why not Milton Bradley?

[Enter_Sandman_42]

I know many probably dont want bubba in CF, so why not Bradley.

He's a talented player no doubt about that, he's very good defensively and has a very good arm as well (just watching some video on the dodgers site), so he has the talent.

now his make up is another story, he's a headcase and he's done some pretty bad things and said some pretty bad things but how much of that has to do with not being on a team that was a winning team? losing over and over would do that to some people.

now the main reason I would give him a chance is because like I said he's talented, he's also pretty young (younger than hunter), he's cheaper than most of the CF's we get and the Main #1 reason He is a Free Agent next year if he doesnt work out than we simply sit him down this year stick Bubba there or release him and than go hard for Hunter after next year.

Torre's forte is usually these things, reforming people so to speak, theres been a few people he couldnt (brown, mondesi) but theres been people he has been able to do it.

if we could get Bradley cheap, than I wouldnt really be all that against it

[AMYanks]

If Torre can keep him under control, and he can stay healthy, he would make an excellent addition to the team.

I have the feeling the Yankees will make a run for him. It was in one of the papers today, that they had interest. This seems like a low risk, high reward move.

The Dodgers will not ask much for Bradley, so he may be our best option.

[yanksphan]

If the Dodgers can not trade him by Dec 20 - he will most likely be non-tendered and become a FA, costing only money.

Who knows if he'll last that long though...

[yankeesAZ]

No freakin way! No one can control him. He has good talent, but way too much baggage.

[Brent]

No freakin way! No one can control him. He has good talent, but way too much baggage.

Cause he had problems with Jeff Kent? Everyone has problems with Jeff Kent. Sheffield use to be a problem and he has been a model citizen here.

Torre's a good people person, and with players like Jeter, Mo, and Sheff around I doubt he would get out of control.

[Vin]

now the main reason I would give him a chance is because like I said he's talented, he's also pretty young (younger than hunter), he's cheaper than most of the CF's we get and the Main #1 reason He is a Free Agent next year if he doesnt work out than we simply sit him down this year stick Bubba there or release him and than go hard for Hunter after next year.

So we sit him down and if it doesn't work out then play Bubba in CF. Then why sign him to begin with. Just sign the guy, he can play everyday. Torre can cure him.

[Enter_Sandman_42]

there are risks with this move, but they are small risks with potential high rewards, I wouldnt mind taking a risk on this.

[Yankees1962]

there are risks with this move, but they are small risks with potential high rewards, I wouldnt mind taking a risk on this.

I think it's worth taking such a risk.

[rightfielder21]

This is the way they should go...

[webassign]

If he doesn't work out, we'll have an unhappy and belligerent guy in the clubhouse to deal with. It's better if we didn't bother.

[Yankees1962]

If the Yankees obtain Bradley and it doesn' workout then you let him go after next season because he'll be a free agent next November. Anyhow, the new Dodger GM will probably decide his fate with the Dodgers.

Until a GM is hired, Ng and vice president of player development Roy Smith are handling Dodger front-office duties. Bringing back Cruz was a priority because the status of center fielder Milton Bradley is in limbo.

Cruz, 31, will be paid $2.91 million in 2006 and the deal includes a team option for 2007 at $4.5 million and a $300,000 buyout. In 47 games after being acquired from Boston on Aug. 9, he batted .301 with six home runs and 22 runs batted in.

If Bradley does not return, J.D. Drew could move to center field and Cruz could play right. The Dodgers could pursue another power-hitting outfielder through free agency or a trade, although Smith said only that the team is in the market for "a bat."

Bradley, who is rehabilitating from knee surgery, spoke to Smith at Dodger Stadium on Friday. He went on the disabled list Aug. 25, one day after ignoring a gag order from manager Jim Tracy and escalating a simmering dispute with Jeff Kent by accusing his teammate of not communicating well with African Americans.

"Milton has to get healthy, especially physically," Smith said.

The Dodgers haven't decided what to do with Bradley, who made $2.5 million last season. They could decline to offer arbitration (which would make him a free agent), trade him or sign him.

McCourt, who publicly supported Bradley through several problems on and off the field, is not inclined to bring him back, a source said. However, others in the organization want to give him another chance.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/printe...ines-pe-sports

[yankeebot]

If he doesn't work out, we'll have an unhappy and belligerent guy in the clubhouse to deal with. It's better if we didn't bother.

But if we get him through a trade and don't sign him to an extension, we are only committed to 1 year at, I believe, around 2.5 million. If he doesn't work out, we can try to dump him on someone else or even DFA him. At this point, he is still a better option than Bubba. Like most people here have said, low risk/high reward. Unless Cashman can work some magic this could be our best option.

"Milton has to get healthy, especially physically," Smith said.

Not very subtle.

[rightfielder21]

If the Yankees obtain Bradley and it doesn' workout then you let him go after next season because he'll be a free agent next November.

Agreed... It is the best option on the table... He fills a hole they need to fix, at a decent salary, and they don't lose a Cano/Wang type player/prospect in the deal...

Joe Torre's best attribute as a manager is to deal with personalities... I would like him to take advantage of said skill...

[YankeePride1967]

With the available CFers out there, taking a chance on Bradley makes far more sense than trading away Cano and several of our prospects for the overrated Hunter. Signing Bradley (he is very likely to be non-tendered) is a no risk move.

[CaptainThurman]

I think the newly empowered Cashman will solve the CF problem by breaking the pitching logjam. Something like Wright to Texas for Gary Mathews Jr. or maybe Pavano to the White Sox for Aaron Rowand....I don't see the Yankees going into the season with 7 starters, and I really doubt that Wang, Chacon and maybe even Small will be dealt -- Small would be great in the no. 6 role.

[SoCal Pinstriper]

A Bradley update set in the context of the dodgers signing Jose Cruz Jr.

Bringing back Cruz was a priority because the status of center fielder Milton Bradley is in limbo.

Cruz, 31, will be paid $2.91 million in 2006 and the deal includes a team option for 2007 at $4.5 million and a $300,000 buyout. In 47 games after being acquired from Boston on Aug. 9, he batted .301 with six home runs and 22 runs batted in.

If Bradley does not return, J.D. Drew could move to center field and Cruz could play right. The Dodgers could pursue another power-hitting outfielder through free agency or a trade, although Smith said only that the team is in the market for "a bat."

Bradley, who is rehabilitating from knee surgery, spoke to Smith at Dodger Stadium on Friday. He went on the disabled list Aug. 25, one day after ignoring a gag order from manager Jim Tracy and escalating a simmering dispute with Jeff Kent by accusing his teammate of not communicating well with African Americans.

"Milton has to get healthy, especially physically," Smith said.

The Dodgers haven't decided what to do with Bradley, who made $2.5 million last season. They could decline to offer arbitration (which would make him a free agent), trade him or sign him.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseba...adlines-sports

[WebsterMulligan]

With the available CFers out there, taking a chance on Bradley makes far more sense than trading away Cano and several of our prospects for the overrated Hunter. Signing Bradley (he is very likely to be non-tendered) is a no risk move.

I completely agree and it makes perfect sense. He made only $2.5 mil last year and the Yankees could probably aquire him for less. If he does eventually become a problem, then the Yanks can simply dump without taking much of a loss.

It's definitely worth the risk, IMO.

[ComeBackShane47]

You all should read the article about him in an issue of ESPN The Magazine a few months back. He is actually very intelligent and appears to be quite sensitive, making sure his mother has a car take her to every game. He has had problems in the past, but they dont seem like issues that he started, but rather reacted poorly to. Give hime a coaching staff like the one the Yankees have gathered, and I think he could shine. Afterall, just a career average season for him would be lightyears ahead of what the Yanks got from CF last season, plus even if the Yankees had to trade something for him, it wouldn't be too much, meaning Cano and Wang stay.

[WebsterMulligan]

I think the newly empowered Cashman will solve the CF problem by breaking the pitching logjam. Something like Wright to Texas for Gary Mathews Jr. or maybe Pavano to the White Sox for Aaron Rowand....I don't see the Yankees going into the season with 7 starters, and I really doubt that Wang, Chacon and maybe even Small will be dealt -- Small would be great in the no. 6 role.

If I were the GM of those teams, I would not pursue either of those pitchers. Maybe, if the Yanks pay most of their salaries. Pavano and Wright are extremely questionable, grossly overpaid and would be very difficult to trade, IMO.

It's not a bad thing having seven starters, considering the likelihood that one or more of the Yankee starters may end up on the DL.

[yanksconstantino24]

From what I've been hearing in various places, the Dodgers are desperate to give this guy away. I'd go after him. Like everyone else has said, he's talented, young, and the Yankees would be giving up next to nothing. What's to lose? If he doesn't work out, then release him. Joe Torre was once willing to take on Albert Belle, so I don't see Milton Bradley's past as a major issue.

[Snap731]

I see both sides of this.

There's probably a bunch of people I'd rather have than Milton Bradley. That said, if those options don't work out or wind up costing us too much then we SHOULD consider him.

He might be a headache but you never know. And he is a good player.

I'd rather he wasn't our first choice but he shouldn't be ruled out either.

How's that for fence sitting.

[DON'T KNOCK THE ROCK]

"Bradley, who is rehabilitating from knee surgery, spoke to Smith at Dodger Stadium on Friday. He went on the disabled list Aug. 25, one day after ignoring a gag order from manager Jim Tracy and escalating a simmering dispute with Jeff Kent by accusing his teammate of not communicating well with African Americans."
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Reply to that: Kent can't communicate well with African Americans because there are none. You're either African or American but not both. Is Pedro Martinez referred to as a Dominican American? No! Are there any Irish Americans? No! But I understand what Bradley is thinking: Jeff Kent doesn't communicate well with blacks.
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"McCourt, who publicly supported Bradley through several problems on and off the field, is not inclined to bring him back, a source said. However, others in the organization want to give him another chance."
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Reply to that: Well if the owner is not inclined to bring him back, then maybe he'll be non-tendered unless we offer someone like Proctor for him. Anything is better than nothing. I like the way Bradley plays giving it his all, plus he's a switch-hitter. I doubt he'll be with the Yankees more than a few years before he has an eruption, but in the meantime, he's the best option out there.

[Dooley Womack]

He's one of those players that's so disruptive that I'm afraid even Joe Torre won't be able to control him.

Some of his remarks are so off the wall. Sheff is a saint next to this guy. Also, this team doesn't need a player who likes to play the race card every couple of months.

[DiMaggio5CF]

Bradley has only seen 500+ at-bats in one season. And in that season, his numbers were decent -- .267, 19 HR, 67 RBI, .362 OBP, .424 SLG, 123 Ks -- but not great.

His only really great year came in Cleveland when he hit .321 with 10 HR, 56 RBI, a 421 OBP, and a .501 SLG, but that came in just 377 at-bats.

To me, he's average at best, and when you combine that with his emotional issues, it's not worth the risk.

Joe Torre is good at handling volitile situations, but he's not a freaking miracle worker.

[longtimeyankeefan]

Being in Philly, I equate the possible impact of Milton Bradley on the Yankees to the impact that Terrell Owens has had on the Eagles.

In the beginning, all is well and Terrell behaved. Look now - he has been suspended by the Eagles for his stupid comments.

My biggest fear with acquiring Bradley would be how he would react to the NY fans and press the first time he goes 1 for 32 and he hears the boo birds and pundits of the fourth estate. I wonder how long he can keep his yap shut in that situation.

That having been said, I would consider the idea of acquiring him IF the price was not too high. Given his baggage and the Dodger's lack of fervor for him, a low level prospect only - possibly even wait to see if he is tendered on Dec 20th. Nothing more.

[DaddyYankee279]

It's true getting Bradley is not something I'm looking forward to, becaause of the attendion that he needs from the public eye making all the wrong headlines

Being in Philly, I equate the possible impact of Milton Bradley on the Yankees to the impact that Terrell Owens has had on the Eagles.

In the beginning, all is well and Terrell behaved. Look now - he has been suspended by the Eagles for his stupid comments.

My biggest fear with acquiring Bradley would be how he would react to the NY fans and press the first time he goes 1 for 32 and he hears the boo birds and pundits of the fourth estate. I wonder how long he can keep his yap shut in that situation.

That having been said, I would consider the idea of acquiring him IF the price was not too high. Given his baggage and the Dodger's lack of fervor for him, a low level prospect only - possibly even wait to see if he is tendered on Dec 20th. Nothing more.

[MisterNovember]

Milton Bradley is injury prone and psychotic. This would be a horrible move for the yankees.

[NewEraYanks2527]

Please no Bradley, this Bronx Zoo doesnt need a hyena to cause trouble.

[rightfielder21]

[jbauer2485]

Proper Name: Milton Obelle Bradley
Age: 27
Bats: B
Throws: Right
Pos: CF
Experience: 5 years
2005 Salary: $2,500,000

SPLIT	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BA	OBP	SLG
Season	75	283	49	82	14	1	13	38	6	.290	.350	.484
Career	534	1893	272	509	115	10	54	233	54	.269	.350	.426

SPLIT	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	HBP	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Home	121	22	32	7	0	6	20	10	2	22	2	0	.264	.328	.471	.799
Away	162	27	50	7	1	7	18	15	0	25	4	1	.309	.367	.494	.861
vs. Left	79	12	22	4	0	4	7	1	1	12	2	0	.278	.293	.481	.774
vs. Right	204	37	60	10	1	9	31	24	1	35	4	1	.294	.371	.485	.856

Hitting
Since Bradley is not afraid to go deep into the count, he probably is best suited for one of the top two spots in the order. Though he has plenty of pop, he is a line-drive hitter who uses the entire field. He is a fine situational hitter as well, and will give himself up for a productive out. Bradley has a tendency to lose focus and he will give too many at-bats away, however. He is a fine bunter, able to lay down a sacrifice in any direction or drag one for a hit.


Baserunning & Defense
Bradley has above-average speed and gets around the bases very well. He takes the art of basestealing as a personal challenge, and his gritted teeth and extended leads sometimes tip his hand. Bradley can and did play all three outfield spots for the Dodgers last season, and he was more than adequate at each spot. He gets great jumps and moves well in all directions. Combine his center-field range with his right-field arm, and it makes a total defensive package.

Milton Bradley is injury prone and psychotic.

[Dooley Womack]

Has anyone considered Hasbro?

[YankeePride1967]

First off, I'm not thrilled about going after Milton, but so far the main ideas for 2006 are:

1.) Trade Cano/prospects for Hunter (please, God, no!)
2.) Sign Damon (nope)
3.) start Bubba (no thanks)

Milton Bradley will likely be non-tendered and cost only money. Considering the baggage, a one year deal isn't out of the question.

[jbauer2485]

First off, I'm not thrilled about going after Milton, but so far the main ideas for 2006 are:

1.) Trade Cano/prospects for Hunter (please, God, no!)
2.) Sign Damon (nope)
3.) start Bubba (no thanks)

Milton Bradley will likely be non-tendered and cost only money. Considering the baggage, a one year deal isn't out of the question.

Exactly, he's worth trying out in CF. He is young\cheap and one of the best options available. We also have Bubba as a backup if he fails, and I think he proved himself to be, at the very least, a reliable centerfielder for us.

[longtimeyankeefan]

Exactly, he's worth trying out in CF. He is young\cheap and one of the best options available. We also have Bubba as a backup if he fails, and I think he proved himself to be, at the very least, a reliable centerfielder for us.

What I do not understand is - if Bubba is an acceptable alternative should Bradley (or whomever) fails, why isn't he the choice?

[jbauer2485]

What I do not understand is - if Bubba is an acceptable alternative should Bradley (or whomever) fails, why isn't he the choice?

I've said that I would be secure with Bubba in CF because we made the playoffs with Bernie, and Bubba is much better defensively than him.

However, Milton is worth pursuing because he is young and cheap. We also need another outfielder because we can't risk having anyone injured without a Bubba-like replacement. So I would put Milton in CF, maintain Bubba's 4th outfielder duties and give Sheffield a break in RF.

[Roberto Kelly]

I think the newly empowered Cashman will solve the CF problem by breaking the pitching logjam. Something like Wright to Texas for Gary Mathews Jr. or maybe Pavano to the White Sox for Aaron Rowand....I don't see the Yankees going into the season with 7 starters, and I really doubt that Wang, Chacon and maybe even Small will be dealt -- Small would be great in the no. 6 role.

What incentive does Chicago have for trading Rowand?

[ieddyi]

What incentive does Chicago have for trading Rowand?

Especially for a question mark like Wright. It's not like they're desperate for pitching- their staff is way better than ours

[Jasbro]

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Kent can't communicate well with African Americans because there are none. You're either African or American but not both. Is Pedro Martinez referred to as a Dominican American? No! Are there any Irish Americans? No!

You've got to be kidding me.

[yank4life2005]

I can only hope the Dodgers non-tender Bradley and make him a Free Agent. I believe the deadline is 12/21.

Can someone confirm?

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

I'd take him in a heartbeat. I'm scared another team would pick him up before we do if he hits free agency...

[Fabien Brandy]

I'd take him in a heartbeat. I'm scared another team would pick him up before we do if he hits free agency...

This is my feeling exactly. He is such a perfect fit as the athletic, switch-hitting CFer who can handle the two spot in the order that I'm petrified that the Red Sox are going to pounce, letting Damon for picks.

Seems like he'd be the ideal 'Reggie Jackson's Special Project' player.

[YankeeFan1]

I hope the Yankees take a chance on Bradley, especially if they can get him as a FA. If Joe and Jeter can keep him on the straight and narrow, Bradley would be a wonderful addition to the Yankee. He is cheap, young, athletic, a good hitter, and a good defensive center fielder. If he causes problems, he can easily be traded or released without the Yankees taking a serious hit. If Bradley can work out his issues, he can be an asset to the Yankees for years to come.

[Prickly Pete]

I can only hope the Dodgers non-tender Bradley and make him a Free Agent. I believe the deadline is 12/21.

Can someone confirm?

Dec. 20.

[DaddyYankee279]

Well does anybody care to give him a chance after his left torn patella tendo and is on the DL for 60-days? or Not?

[Yanksagain]

I believe Bradley is the best option that won't cost us Cano. I just hope he is available on 12/20.

[DaddyYankee279]

But what about Giles or Damon?

I believe Bradley is the best option that won't cost us Cano. I just hope he is available on 12/20.

[AMYanks]

But what about Giles or Damon?

Damon is not a good option. Way too expensive, already has as bad an arm as Bernie, and in the last 2 years of his contract, will be just like Bernie.

[Steph19]

Even with his personality problems and injury problems, I have my doubts that LA would just let the guy go for nothing. He's got a ton of talent.

I wonder how cheaply he'll come exactly, assuming the Dodgers retain him. And I wonder if the knee injury will affect his defensive game. We talk about Torii's ankle so this has to be an area of concern too.

That said, he probably is the best bet at a reasonable price

[DaddyYankee279]

Well I don't think if it comes down to it the money won't matter to the boss, And I'am not saying go get Damon but any body at this time is expensive.

Damon is not a good option. Way too expensive, already has as bad an arm as Bernie, and in the last 2 years of his contract, will be just like Bernie.

[AMYanks]

Well I don't think if it comes down to it the money won't matter to the boss, And I'am not saying go get Damon but any body at this time is expensive.

Bradley (or Wilkerson) would be a better fit and less expensive.

It does come down to the money, the Yankees can no longer hand out 4-5 year deals worth $12-$13M per year. It has not put them in a good situation.