In the Life Isn’t Fair Department, file this: Milton Bradley hasn’t even reported to camp yet, and Chicago writers have been here seeking reaction to the most recent criticism of the outfielder.
Bradley, acquired in the trade of Carlos Silva, isn’t due in until Monday – but may have Cubs writers waiting for him.
In a short story by Paul Sullivan, Cubs analyst Ron Santo wasn’t kind.
“It was better when (general manager Jim Hendry) suspended him,” Santo said. ”It was obvious.
”He was always kind of mad. He wasn’t a happy man. He’d walk right by you and not even look at you. Several times he’d walk by Lou (Piniella), and Lou would say something and he didn’t say anything. But that’s over with, and it’s a good clubhouse now.”
Bradley, of course, is a Seattle Mariner now – and the team is happy to have him and his bat. New teammates like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chone Figgins say they’ll have Bradley’s back.
If Chicago writers show up on Day One with questions about Santo and Bradley’s year with the Cubs, things may get interesting.
If I was Bradley, whenever the Chicago reporters walk up to me and ask a question, I’d just smile and say: “Gentleman, the bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle”
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He’s gone, Chicago. Get over it and enjoy your day in the son with Carlos silva’s performances.
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Yeah, the Cubs writers clearly don’t have anything on their own club to report about if they are camped out in Peoria waiting for an ex-Cubbie to report to his new team.
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Good posts here. Maybe Bradley hit a nerve of truth with his comments relating to the Cubs, their fans and their city. Yes, Bradley has shown a history of “attitude” and upset more than one player or manager in his career. But, he is not on any of those teams now, so what is the point of it now? The Chicago writers make themselves look more foolish than the target they are trying to point a finger at. And other than being an ex-Cub, what makes Ron Santo or his comments relevant?
Most comments from Seattle fans have been with open arms to Bradley, which is what I expect will be the same from the Mariners clubhouse. There just seems to be some magic that comes from a big hug from Griffey Jr. and the warmth, sincerity and character of Mike Sweeney has it’s impacts as well. How many guys like that who have also proven themselves on the field, has Bradley been able to team with in his career?
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The reporters are saying all of this, because they can’t stand the thought of Bradley coming to Seattle and actually enjoying himself. Pretty immature and pointless if you ask me.
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As much as I loved Lou… the fact was that he had to be the biggest personality in the room. He could never handle somebody who didn’t do it his way. I remember when he sent Boone to the minors for hitting a fly ball rather than grounding out to second base to advance a runner. You can take a guy like that… sit him down… correct him. Instead Lou shipped him to the minors and traded him away for Dan Wilson and Bobby Drunkala shortly.
You need to be a certain kind of guy to play for him. Wakamatsu seems to be able to handle any type of guy. If he can’t… the guy is gone. But he will exhaust all options before ditching a guy (see Yuni Betancourt for proof).
I think Milton was worth the risk.
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If Bradley has a breakout year, there are going to be some ANGRY Cubs fans!
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