Cubs Focusing On Bradley

bradley did good for the rangers last year. he hit .321 with 77rbi's and had a .436 obp. he would be a great pick up for the cubs.

I am surprised that Tampa is not in on this guy.

What are the odds of a reincarnation of the famous pinella/dibble wrestling match from the '90's? Bradley is a headcase, no matter how well he is, when he's healthy. Wonder if he'll be able to play more than 120 games this coming year. There's a reason he's been with so many teams and he's only 30. This should be interesting.

Bradley won't get along with Pinella as well as he did with Ron Washington, but that's not the big issue there.

If the Cubs sign him to a 3 year deal with no conditions, just watch - they'll get about one year's worth of games out of him. Last year yet again his body broke down and he couldn't play OF or run, really. The only reason why he barely made the cut for batting title eligibility was because Wash put him in as DH for a bunch of games in August and September, when they probably should have been letting one of the kids get some much-needed experience.

I think the Cubs are going to rue the day on this one.

"bradley did good for the rangers last year. he hit .321 with 77rbi's and had a .436 obp. he would be a great pick up for the cubs".

Everybody hits in Texas.

I am not worried about how he is a head case, because we all know Lou. Lou will stop that sh** before it gets started.I dont think the Cubs need Roberts. PLease dont start that stuff again, and Cubs dont talk to the Pads again, they dont deserve to talk to Jim.

GO CUBS GO!!

If the Cubs do pick up Bradley, there is no way they go after Roberts. Derosa is too valuable to let go and with Bradley and Roberts both added, that would leave no where for him to play.

I definitely think the Cubs are taking a big risk with Bradley, mainly due to his injury prone body. Does anyone think that a healthy Adam Dunn could play better defense than an always injured Bradley?

I personally think Abreu is on the decline and the only other lefty bat out there is Dunn, unless we pulled off a trade...

I really don't like the idea of Bradley. He's always hurt. I like Adam Dunn.

That is the reason they are focused on Bradley...No one else makes since!! Just look at it this way. If you could choose between trading for Mark Teahen or signing Bradley which would you do! He is the only guy that has been talked about in a trade scenerio. There is no perfect fit. No to Abreu! It's Dunn or Bradley and that's it. Bradley is a switch hitter and plays a bit better defensively and has said he wants to play for the Cubs so he is the focus.

LOL!!! ''No one else makes since.'' LOL
Sense.

Milton Bradley is a perfect fit for the Cubs' offense. Look at some of the hitters making up their line-up right now.

Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Aramis
Soto
DeRosa

What's missing?

Left handed hitting you say?

Wrong! Crazy! That's what's missing! Not enough crazy! And Milton brings plenty of crazy to the table.

Bradley's agents need to get into his ear and remind him that he hasn't played a full season since.....ever. I've been saying it for a while - Bradley is a DH, period. Giving him a multi year deal to be their RF will just add to the Cubs' miseries - wait and see.

"I am surprised that Tampa is not in on this guy."

Tampa is in on the guy. They dined with him and all. However, I think Chicago will overpay for an injury prone player, especially since their Raul Ibanez is gone. Or, for any player/DH type (yes, I know Cubs are NL, but Soriano is a DH type, and they overpaid).

Stats or no stats. why doesn't anybody ever mention that this guy has played 100 games THREE TIMES in 9 seasons, and one of those was 101.

JD Drew has played a 100 games 8 times in the last 9 seasons and everybody thinks he is fragile.

and yes the torn ACL wasn't his fault but that was the last week of the season. without the torn ACL he only hits 68(!) games in '07. Besides, lots of players get restrained by their managers during an argument, only Milton Bradley tears an ACL.

Bradley needs to be in the AL where he can DH.

Good, get Bradley. Then use your Peavy trade chips and get Roberts, if you want more balance to the lineup.

Soriano
Roberts
Ramirez
Bradley
Lee
Soto
Fukudome/Johnson
Theriot

How do you figure Dunn is a better signing?

Bradley is perfect for the Cubs. This will be better than Zambrano v Barrett! Maybe even have a royal rumble when Milton goes after Santo or Brenly in the press box and gets into it with Sweet Lou.

Cubs have no shot at Roberts because the O's don't want to let him go! Plus DeRosa's versatility should be considered to be important when Milton goes on the DL. And there is always Fukodome the great savior.

Dunn might be better but he isn't a RF. You gonna put Soriano over there? Dunn would be great comedy to watch in the field with the swirling winds at the friendly confines!

This signing would simply be the Cubs being the Cubs....

gunsnascar: um Schoenwies is no longer a Met so that deal won't happen. The Cubs don't want to give up DeRosa and he is the only guy that gets them the young pitchers that San Diego wants. Peavy deal is dead for the Cubs.

Here's a thought that I've had for over a year now concerning the left-handed RF situation and my suggested solution.

Solution: Trade for Colorado Rockies RF, Brad Hawpe. He hit .283/25/83 and an OBP of .381. His salary is $3.925 million.

Considering the current availability of FA RF, it's not promising. Most of the players are past their prime, poor defenders, or clubhouse concerns. They would demand much more than the $3.9 that is owed Hawpe with a far greater risk. Also, when you examine what Colorado is doing and the current economic climate--I'm sure you could pry away Hawpe at a reasonable price. Colorado just sold off Holliday and is letting Fuentes walk which suggests they are in rebuild mode. Hawpe would be viable in RF and is more in his prime years at 29 yrs old.

Thoughts?

Cubs wont lose a draft pick on Bradley either.

MilwMatt: Great question about what the Rockies would want for Hawpe. I've wondered how the Cubs would be able to pry Peavy from the Padres but it appears they had what it took to get it done--I'm left surprised at some of the trades that happen in MLB.

One thing is for sure, we don't have the prospects to trade for both Peavy and Hawpe. I'm guessing that Hendry would have to choose one or the other. Whomever he chooses, he'd have to sign a FA at the other position. For example, if a Hawpe trade took place (which I think would cost less prospects)they'd have to try and sign a Randy Johnson (1 year with club option for 2nd possibly)or likely equivalent.

As far as Hawpe being an important piece of their rebuilding process...every player has a price especially when his next contract will probably cost around 3x his current contract.

No one here knows how to figure in defense. Having gotten into baseball primary through the fantasy version, I know how easy it is to look at a statline and think you understand a player's value. Check out fangraphs.com for an analysis on Abreu -- his defense is so bad that he actually is worth very little than replacement level. He's also a good deal older than Bradley, and neither is a good bet to stay on the field the whole season.

The same goes for Dunn; his defense is too abysmal to make him worth the contract he is demanding.

The Marquis for Shoeneweis deal was fictional; the lefty reliever was only a suggestion because the salary relief made sense. There is no reason a deal can't be made, though it probably won't until Garland and Perez come off the board.

I think Roberts will be available if the Orioles miss out on Teixeira and aren't able to sign any other big names. The best thing the Cubs could do is trade for both Roberts and Luke Scott with a package of Marshall, Pie, Cedeno, Marquis + salary relief, and a decent prospect (not Vitters). It's worth a year of the second basemen

they cannot get both roberts and scott for that package because the orioles would want vitters. Also there is no way the cubs give up vitters or marshall for roberts if they trade marquis. They would not give him up for peavy and he would become the fith starter if marquis is dealt. vitters is young and roberts only has one year left so the cubs would not even consider vitters a trade canidate for roberts (i hope)

Art: you don't know Melvin's plan so how can you call it bad? He has two ways to go - spend money this year to continue the run or save money and try to lock up all of the young players they want to keep. It is WAY to early to make any decision on what he does. Towers is being held over the barrel by an owner who wants to cut payroll to sell the team (he is getting divorced) and HAS to make a deal but doesn't want to screw the franchise by just giving Peavy away (he still would like to keep his job).

Why would the Rockies trade Hawpe without getting a frontline starting pitching prospect, or a young starter in return? That's their biggest need, and always has been, pitching. The Cubs don't have any young frontline upside guys who are under team control for a while?

"Curious, what lefty bat were you thinking the Cubs get? "

My guess was Abreu.

"WSCR out of Chicago's baseball expert Mike Murphy reported yesterday that MacPhail will revisit a trade for Roberts if 1) They fail to land Texeira; and 2) Roberts does not sign an extension (he has 1 year left)they have generally put on the table".

Mike Murphy's a dumba$$.

Cubs need to go after Orlando Hudson to play 2B and put DeRo in RF.

The cubs DONT NEED roberts, hudson, or furcal. Soriano is not going to be pushed down in the line up. We have 3 second basemen, one who can sub for Bradley in right field.

Rationally- the cubs will win the NLCS with the lineup as of today. Bradley will be a nice fit, he's a little crazy, yes but he will be fine.

I think fukudome will play better and no one will be complaining.

I am a cubs fan, but to all those Cubs fan's with your head's up your A$$es- stop dreaming!

"My guess was Abreu."

I think his price will be too much for the Cubs...or are willing to take on.

"The cubs DONT NEED roberts, hudson, or furcal."

I agree. Furcal is not coming here. He will sign somewhere west of Chicago. Hudson is not coming here, either. They are giving Fonteno a shot at more playing time. The other guy, no need to mention his name. I don't want to go down that dead end road.

The Cubs will sign a lefty bat. After that, it will be for a bench player and MAYBE a veteran bull pen arm. The Cubs budget is set and have very little to trade that does not hurt the big club. Maybe they move Marquis, maybe they can't. Their farm is thin at the upper levels (lower level is better). It will be free agent signings or minor trades to put together the '09 roster. The difference maker deal can be made if the right one presents itself.

"stop dreaming!"

I think some are bored and making up things. The reality is the team is being tweaked, not overhauled like some Cub fans post.

Just say not to Milton Bradley. Think of it as a childs toy with Lead Paint, its going to need to be put on a shelf or traded in.

Find someone else and trade.

I say trade the farm to the Mariners for Ichiro instead of Peavy. :-) He and Kosuke can hang out.

Not sure how the ... Cubs are driving up Bradley's price. No official offer has been made yet. The latest is this.

"The Cubs weren't believed to have made a formal offer to Bradley as the meetings concluded Thursday, and general manager Jim Hendry spent Friday taking care of business involving arbitration-eligible players at the contract-tender deadline."

If anything, other free agents like Ibanez signing set the market. That's why every year lesser free agents wait (not always) until the big boys sign. As they set the market. Bradley will not get as much as Ibanez, but you can start there with your frustrations there.

"Just say not to Milton Bradley. Think of it as a childs toy with Lead Paint, its going to need to be put on a shelf or traded in."

I know your trade for Ichiro was a joke, but who else are they going to get other than Abreu? Guys like Hawpe (even if available) will cost more than guys like Marshall and more than the Cubs could give. It is Bradley, Abreu, Dunn or a mid level trade. Any one of those options will be questioned no mater who the Cubs get. There is no stud out there. Cub fans will have to live with the flaws all the free agents or trade options available. To me Bradley makes the most sense out of what Hendry has to choose. Recap of Wittenmyer...

"Despite a reputation for a mercurial temper and the fact he'll be playing for his fourth team in four years, Bradley is said to be a smart and self-motivated player who is well regarded and respected by teammates.

Baseball-wise, the switch-hitter looks like a strong fit for the Cubs if he can stay healthy -- a big if, considering he has played more than 126 games only once in his career. Bradley, who turns 31 in April, is a career .280 hitter with a career .370 on-base percentage who batted .321 for the Texas Rangers in 2008, with 22 homers, 77 RBI and an American League-leading .999 OPS."

The Cubs can fill in guys and rotate if needed.

Okay since nothing on any real excitement is coming out of Cubs in the Hot Stove League lately I thought I would toss out a crazy trade idea and see if anyone else thinks it would be a good one(although impossible to ever happen).

D. Lee, Jason Marquis,some semi-decent AA or A SP, and Felix Pie

for

Grady Sizemore and Fausto Carmona

Yeah, no way the Tribe would part with their franchise player and the tenatively scheduled 2009 AL Cy young winner(hey who was expecting Cliff Lee in 08 to do that...anything can happen).

But the deal would cut some payroll in the immediate future...not so much down the line probably. The payroll is gonna need to take a cut with some already locked in big deals to pay out(A-Ram, Soriano, Zambrano, Dempster, and D.Lee.) and with Hoffpauir looking ready to contribute at 1B D. Lee is probably the easiest position to replace.

Crazy I know...but in a world where the Royals can pay Farnsworth like 10 mil for 2 seasons its obvious that crazy can happen.

Posted by: Gleebo | December 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHA WOW. no thanks we dont want your garbage.

I lean toward Bradley, but since left-handed hitting is the issue, it's worth noting career splits v. RHP:

Abreu .308/.417/.534 (.951)
Dunn .252/.392/.539 (.931)
Bradley .270/.362/.436 (.799)

AWESOME! This would be a great pick up especially for the NL Central.

The guy has played 2 full seasons in 8 years. Last year, he was a DH with good numbers. Now the Cubs expect him to play D and put up similar O numbers? HAHA I love the Cub's off season moves so far.

Guys, like I keep saying, no matter who Hendry signs, it will be questioned. There is no lock, sure thing out there to be had in free agency or trade. The Cub fans (not Cub bashers) will dispute Bradley, Abreu, Dunn or a mid level trade. I can't blame any Cub fan. We know the flaws and risks that come with each guy. Pick your poisen. Mine is Bradley.

Bcaine, quit screaming with '!!' after your sentences. Noted, you dislike or hate the Cubs. Move on.

My spelling and puncuation was way off that last post...sorry.

Studio,

I was kidding about Ichiro. :-)

But I am still very leary of Bradley. I know if we can win the central he would be very nice in the playoffs.

But how about something like this.. and I know this is way out there but...

Trade for Gary Matthews Jr + 15M. I bet the Angels would love to get rid of him. He can play all 3 positions and is a good defender. He would add depth and is also a switch hitter. Not a masher by any means but.. if we can get him for 3 years at roughly 6 per. It frees up money for them to sign Texeira. I dont think we would have to give up too much.

Too far out there?

I am stretching to find someone other than Dunn/Abreu/Bradley. But I suppose I would be open to bradley at no more than 2 years 15 M or 3 at 20 M

EdmondsforMVP:

Soriano's gonna bat at the top of the lineup....how'd that work in the playoffs? CUBS NEED A PROVEN LEAD OFF HITTER--now that were away from the Peavy mess (and hopefully won't get back into it). And how is that Milton Bradley?

I agree with iowacubs re:Soriano. I could strike this guy out and Im 60.Think Im kidding? LOW AND AWAY.

and the outfielder I would like to see at Wrigley is Garrett Anderson

Transplant, I sure hope you're not one of those people who think we should trade Lee, because Anderson is exactly who Lee is slowly turning into.