognize the bunny.
;-)
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 Sep 24, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're probaby going to tell me there's no Hanukkah Harry, either.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noticed on my frequent drives to visit my daughter at Marquette
that there are both a Big Foot, WI and a Big Foot Beach. Do you know if there have been any sightings in the area?
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
None that I've heard about.
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 Sep 24, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darn. I was hoping to get a better picture of him.
That one isn’t so flattering.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 Sep 24, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't get much better than that.
Looks like he could use one of those mangroomers I hear advertised on WGN.
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then he might look like this.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Sep 24, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OUCH!
LOL
"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Sep 24, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kelly Clarkson!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Sep 24, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs



















