My Nightmare Scenario

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 10:10 AM PST in News Comment 62 comments

"Good morning, gentlemen. Mr. Forst, always nice to see you, Mr. Bradley, welcome, and this must be your agent--nice to meet you, Mr. Levinson--ok, shall we proceed? Mr. Forst, why don't you begin?"

"Thank you. First of all, we really only acquired Mr. Bradley because for all his talent, no one else much wanted him and the Dodgers couldn't wait to unload him--and for good reason. Mr. Bradley is coming off not one but two injuries, so we're not even sure he'll be able to play full-time right away; and if he can, we're not sure he'll be able to perform that well. Plus, the guy is haunted by so much non-baseball related baggage it wouldn't all fit in the overhead bin of a 747. The guy fights with teammates, he fights with fans; heck, the police have his home number on speed dial. The guy's a walking--correct that, a limping--disaster waiting to happen. So we feel--"

"Hang on, Mr. Forst. Mr. Bradley, you need to sit down--Mr. Bradley, SIT DOWN. Mr. Levinson, you need to tell your client to calm down; explain to him that this just is how an arbitration hearing works..."

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Right on Nico

This could be a disaster of Juan Cruzian proportions:

Milton Bradley's off-field problems are well known. Suffice to say that Oakland is betting that these issues won't diminish his tremendous ability to play baseball. A fully healthy Bradley could be expected to hit .300/.380//.500; in reality, he won't probably won't come close to these numbers. Whether he fully recovers from the knee surgery that ended his 2005 remains to be seen - and how will he react when David Forst, the Athletics' assistant GM, beats his brains in during arbitration hearings?.

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/story/2005/12/14/105543/83

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 17, 2005 10:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Excellent writeup, Sal

I hadn't seen that when I wrote my piece this morning, so sorry for the unintentional "plagiarism" (or, to spin it, "hey, great minds think alike").

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No worries

This was my roundabout way of saying, "Agree, wholeheartedly." And, of course, I can't say it with half the wit that you do!

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 17, 2005 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Sal--

I get called a half-wit a lot. :-)

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cruz Control

Yes, very good piece Sal. But can you fill us in on what happened with Juan Cruz. Did the A's have arby hearings with him and did he take it personally? Enough to sour him on the team or his career path?

ProActiv Solution: It moisturizes my situation, perserves my sexy. ? -P. Diddy

by Dig the Long Ball on Dec 17, 2005 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I recall the A's

went to arbitration against Cruz and won, and the difference between the two sides' figures was relatively small (250K?), so it was arguably a "win the battle, lose the war" deal for the A's. Whether this affected Cruz or not is purely speculative. But it can't help an employee's morale to have their employer sit across the table from them explaining all the reasons they're worth less money. Even I tend not to respond well when that happens.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yes they went to arb with Cruz

but they didn't want really want to...

He was the only guy last year that they went through arb with, with every one else they were able to avoid the process.

Who knows how much of that has to do with the Cruz results on the field, but for certain there is a darn good reason why GMs want to avoid arb if at all possible.

Agree that we really don't want to go through this with Bradley.

by jakarta on Dec 17, 2005 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cautiously optimistic

I'm going to hold onto the hope that both sides realize they have much more to lose by arbing than by settling. This is of course often true in arbi cases, but especially so here. Bradley has more of a need to start on the right foot than do most new acquisitions, while the A's likely perceive a greater downside to an arbi hearing with a delicate psyche than with your average player. It just doesn't make sense for either side to play brinksmanship games here. Doesn't mean it can't happen, but I'm guessing it won't.

Of course, I'm also cautiously optimistic that Uncle Miltie will both maintain his cool and his health throughout 2006. Ah, the hopefulness of the holiday season!

Beat the Angles (they're obtuse!)

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 17, 2005 10:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm optimistic too,

partly because of what you said--both sides should be able to see that they have a lot to lose--and partly because historically the A's are one of the most successful teams, in general, at avoiding arbitration hearings.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Another thing to remember

is that the A's are in a much better financial position than they were last year. Not only is it in their (and Bradley's) interest to settle without going to a hearing, it might be more possible financially.

I'm laying down my bet now that Bradley's contract issue is resolved without much to do.

by Alien on Dec 17, 2005 11:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Good point; I agree.

And even if Bradley's agent is only thinking about "getting the most money possible," he will likely understand that Bradley's best--and possibly last good--chance to repair and restore his reputation is now, and that he will command much more money over the next 10 years if things go well right now.

In other words, it is financially possible for the A's to pay Bradley a little more, and it is financially prudent for Bradley and his agent to accept a little less. The two sides should be able to settle and get off on the right foot.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What you are...

...suggesting is that reasonable people can come to an agreement that benefits everyone - and this happens all the time. What will be interesting is to see who is reasonable here. I have never had the impression that the A's (read Beane) beat people over the head and denigrade them. The burden it seems to me is on Bradley. He has the most to lose. Being on 4 teams in 6 years doesn't exactly define 'keeper', so he has something to prove and I hope he sees that. The A's have a good organization. Bradley will help himself and the organization, if he can get a grip on what that really means.

by doubleplayer on Dec 17, 2005 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

getting off on the right foot,

is going to be very important with Bradley. What kind of a relationship is Milton Bradley going to have with the organization and fans in Oakland? I really have to think A's fans are going to welcome him. While we've our share of bad artists around here, our media isn't going to hound him like the New York or Bahston media would.

Alien, I think you're right. The A's front liners aren't going to be the ones to throw a wet rag on this. They'll give him a fair (and perhaps incentive-laden) contract and make him feel wanted.

I believe he and his wife just had their first child. My hope is that he has a more mature perspective on life. He hinted at this even in the infamous KNBR interview. If this is true, then Billy Beane got him at EXACTLY the right time.

The world hasn't changed so much in a year that Bradley's newfound beatitude won't be challenged by SOMEthing that happens this year, though. I sure hope he can take it in stride when it does. This is very dramatic, stuff, really.

by Brian in 317 on Dec 17, 2005 11:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ok, I thought

We were all going to TRY and look on the bright side of this situation. Why would you write something like this? To make us MORE fearful of the Bradley trade? To make our concerns about him MORE present on this board? Why?

One thing that new players have consistantly said about Oakland A's Fans is that they were surprised by how welcoming they are. The minute they walk on the field they know the fans are behind them.

Now is this piece showing Bradley that we, the fans, are behind him? No, it shows that we are fearful and even more fearful of the possiblity of him staying long term. Why would he want to stay with a team long term where the fans treat him that way.

So for myself, I am "keeping and open mind" as Bradley has requested we do for him. On opening day, I am going to cheer just as loudly for him as any other player on the team (with the exception of Bobby, of course!;)) and I am going to WAIT before I judge him.

New town, New team, New life, New fans, New Reputation!

"Happy Holiday's Billy Beane!" - Mychael Urban

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Dec 17, 2005 12:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Bradley's an A now, and I will support him on the field and keep an open mind off the field.

by OaklandSi on Dec 17, 2005 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry

I don't think that Nico is really giving Bradley too much crap for his bad rap - I think its more of a joke, which is somewhat funny to joke about.

Other than a couple of people, this site has been a lot more welcoming of Bradley than I'm sure he'd expect.

I also doubt he reads this, but still...

by SeanR on Dec 17, 2005 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Presactly--

I fully intend to give MB my full support and I have urged fans to greet him with welcoming signs at the first home game. This piece is supposed to really be about arbitration hearings, not about rehashing MB's past.

I think MB might, and I truly hope he does, have a great experience in Oakland--and I have a lot of compassion for the circumstances that have produced this interesting man with a penchant for angry outbursts.

But all this doesn't mean I will refrain from (hopefully) humorously referencing his history, because I am, however slightly, in the "entertainment industry". In fact, though, I'm rooting wholeheartedly, and somewhat optimistically, for his success.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just a thought...

Might it be a good idea, if it could be worked out, to introduce Milton Bradley at Fan Fest? This would give him a chance to see some of the best A's fans and give us a chance to show him so 'right out of the gate love.'

Just a thought.

Thank You Bill...

Go A's

by NomAd on Dec 18, 2005 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Two years

till Bradley hits FA. Just sign him to a contract through 2007 and be done with it.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 17, 2005 12:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Damn straight.

Arb sucks. Just get a contract down and forget about it.

"Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic." -Robert S. Wieder

by Kyli on Dec 18, 2005 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nightmare Flashback

One year ago tonight...the Saturday before Christmas...logging on to AN to find the news that Mulder was traded..impossible,unbelievable.. just days after Hudson went to Atlanta..felt like I could not breathe.
Well, after we all were able to breathe again (AN to the rescue)..just look at the season we had in 2005!
So I am still in line for the Kool-aid: In Billy We Trust.
And I am very optimistic and excited about next season, springtraining can't come soon enough.

"sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic..." SALB918

by LongTimeFan on Dec 17, 2005 2:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I'm in the minority

on this issue. But really, I could care less about his "issues". If him and his wife have a rocky relationship, what's that to me? I only care if the cops come out and arrest him, thereby preventing him being in the lineup. As far as I'm concerned his family issues are exactly that....his. Not mine. Don't get me wrong, I wish him luck in his personal life just like I do most people. But that is an issue for him and his wife to deal with....just like it is for most of the people of the world. As far as whacking fans, I could care less about that too. As long as he doesn't punch one with his lead hand and break fingers or something which would neccisitate his removal from the lineup.....have at it Milt. If someone is stupid enough to use a litany of inappropraiate comments towards a large, physically fit man, well that's just nature weeding out faulty genetic material. Really, are people stupid enough to think that 30 bucks gives them the right to talk to another human being like a dog?
Message to MB if he peruses this site. Hit the ball, catch the ball, run the bases, hit for power and average. All else is forgiven....if there was ever anything to forgive. Do those things well and I'll cheer. Stink it up and I might.....just might....boo. If I do it will be from somewhere far away.....you won't even hear it.

"People ask me what I do all winter without baseball. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

by alox on Dec 17, 2005 2:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well said alox ...

I could care less about his "baggage" as well. You get guys to perform on the field. Anything beyond that is someone else's business.

It will be nice to see a player show some emotion ... hopefully it will rub off on some of the other guys. His meltdown with the bag of balls last year was classic.

Question Nico: other than the Jeff Kent thing (which certainly wasn't Kent's first run-in and won't be his last,) which teammates has Bradley had it out with? I'm thinking this "aspect" of his reputation is overblown. I've never read one thing about him being a "bad" teammate or a problem in the clubhouse.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Dec 17, 2005 3:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

My recollection

is that he alienated teammates (with Cleveland?) somewhat during a "I want to play CF" not "I want to do whatever helps the team" phase. But I would agree that he does not have a big negative history with teammates--though my impression is that he has been perceived by many teammates as someone who walks around with a chip on his shoulder and thus has often been more "left alone" than "one of the gang". I do not, however, know this for a fact--and I think it's likely this will not be the case in Oakland.

The point of the diary, though, if it wasn't clear to some, was that in arbitration the team must paint the bleakest picture possible and must do it in front of the player (which is a rule I don't personally agree with, but that's the rule). My "words from Forst" have no bearing on my opinion, or even what I think Forst's opinion is, but rather on the way the Forsts have to speak about the Bradleys in an arbitration hearing.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 17, 2005 4:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Your scenario was

humorous....and I took it for what it was. A jest at MB's past history. Nothing wrong with that....especially if its good natured ribbing. I am sure our assistan gm will have a large security contingent around....just in case, you know, terrorists or something should decide to take over Mcaffee. Gotta take homeland security seriously ya know.

I was pointing out that I really don't care what Bradley has done in the past. As an A's fan I am interested in his future....and not much else. I actually enjoy the "on the field tirades". I took my kids to see the D-rays a couple seasons ago....and true to form, Lou did not disappoint. Loved it.

I enjoyed your scenario, but I guess all the stuff I've been reading about MB being a head case who will destroy our "team chemistry" (whatever that is) has started to get annoying. Sorry if it seemed I was capping on you....I wasn't.

"People ask me what I do all winter without baseball. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

by alox on Dec 17, 2005 11:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

meltdowns

The A's could use someone with enough fire in his belly to have an occasional meltdown. The last one I remember is Tejada throwing all the bats on top of the dugout roof. MB may bring the energy that the team needs.

by Lodifan on Dec 17, 2005 6:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

very poor comment IMO Nico.

a number of clubs have been able to welcome a malcontent, and found him to make a great contribution to the team. Going back to my roots in St. Louis, I remember Roger Maris being welcomed heartily by the fans, and once again in St. Louis, Mark Mcguire falling in love with a fan base on baseball.

We've done the same before here in Oakland, why can't we welcome this guy with love and open arms--positive attitude for what he might contribute.

don't be a NY sports writer Nico! let's support this team. It could be such a magical team if things fall together.

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Dec 17, 2005 10:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

wait

did you understand his post? It's a situation which is his "Nightmare scenario". This means he doesn't think it will happen, because it's his nightmare scenario.... I repeat: he doesn't actually think this whole arbitration thing will happen....

RIP Bill King "By the Beard of Zeus!" "I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand"

by ohad on Dec 17, 2005 10:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks, no I didn't understand the post.

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Dec 20, 2005 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

oh give me a break

this is so bogus. first of all, that can't be how arbitration hearings are conducted. it's all very professional; i'm sure there will be a notable absence of jumbo jet metaphors used during the proceedings. if they need to bring up concerns about his temperament, i'm sure they will couch it in the politest, most diplomatic terms possible, and they will get their point across.

secondly, the A's are not going to want to drop the hammer on a player they just acquired. especially considering the fact that he already feels so persecuted, i'm sure they'll want to make him feel welcome and wanted.

and thirdly, although he's temperamental and emotional, milton bradley is a smart guy. i'm sure he knows what arbitration hearings are like, and even if he doesn't, his agent will likely explain it to him.

anyway, as you described it, this isn't even a "nightmare" scenario. it's completely implausible, and i don't even see the point of bringing it up in the way you did.

by vishal on Dec 17, 2005 10:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This is Satire People, Satire!

In other words, not to be taken literally, but instead using clever humor that paints an extreme case to make a point. (You've seen the Daily Show, right?)
Sorry for sounding like bossy School Marm Sue, but ...

So what is the timeline here? When do they need to reach a contract before arbitration kicks in?

by SportySpice on Dec 18, 2005 10:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

i just didn't think it was particularly clever or funny i guess. i found it more counterproductive than anything else.

by vishal on Dec 18, 2005 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, technically, this may

count more as parody or lampoon than satire... but yeah. I'm kind of shocked about how people are reacting to this, it was a funny little post to illustrate that getting a deal done ahead of time is a prudent thing and arbitration's ridiculous. I'm kind of shocked to see how people are reacting to it.

Nico needs to learn to be less subtle, I guess. :-)

"Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic." -Robert S. Wieder

by Kyli on Dec 18, 2005 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

um, lighten up

"anyway, as you described it, this isn't even a "nightmare" scenario. it's completely implausible,"

Vishal: It's completely implausible. You're right. That's why it's his frikkin nightmare scenario. This whole thing is a joke designed to give us something to laugh at on a slow news day.....

RIP Bill King "By the Beard of Zeus!" "I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand"

by ohad on Dec 18, 2005 12:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Now there's someone

who gets it, slam-dunk style. On a day when there's news, I'm all business. But when there's nothing new to write about, well...let's just say that during the week between Christmas and New Year's you'll be lucky if I don't let Cindi write something.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I may have had too much too drink...

...but Nico, that brought a smile to my dare-I-say somber face!

Nice work.

"Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out" - Vaclav Havel

by Czech Micah on Dec 17, 2005 11:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

cool quote

i dig it, as it makes sense, which in turn supports its very meaning. Too often we citizens of the world try to perceive reality through our own biases(which leads to false optimism AND pessimism), rather than look at the world for what it actually is. Its called thinking critically. Anyway...I liked the quote...I'll go now.

tdwclark

by tdwclark on Dec 18, 2005 7:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough crowd, Nico

Some folks just don't appreciate gallows humor.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 17, 2005 11:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Sense of Humor....

I think a few of you lost yours somewhere......

"I have nothing against the bunt - in it's place. But most of the time that place is in the bottom of a long-forgotten closet." - Earl Weaver

by PosterNutbag44 on Dec 18, 2005 1:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

To quote The Family Guy...

"This is outrageous! Someone should do something."

"But, you can't do anything."

"Well, then, I guess I'll have to develop a sense of humor..."

by TravelingAsFan on Dec 18, 2005 7:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

LOL, no worries--

It didn't take me long with this gig to realize that no matter what I wrote, 20% of the responses would be negative. So I'm just gonna keep on writing until Blez takes my keyboard away (cue the Beach Boys: "And I'll just write, write, write till my Blezzie takes my keyboard away...").

In the meantime, I'm working with AN's tech guy to install closed captioning for the humor impaired. I'm hoping the software arrives next Sunday...strapped to the saddle of my pony!

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Now you've gone too far

"Blezzie"?

No no no no no no no no no no no no no...

That's just wrong.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 18, 2005 11:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not offended by "Blezzie"

So long as it's not meant as a slur, short for Blezbian.

Beat the Angles (they're obtuse!)

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 18, 2005 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Offended? No. Disgusted? YES!

Ugh

Why not just call him Snuggle Bunny and get it over with?

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 18, 2005 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We agreed we wouldn't

call each other that in public.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 1:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ummmmm

aren't well all "blezzies" on this site.....just an observation....disgusting at it may be....

"People ask me what I do all winter without baseball. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

by alox on Dec 18, 2005 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you love me,

pookums?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 18, 2005 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I do I do

especially that way you have when we're locked up.....

"People ask me what I do all winter without baseball. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

by alox on Dec 18, 2005 7:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm not humor-impaired!

just be funnier next time :)

by vishal on Dec 18, 2005 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Will do, V...

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

there you go.

chair throwing is ALWAYS funny. unless you're frank francisco.

by vishal on Dec 18, 2005 11:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

you certainly can't

fault his aim. Virtual Dead eye that guy.

"People ask me what I do all winter without baseball. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby

by alox on Dec 18, 2005 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Needed a better closing hook

Now, if you'd ended the piece with Milton inviting Forst to "say hello to his little friend..."

Beat the Angles (they're obtuse!)

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 18, 2005 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL. Awesome, dude.

Given that BB's crew are likely cutthroat like pirates, I thought it was hilarious.

Great nightmare. Hopefully, there'll be a contract done through his arb years-- I'm still wary about Bradley (thawing greatly towards him, though, after his KNBR call), but I dislike arbitration even more.

"Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic." -Robert S. Wieder

by Kyli on Dec 18, 2005 11:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think it's a terrible system--

A hearing should be between two representatives: the Asst. GM and the player's agent. Requiring the player to sit there and hear his value strategically minimized by his employer is just stupid. And completely unnecessary.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

"Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic." -Robert S. Wieder

by Kyli on Dec 18, 2005 11:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But if you were subject to this

process, wouldn't you want to be involved?

It is, after all, a process between you and the club. As in a court of law, you may send your representative to do battle, as may the club - but you do have a constitutional right to hear the proceedings.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 18, 2005 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's fine

to allow the player to be there if he wants to be there, but I think it's not fine to require it.

Nico

by Nico on Dec 18, 2005 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, it's a barbaric

system. Although, I guess when we are up for a raise or promotion, we have to hear about our pros and cons, review time wise. But then again pro athletes aren't working folk, are they? I say MB on a winning team=no meltdowns anyway, but very funny write up, Nico! Go A's! Where's the Spring Training countdown? How much longer until pitchers and catchers? How long Great Pumpkin? How Long????????????????????????????

by A'sfansince1970 on Dec 18, 2005 11:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Lets all chant...

REG-GIE! REG-GIE!

Oh wait, that was for the 49ers blog...

I meant...

BRAD-LEY! BRAD-LEY!
Yeah, thats the ticket.

Has spring training started yet? God, I'm sick of football.

by ChickenStanley on Dec 18, 2005 2:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ahah!!! The Cruz treatment!!!

I certainly hope not. :(

Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women, and Irish whiskey. The other ten percent I'll probably waste." -Tug McGraw

by saint on Dec 19, 2005 9:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Big difference between

Milton Bradley and Juan Cruz - Bradley is a good major league baseball player. Juan Cruz is just a guy who looks like he has impressive "stuff". Maybe Bradley hasn't lived up to his potential, and maybe he is a head case, but the A's cannot claim they needed to trade Ethier or that they made the trade under any forced circumstance. They wanted Bradley, and they traded for him. If it does go to arbitration, the numbers submitted by each side will be close. If the A's try to lowball, they'll lose. Same for Bradley's agent if he asks too much. Bradley knows he's on thin ice, just as the A's know they can get a behavioral discount. Bradley needs to re-establish himself as a bonafide major-leaguer (not just a a guy with major league talent). What better place to do it than as an everyday player with a contender? Succeed this year and you'll be a rich man next year, Milton. The A's are providing that opportunity. They will not pay top dollar to watch you blow up and get kicked off the team. It's just the way it is. Be a man, accept that this year, and the future is bright.

by iceplant on Dec 20, 2005 12:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs