Milton Bradley Failed Because of, and Only in, Chicago
Milton Bradley is back in the Chicago papers – and the news is all about how happy Bradley is that he’s only in the Chicago papers, not the city, itself. That’s right, Milton Bradley finally says what we all knew he was thinking: someone other than Milton Bradley is to blame for his failures last season.
“Two years ago, I played, and I was good,” Bradley told The Times. “I go to Chicago, not good. I’ve been good my whole career. So, obviously, it was something with Chicago, not me.”
Bradley, who has played for eight teams in 11 seasons, had a career-best season for the Texas Rangers in 2008, batting .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBIs. Looking to add left-handed punch to their lineup, the Cubs signed Bradley to a three-year, $30 million contract before the 2009 season.
Bradley struggled to live up to the contract and manage the pressures of playing in a big market. He batted .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs.
“Just no communication,” Bradley told the paper, referring to his Cubs tenure. “I never hit more than 22 homers in my career, and all of a sudden I get to Chicago and they expect me to hit 30. It doesn’t make sense. History tells you I’m not going to hit that many. Just a lot of things that try to make me a player I’m not.” ESPN Chicago.
Step back for a second and think about what you’re hearing. Do players ever say things like this? “I’m a really good player, and the reason I had one bad season is because the place where I played was awful and they didn’t treat me right.” You almost never hear things like this, and when you do, it is almost always more of a reflection of that player than it is of the team. Imagine, for a moment, that this wasn’t Milton Bradley. Imagine it was, for example, Aaron Heilman. Wouldn’t we be surprised to hear him say these kind of things?
But it is Milton Bradley. So there really isn’t much of a surprise here – did anyone really expect Milton Bradley to take any responsibility? Once again – and we can only wish Jim Hendry had observed this simple fact – there’s a reason why the guy doesn’t last anywhere more than a season and a half.
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Who cares anymore. The Bradely thing has been beaten to death and will continue to be beaten to death all season long. I think it’s time for the Cublogosphere to ignore all Bradley v. Cubs stories and to focus on the real important things like “would The Riot be more ‘scrappy’ if he grew a beard?”
Hey. Hey. Hey. If you’re going to use Cublogo-anything, please: let it be Cublogoverse.
If I am a Seattle fan, I just said “oh crap – this ain’t good…”
And then I said a prayer for King Felix’s elbow.
…with a capital “D.”
I only have 2 things to say about Bradley one is good riddance and the 2nd is what a pudwhack of a human being end of story
Literally the funniest thing I read all week. Because you know he only averaged like .315 the past two seasons so it’s wrong to think he’ll be anything but a .250 hitter. Also, I guess nowadays ten million only buys you 10 homers and 50 RBI’s.
I truly feel bad for this man. He obviously has serious issues and needs our compassion. Having said that, Jim Hendry should have been firied on the spot when he signed this poor basterd to a 3 year deal! Seriously!
To All Who Write About The Cubs,
Can we please move on from Bradley? I’m interested in THIS Cubs team and there are so many other fresh stories to be written. I’m so tired of picking up the Trib or Sun Times and reading about Bradley, which is why I LOVE the various Cubs blogs like Bleacher Nation or Waxpaperbeercup. Usually I get an interesting perspective, fresh unfiltered news. But now I’m seeing Bradley here too.
PLEASE…move on.
I’m sorry, pfk. Consider it a one-time relapse.
The truth is, I’m tired of the constant MB stories, too, but unlike the stream of them you see in the mainstream media, I didn’t create this one out of whole cloth. This was a new, highly relevant quote from Bradley, and was worth reporting on. In general, though, you won’t see much more of Bradley in this space.
I understand and thanks.
Just so you know, I absolutely love your blog. I am so fed up with the beat writers.
I now go to my favorite blogs for real insight that is unfiltered and fun to read.
Funny, you guys are doing this out of love for the Cubs and not getting paid, yet when I go to your blog (or others) and it is the same story as the day before or from earlier in the day, I’m disappointed….then become thankful that I have you to read as an alternative to the daily junk I read on line at the Trib or Sun Times.
Thanks, pfk. Glad to have you, and I’ll keep doing my best.
pfk-
These posts cannot stop until the collective Cubs fan base comes forward and admits the truth. You cannot live in denial and expect to truly move forward in support of this organization. You owe it to yourselves to take a personal inventory and, initially, spend time in quiet reflection on the facts. When you have cleared your minds of the clutter of harsh words and accusations, consoled yourself for wasted salary cap, and accepted what has become reality – then, and only then, will you be free. So…
Let’s take the first step together in admitting the problem, because this is not exclusive to Cubs fans. Say it with me and we’ll all be on the road to recovery. Ready? Here we go…”My name is _____ and I have a problem with psycho board-game-named outfielders”. Ahh, that feels good! Blue skies ahead, my friend, bluuuuue skies…
If you would like to continue this therapy in person, I have just opened an office in the greater Seattle area in expectation of the need in that region.