With his three-year no-trade clause with the Angels expired and two years left on his contract, like clockwork, Gary Matthews Jr. announced that he wants to play every day. His salary pretty much demands that we trade him for someone else's overpaid headache and one dude sticks out like a sore thumb. Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley. And I give this trade thumbs up.
Yes I just heard you scream in protestation over his chemistry issues. His temper. His rage against the machine, the fans, the teammates, the coaches, hell, against the peanut vendors. But hear me out...
Would not Bradley benefit form the absolute terms of engagement set for him by an unassailable manager such as Mike Scioscia? Unlike Ron Washington, Mike has reached the playoffs with an iron hand. Unlike Lou Piniella, Mike is a fixture - there is no battle to be won with the Papacy-like permanence of Scioscia the First. Milton's trouble with authority could vanish when Scioscia's reasonable expectations and culture of winning are presented as a chance at redemption and his only option to get a ring.
Bradley quit on the Cubs and blamed racist fans. With Torii Hunter a fixture in Centerfield and Wally George dead, ya can't say that about the O.C.!
Gary is owed $23 Million over the next two seasons. He turned 35 in August.
Bradley is owed $21 Million over the next two seasons. He will turn 32 a week after opening day.
The Angels could use Bradley in RF and at DH and toss in a speedy leadoff hitter in the field when Milton needs the rest that comes from DHing. With Brandon Wood at 3B, Mike Napoli DHing when Milton was in the field and Reggie Willits or Chris Pettit in RF on the days he DHs, we get speedy leadoff hitters to replace Chone Figgins, and two power bats to replace Bobby Abreu and Vladimir Guerrero (bot over 35 on opening day). We get younger, have the bucks to re-sign John Lackey and the Gary Matthews contract is suddenly giving us and OPS of .900 ... I dunno, think about it...
0 recs | 227 comments
Smells like Jose Guillen all over again...
chairmanofthebar - October 28, 2009
Exactly my thoughts
But I think he is worse. Some in MLB claim he is mentally ill. I won’t go that far, but the dude did much to torpedo the Cubs this year. He has had problems everywhere he’s played, usually right away.
bearnut - October 28, 2009
Except with less power, and more injuries.
And why does anyone think he’s still “speedy”? He stole two bases in 393 ABs last season, and got caught three times.
So really, we’re going to replace a leadoff hitter with 3-4 replaceable scrubs, kill any lineup continuity, and make the leading candidate a slowing, injury-plagued clubhouse cancer for Scioscia to ‘tame’?
Not buying what Rev’s selling today.
Turks Teeth - October 28, 2009
me too and I say NO THANKS.
angelsfan777 - October 29, 2009
I'm shocked
That people would be against this. Whether you like Bradley or not, at least he has some use on a baseball field, unlike Matthews. Doesn’t matter though, the Cubs would never do this trade.
RallyMonkey5 - October 30, 2009
NOOOOO!!!!!!
When has Bradley ever contributed to a team like that team had hoped for when they signed him? I would be pissed if he came to Anaheim. Thankfully, I don’t think Soth would approve of Milton, so I’m not too worried.
King Fish - October 28, 2009
Since the Guillen fiasco...
I am pretty sure the Angels will never actively seek another player who has a past problem with attitude/authority figures, etc. Not under Sosh and Arte.
You have to think its the reason why Arte stroked Manny Ramirez last year in a lengthy paragraph and then ended it with, “We’re not interested.”
That being said, if it comes down to this, which is the lesser of two evils? A disgruntled Matthews or a shitty attitude pre-madonna like Milton “I invented Monopoly” Bradley?
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - October 28, 2009
"pre-madonna"
I’m not sure what life before “Borderline” has to do with Bradley…. :)
yeswecan - October 28, 2009
nice catch!
dmhead - October 28, 2009
I think he meant arrow-gint.
:)
Match Day 5 - October 28, 2009
i wasn't aware
there was life before me! :-p
b0rd3rline - October 28, 2009
Win
Clutch - October 28, 2009
Give him a break.
Prima donna is one of those terms people hear spoken more than they see written. Harvey’stache is usually a wonderful contributor to HH, even if he has a tenuous grasp of the English language (further exemplified by the curious use of the less common ‘o-u’ spelling in ‘moustache’).
Rally Manatee - October 28, 2009
I spell it "moustache"
and my grip on the English language is real good!
rspencer - October 29, 2009
Real good?
Is that sarcasm or irony? Are you making a funny, or have you, like so many others, fallen prey to the eradication of adverbs? I’m guessing it’s sarcastic.
Rally Manatee - October 29, 2009
More like ironic
but yes, the intention was to be humorous. I may have been too subtle.
Although I do spell it “moustache.” I don’t go in for these modern streamlined words!
rspencer - October 29, 2009
NO
Players like Bradley don’t respond well to the Soth’s Iron Hand. On this team he will be asked to sacrifice, take days off, and heaven forbid Soth brings in a pinch runner for him just before the playoffs.
Your crazy if you think this guy wouldn’t throw an even bigger tantrum.
Wytelitning - October 28, 2009
GMJ for Derek Lowe!
SenorChuckles - October 28, 2009
Who's to say they'd be willing to trade Bradley for gary mathews jr.?
They may want to keep him, same goes for the angels. They may want to keep mathews.
TheMelkman - October 28, 2009
um no
GMJ doesnt want to stay.
Bradley was suspended by the team indefinitely for the last weeks of the regular season.
I don’t think either franchise wants these guys
princeton11loveshalos - October 28, 2009
No No a thousand times No
The differences between GMJ and Milton Bradley are legion and the chief one is that GMJ, despite his rather routine talent, is a class act. Bradley is a nut job and a clubhouse cancer. Guillen, for all of his luney tooness, at least always gave 100%. If we wind up with Bradley, we will long for the days of Guillen.
No No No
Moondoggy - October 28, 2009
No, and Hell no
As my mother used to say, “it always fun, until someone gets hurt.”
The fundamental flaw in your argument is that Bradley couldn’t call “racism” with Hunter in the lineup. I guess it was different in Chicago when Bradley played alongside Derrek Lee?
He’ll always find something to complain about, always feel a slight in the comments or actions of others. It has happened too many times in too many cities. This is the wrong move for the Angels.
George Kaplan - October 28, 2009
OOOOOOHHH OOOOOOOHHHH OOOOOHHHHHH Come On Mistah Carter !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
I'm with ya
Matthews is awful at every aspect of the game, Bradley is a very good hitter and is at least adequate in the field. The salaries are a wash. The biggest red flags are his attitude (obviously) and his ability to stay healthy. I think the club (both Mike and the fixtures in the clubhouse) have the ability to curb his cancer-isms and the ability to DH most of the time will keep him on the field, like with Texas. The expectations of him would be to simply be a cog in the machine, not a savior. I said it in the other Matthews thread, but Pinella has had issues with players in the past and really isn’t adept at managing personalities. Add in the fact that Bradley hasn’t held up playing the field his whole career and that match with the Cubs was destined to fail. I can’t imagine anyone is chomping at the bit to get him on this team, but he’s a big improvement over Matthews offensively, and if this is our opportunity to salvage the biggest free agent mistake in team history, I say they jump at it.
dmhead - October 28, 2009
Agree, dmhead.
The fervor that people dismiss Bradley without knowing anything about him is mind-numbing. He is a terrific hitter and, when healthy, a .900 OPS guy. This team needs more of Bradley type players, not less.
jimmuscomp - October 28, 2009
Wow, what a presumptuous thing to say
I suppose it never occurred to you that maybe the opposition to Bradley is a result of knowing quite a bit about him.
*We know he’s physically as fragile as Izturis.
*We know he’s challenged teammates and fans to fights, and has caused at least one suspension due to insubordination (aside from the end of this season).
*We know his defense has suffered to the point his value is almost strictly as a DH, something the Angels don’t need to spend the $21M owed to Bradley for 2010 and 11 to obtain.
*We know he caused himself to become persona no grata with the Dodgers, Athletics, Indians and now Cubs, which comprise more than half the teams for which he’s played.
But, hey, props to you for coating your comment about how fabulous Bradley is in the weasel clause of “when [he’s] healthy…”. I think we can all set our watches by the certainty of his continued and robust good health.
George Kaplan - October 28, 2009
No. F this guy on general principle.
I’d rather watch paplebon river dance than see this d-bag in an angels uniform.
clover_black - October 28, 2009
A bum for a malcontent.
Sounds like everyone loses.
bc56274 - October 28, 2009
He's got a fire in his belly!
I say go for it. He was provoked by an ump and he criticized the Cubs. I have no problem with his behavior in either situation. Being on a successful team would probably channel his energy in a positive direction.
My only concern would be how he would react if Soth sticks with a player who’s underperforming, ala Figgy in this ALCS. Will Bradley call him out in the press? Start a fight in the clubhouse? Certainly this is a question you’d have to ask him. Perhaps Bud Black would offer Soth some advice in this regard.
Match Day 5 - October 28, 2009
It's more like a flaming asshole
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
lol
Moondoggy - October 28, 2009
. . . and it's not from Del Scorcho, either.
rspencer - October 28, 2009
That didn't work when he was a Padre a few years ago.
halofan4life - October 28, 2009
In that case
screw ’em.
Match Day 5 - October 28, 2009
Hmmmm I say Yes to HASBRO
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
The ONLY Problem with Milton Bradley
is that his ego is as big as Scioscia’s and that will eventually lead to problemas
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Si
es Verdad !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Talking to yourself?
opiejeanne - October 28, 2009
Si
es Verdad !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
It would be embarrassing as a fan to see this guy wear the Halo
Higz - October 28, 2009
just think if
we have Milton Bradley, Coco Crisp, and Captain Crunch (Sorry Torii, that’s your new name for running into the wall all the time) in the Out Field !
Talk about some brutha-lee-luv !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
I suspect the F-bomb amnesty has passed, but...
ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE???
You want to trade a guy who, though unhappy, manned up and worked for the team, for a known cancer?
Are you on worse crack than JP Riccardi?
red floyd - October 28, 2009
A PURRRRRRFECT TRADE
STEROIDS FOR HEMROIDS
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
absolutely not
milton is a horrible cancer. clearly. time and time again. and, enough of brandon wood and this chris pettit, its way to early to think about the angels without figgy and big daddy vlady.
halomax - October 28, 2009
one of those two is coming back at the very least.
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Why in the hell would the Cubs want Matthews?
mustard_man - October 28, 2009
they're the CUBS !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
One problem. Milton can't play the field.
hauldog - October 28, 2009
not regularly, no.
He’s a decent defender but his body does not hold up to it. If he gets a start out there once or twice a week I don’t think it would be an issue. Have Napoli DH the once or twice a week Bradley plays the field and we’re guaranteed to have only one hole in the line-up on any given day (either Mathis or whichever guy plays right when Bradley DH’s).
dmhead - October 28, 2009
Look at his 2009 stats
I think his time in the field has a lot to do with that.
I guess my point is If he DH’d 60% of the time I am not sure that is enough.
hauldog - October 28, 2009
You may be right
so maybe he plays the field once a week, giving Nap the DH role once a week. Napoli caught Weaver, Saunders, and Kazmir just fine all season. Mathis can catch Santana and they can alternate whoever the 5th starter is. This way we lose Napoli’s bat once a week at the most.
dmhead - October 28, 2009
That would work
hauldog - October 28, 2009
Agree, Full-time DH only.
He was wretched in the OF this year.
jimmuscomp - October 28, 2009
bradley over vlad?
No way. If were going to take a risk with an injury plagued player I would take the risk with Vlad over Bradley. If Bradley could have played the field fulltime then I’m with you guys, I would have taken the risk. I don’t remember him having any prob in texas or SD, except for that ump thing. No way as a fulltime DH even though I would like to get rid of GMJ.
HALO_86 - October 28, 2009 via mobile
That's not what your GF told me!
red floyd - October 28, 2009
+1
opiejeanne - October 28, 2009
I LIKEY LONG TIME !
GET RID OF RIVERA FOR THIS GUY
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
I wouldn't do it, but I'm not as down on Bradley as others here
Even Jose Guillen played his ass off when he was with the Angels. The Rangers, to a man, say that they would welcome Bradley back. I just think both Guillen and Bradley are weird guys, and I doubt that their teammates take them too seriously.
If Bradley were relegated to DH, he can come up to bat, but retreat to the clubhouse between AB’s. We’d hardly even know he was there. And he had great numbers as a DH for Texas, so that might be is best role.
But, as the post above states, I don’t think the Cubs would do it.
johnnyangel101 - October 28, 2009
The Cubs would trade mathews for bradley for sure
spc7@verizon.net - November 1, 2009
Won't the Cubs bankruptcy play a heavy hand in this?
I think, at least for the time being, they’re not going to be doing a whole lot of swapping guys around until a selling partner for the franchise is found and there’s some stability in the organization. And even though it’s only $2 million, I don’t think they want to take on more payroll if it comes with no immediate benefit to them.
Caseys Kiss of Death - October 28, 2009
The Ricketts family has formally taken control of the team
Also the only reason they files banko was to speed the transition.
hauldog - October 28, 2009
I know why the filed it
I just didn’t know someone else had taken control yet.
They should have let Mark Cuban buy the team years ago. :(
Caseys Kiss of Death - October 28, 2009
Agreed on Cuban
hauldog - October 28, 2009
The Cubs would have become my second-favorite team
if Cuban had bought them.
WiHaloFan - October 28, 2009
It's funny to hear non-maverick fans
in the NBA just rail against the guy.
He might be my favorite off-field/court personality in all of sports.
Caseys Kiss of Death - October 28, 2009
Would they have changed the name to Chicago Cubans?
Downing Rules - October 28, 2009
You're a Cuban heel!
rspencer - October 29, 2009
Do not want
jessthelion - October 28, 2009
it is worth it
Remember all you Gullien bashers what he did BEFORE he exploded.
If we have Bradley for one year and he is for the most part well behaved and productive (which is likely the case) and then in the second year we have to cut him or trade him for a bag of marbles… Then we only lost out on around 11 million as opposed to GMJ which is a loss in both years
This is worth doing because then you can let Abreu go keep Vlad at DH, Milton in LF Juan in RF (where he is better) and since Bradley has his moments where it looks like he wants some days off, you use those few days a month to get other guys in the field and DH Bradley
I think that even if it goes south, Milton is capable of much more than GNJ and if it pans out it will be huge and if it implodes (which it wouldn’t right away) we still come out better with less owed in the end
Remember Bradley is usually decently behaved in the first year, when did he start going to shit, when the Cubs couldn’t win, when the Padres couldn’t wind and when the rangers couldn’t win. He would benefit from going to a winning franchise that doesn’t need him to be the stud
Sinatrasratpack - October 28, 2009
He exploded and so did our playoff run.
Because we were relying on his production for the post season as we had during the regular season.
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
So with that said he would fit in with some of the others that have done the same
Angel Aviator - October 28, 2009
Courtesy of Mlbtraderumors
These are a list of “bad contracts”
it seems like a swap for someone on this list is the easiest way to get rid of GMJ
I like the Pitchers on this list beacause it gives us some strength in the bullpen or a 5th starter (dontrelle and Robertson might do well with a scenery change.)
* Vernon Wells, Blue Jays – five years, $98.5MM
* Alfonso Soriano, Cubs – five years, $90MM
* Barry Zito, Giants – four years, $83MM
* Alex Rios, White Sox – five years, $59.7MM
* Travis Hafner, Indians – three years, $40.25MM
* Aaron Rowand, Giants – three years, $36MM
* Carlos Guillen, Tigers – two years, $26MM
* Carlos Silva, Mariners – two years, $25MM
* Francisco Cordero, Reds – two years, $25MM
* Oliver Perez, Mets – two years, $24MM
* Gary Matthews Jr., Angels – two years, $23MM
* Milton Bradley, Cubs – two years, $21MM
* Juan Pierre, Dodgers – two years, $18.5MM
* Jeff Suppan, Brewers – one year, $14.5MM
* David Ortiz, Red Sox – one year, $12.5MM
* Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers – one year, $12.5MM
* Jose Guillen, Royals – one year, $12MM
* Eric Chavez, Athletics – one year, $12MM
* Dontrelle Willis, Tigers – one year, $12MM
* Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks – one year, $11MM
* Fausto Carmona, Indians – two years, $11MM
* Scott Linebrink, White Sox – two years, $10.5MM
* Nate Robertson, Tigers – one year, $10MM
* Edgar Renteria, Giants – one year, $9.5MM
* Pat Burrell, Rays – one year, $9MM
* Kei Igawa, Yankees – two years $8MM
* Jeff Francis, Rockies – one year, $5.75MM
* Kyle Farnsworth, Royals – one year, $5MM
* Willy Taveras, Reds – one year, $4MM
* Aaron Miles, Cubs – one year, $2.7MM
* Honorable mentions: Michael Young (4/64, some deferred), Carlos Lee (3/55.5), Derek Lowe (3/45), Todd Helton (2/40.3), Kyle Lohse (3/32.625), Magglio Ordonez (1/18, possible vesting option), Mike Lowell (1/12), Chris Snyder (2/11.25), Cristian Guzman (1/8), Jamie Moyer (1/7.5), Kaz Matsui (1/5)
Sinatrasratpack - October 28, 2009
Could we trade for Dontrelle Willis?
I wonder what Mike Butcher could do with him, maybe he could reclaim some of that Marlin magic.
Jay Cal - October 28, 2009
Let's first see how Butcher does with Kazmir.
sothball - October 28, 2009
and Arrendondo
SoCalWine - October 28, 2009
he hasn't been good
for a long, long time now. I’d take a flyer on Perez or Cordero first.
dmhead - October 28, 2009
Just thinking about Kei Igawa
makes me laugh.
Almost as funny as Irabu, the “fat toad.”
Moondoggy - October 28, 2009
Pussy
It was actually “fat pussy [pronounced like pus, as in pus-filled, not a cat] toad.” Newspapers couldn’t figure out how to write it without conveying something else, so they’ve just left the word out completely.
jjackflash - October 28, 2009
lol
Moondoggy - October 28, 2009
Steinbrenner called him that?
hauldog - October 28, 2009
yep
headlines in the NY dailies
Moondoggy - October 29, 2009
Nice
hauldog - October 29, 2009
Dontrelle has serious mental issues
He needs help more from Dr Phil than from Mike Butcher
Quad Fin Rider - October 28, 2009
The All Mental Team!
Bradley, Ankiel, Khalil Greene, Dontrelle Willis, Ian Snell, Joey Votto, Zack Greinke … bring ’em on!
LazorkoRules - October 29, 2009
Well
If we are choosing from that list, I’d like Greinke, Willis, and will pass on the rest.
We don’t need extra short-stops or extra outfielders.
Jay Cal - October 29, 2009
Votto is a nice player
hauldog - October 29, 2009
I'd rather take a flyer on Fausto Carmona
Brew Angel - October 28, 2009
good Idea
spc7@verizon.net - November 1, 2009
mathews for dontrelle
spc7@verizon.net - November 1, 2009
I've said it before...
Juan Pierre.
Move Rivera to RF, put Pierre in LF and at the top of the batting order.
WiHaloFan - October 28, 2009
interesting...
but would they want GMJ, I mean I know they did.
Jay Cal - October 28, 2009
That wouldn't be a bad idea...
… as Juan Pierre did well with the Dodgers when he actually got to play (batted .308).
Just one problem. Trading Matthews for Pierre would make no sense to the Dodgers as the whole reason Pierre sits is they have too many outfielders.
Hoppity Hooper - October 28, 2009
You're right
It doesn’t make much sense for the Dodgers.
WiHaloFan - October 28, 2009
yes it will be just like having Figgins
only with 80 less walks and even less power.
As a direct replacement for Matthews as the 4th outfielder, fine. He would kill us as the everyday leadoff hitter, though.
dmhead - October 28, 2009
...and Pierre is a defensive liability.
He has as weak an arm for an OF as I have ever seen.
sothball - October 28, 2009
I respectfully disagree (at least according to FanGraphs)
Juan Pierre’s arm rating is -1.9
Some other players:
Milton Bradley -2.5
Grady Sizemore -2.2
Torii Hunter -3.8
Andre Ethier -5.5
Gary Matthews Jr. -3.5
Ichiro Suzuki -1.8 (hard for me to believe)
As dmhead stated, he walks less than Figgins, but also strikes out a lot less. He played every game for 5 straight years, averaging 58 SB a year. Most comparable player according to Baseball-reference: Willie Wilson.
I’m not saying they should trade for Pierre, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if they did.
WiHaloFan - October 28, 2009
Fangraphs apparently isn't always correct.
I don’t believe Piere’s arm is better than Torii’s or Ichiro’s. Pierre is weak!
sothball - October 28, 2009
That's kind of what I thought when I saw Ichiro with such a low rating
But I thought I’d put those numbers out there.
WiHaloFan - October 28, 2009
WEAK WEAK WEAK ARM
figgifig - October 28, 2009
Pierre is AWFUL
Did you know he has 5 of the 100 worst seasons in baseball history in terms of outs made? That ells you all you need to know. What good is being a base-runner if you don’t get on base. What good is speed for on defense if you don’t know how to utilize it properly? Ned Colletti paid him $11 million a year to kill the Dodgers.
Spird - October 28, 2009
Have you seen Damon?
Angel Aviator - October 28, 2009
probably not ratable
Moondoggy - October 29, 2009
Which overpriced bum is worth ours?
I haven’t been this excited about a trade since we got Edgardo Alfonso for Steve Finley
Quad Fin Rider - October 28, 2009
At least we got rid of Finley on that one.
red floyd - October 28, 2009
right
only to find out the Alfonso was even worse!
dmhead - October 29, 2009
YUMMY !
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
No.
He will want to play every day. He will not play every day. Chaos will ensue.
When Gary wants to play and doesn’t get to, he’s vocal until it’s time for the season to start and then he shuts up and does his job. Boardgame will not do the same.
No.
Clutch - October 28, 2009
Why wouldn't he play everyday?
He’d be here to be a line up fixture. A scheduled day off once a month or so is not likely to make him implode.
dmhead - October 28, 2009
Exactly. GMJ mans up when it's time to man up.
Bradley is a [censored] cancer.
red floyd - October 28, 2009
I remember a radio interview he did before the season started this year.
He was classy, even if some of the things he’s saying the media now are not so much.
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
The point is that he didn't vent this during the season. He waited till after, so as not to hurt the team.
Can you see Boardgame doing that?
red floyd - October 28, 2009
Oh, I agree. I didn't want Manny, I certainly don't want Bradley!!!
Character counts.
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
Well, at least Lithium isn’t a banned substance
Quad Fin Rider - October 28, 2009
NO.
Guys like Bradley tend to go postal just when their best attitude and effort is needed the most. Look when Guillen when into the helmet-throwing tantrum…2-3 weeks before the playoff’s started.
Besides, Bradley threw out the “racism” charge when he was a Dodger. It’s too bad such a talented athlete behaves like a troubled teen-ager. This town doesn’t have enough ego space for Bradley AND Artest.
sothball - October 28, 2009
(source)
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
The biggest problem that I can see with that trade...
… is that we’d be getting Milton Bradley.
Hoppity Hooper - October 28, 2009
It's HASBRO
get it right brutha
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Fine, I'll say it...
…forget all the other troubles. Forget his spouting off at the fans and the media and blaming everyone else for his own shortcomings. Forget all that crap. And what I’m about to say may already have been said, but I have to get this off my chest now.
He tore his ACL arguing with an umpire!!!! I’m gonna have to say no. No trade for you.
BTW, been following this blog all season long…first time posting. Diehard Halos fan since 1985 living in DC these days…missing SoCal like crazy. Love the site!
It's A Trap! - October 28, 2009
Great choice of screen name, and welcome!
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
OT -- DC
Yo, Trap! Mrs. red floyd and my daughter will be in Crystal City in Nov.
We’re at a conference, so we’ll have to do the “1 day whirlwind tour” of DC. Suggestions?
red floyd - October 28, 2009
Apart from all the usual monument stuff...
…which is still awesome to me even after living here for three years, my biggest suggestion is to get a meal at Ben’s Chili Bowl on 13th and U St. NW.
What to get: Chili cheese halfsmoke and a shake, any flavor. Split a basket of fries with the fam (chili and cheese optional for the fries, but recommended).
What to bring: Cash (no cards taken at Ben’s) and Tums…it’s amazing food, but it has a way of reminding you what you just ate. Oh, and patience. The joint’s packed most of the time, but with good reason.
It's A Trap! - October 28, 2009
I was in DC with The Kiwi for 2 days in August...
…and (yes i know it’s touristy, but it was an excellent way to do the sites in half a day) I heartily recommend doing a Segway tour. Zip around The Mall on those things and see all the sites – not cheap, but good fun (might depend on the age of Miss Red Floyd Jr).
The Limey - October 28, 2009
$70 a head
2-3 hours, details here
The Limey - October 28, 2009
Welcome aboard!
Quad Fin Rider - October 28, 2009
I know it's a slow news day and all but...
Are you kidding? Why not ask Ron Artest? Bradley’s on a new team every other season it seems. Why is that?
3rd Echelon - October 28, 2009
too early to tell with Artest
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
I'd rather have the Parker Brothers
Dave and Wes.
rspencer - October 28, 2009
Ba-dum cha!
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
Thank you, I'm here all week
Don’t forget to tip your waitress.
rspencer - October 29, 2009
"It's a trap!"
jtkelly86 - October 28, 2009
I don't really have a problem with it
I didn’t really have a problem with a Manny either. I’ve always thought personalities are part of the game, and we might as well get some production out of that $10 million other than pine warming.
linkbruin - October 28, 2009
Throw away numbers for a minute.
Can you people honestly sit there and tell me that you’d replace Vladimir Guerrero with Milton Bradley as DH? You’d replace Vlad’s smile, quite demeanor, goofy swing and warm heart with someone who has been kicked off of every team he’s played for (do you know how hard it is to have The Dodgers kick you out?). After all that Vlad has done for this team (including a respectable post season this year) we’re going to ship him off for cancer? I understand if Vladdy doesn’t come back but this is going to be his replacement?
If we’re only willing to look at the numbers and willing to take on Jose Guillen v.2, we’ve sold our souls.
Teixeira Who? - October 28, 2009
agreed
I’ll risk Vlad over Bradley hands down. Even if it means were stuck with GMJ for another season.
HALO_86 - October 28, 2009 via mobile
Agreed...
The Angels are well known as a class organization.
Why screw that up now?
hbhalofan - October 28, 2009
you should stop
because you are making so much sense.
Jay Cal - October 28, 2009
Wait. Why do you frame it like that??
We are paying Bradley LESS than we pay GMJ in this scenario. We still have money floating around (Escobar 10 million can go along way spread around, Vlad probably can be had for far less than the 15 mill he made last year). This just gets us out of the GMJ problem, with someone that we can potentially actually have play.
I think I am for this, even if we keep Vlad, Abreau, Lackey, Oliver and Figgy, this certainly is an upgrade, imo.
matthiasstephan - October 29, 2009
Well when you put it that way...
Why not? It’s worth a chance.
Monkeyspanked - October 28, 2009
Do it
If/when Bradley loses it, you just cut him and swallow the salary. Since that’s basically the best return we currently can imagine for Matthews, I’d rather gamble on a redemption story and some great offensive production for the $20+ million we’ll be paying anyway.
Think about it — there is no scenario whereby keeping Matthews leads to anything more than mediocre baseball and endless carping from a part-time player. 0% is really 0%. Bradley, I reckon, has at least a 30% chance of lasting through a season without shitting the bed, and if he does that he will almost certainly hit well. I’ll take 30% over 0% any day.
And remember — Abreu has been considered a net negative in other clubhouses. Scioscia runs a good structure.
mattwelch - October 28, 2009
+1
As I said above,
GMJ is a guaranteed loss, Blradley can be a gain, even if it is for 4/5ths of the season and then he looses his marbles, we would still be getting more of our moneys worth than GMJ, remmebr he was something like negative 5 million this year.
Sinatrasratpack - October 28, 2009
So if he does lose his marbles...
…throw in a couple of injuries and we are right back to Guillen/2004 all over again…maybe a littel better, maybe a lot worse.
sothball - October 28, 2009
Where was this?
.
The only testimony from prior teammates I have read about Abreu speaks to what an excellent presence in the clubhouse he has been.
George Kaplan - October 28, 2009
please....NO!
In Bradley’s best year he’s really not that good anyways, similar to GMJ. Sure, GMJ may whine a little, but we’ve had a good clubhouse with him, that could change fast with Bradley, the clown. I don’t want to be forced to cheer for a team with Milton on it.
thewebb - October 28, 2009
If I were the Cubs, I would say no to this trade.
Milton Bradley, while overpaid, still provided value for the Cubs. He was paid $7 million in 2009, and provided $5.1 million worth of production, and was worth 1.1 wins above replacement.
Gary Matthews Jr., meanwhile, took $10.4 million from the Angels in 2009, and provided -$5.3 million in production. The negative sign is not a mistake. He was worth -1.1 wins above replacement.
So yeah, this trade would benefit the Angels, while totally screwing the Cubs. So the Cubs would hang up really, really fast.
Zach (maestro876) - October 28, 2009
We don't need Bradley
Just give HGH and cash to the team offering the best minor leaguers.
TheAntiSox - October 28, 2009
I agree with this. It's a sunk cost, do what you can with it.
Don’t go trading sunk costs with other teams (except maybe, MAYBE a pitcher)
AlanFalcon - October 28, 2009
this sure sounds great on paper.
i say go for it. like some folks above have said, what’ve we go to lose?
retrohalo - October 28, 2009
watch us release Matthews and not resign Bobby......
and its the beggining of the Reggie Willits era!!!haha
Angels_48 - October 28, 2009
Bleh
Could be interesting!
Clutch - October 28, 2009
Milton Bradley???
u guys seriously want him on your team???
blehhhhhhhhh
the one good thing about milton bradley
is that we were able to trade him for Andre Ethier :)
shaqfor3 - October 28, 2009
Rev was just a victim of a subliminal message in that photo above
Wytelitning - October 28, 2009
Swapping the contracts of both players would be a steal for the Angels.
Their at their respective fangraphs pages for the last three years. One has been averaged +2.6 wins and the other is below replacement level. Pick him up for no other reason than to flip him to some other team or because his contract is 2 million less when he is released.
Janic - October 28, 2009
Look at*
Janic - October 28, 2009
HOW TO GAURANTEE A WORLD SERIES APPEARANCE IN 2010
LET BOBBY ABREU WALK.
AFTER A COMPLETE SEASON IN 2007 WITH THE PHILLIES AND GOING TO THE SKANKS THE PHILS WIN THE W.S. THE FOLLOWING SEASON.
AFTER A COMPLETE SEASON WITH THE 2008 SKANKS LOOK WHO’S IN THE W.S. THIS YEAR.
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Uh, nice thought but somewhat inaccurate
Bobby was actually traded to the Yanks midway through the 2006 season.
Clutch - October 28, 2009
But the correlation-causation for the leaving the Yanks is outstanding...! (?) :-D
Clutch - October 28, 2009
Senor Clutcho
I said COMPLETE SEASON.
Dono Romantico - October 29, 2009
AFTER A COMPLETE SEASON IN 2007 WITH THE PHILLIES AND GOING TO THE SKANKS THE PHILS WIN THE W.S. THE FOLLOWING SEASON.
His last COMPLETE season with the Phillies is 2005. Is it time to take your pill yet?
dmhead - October 29, 2009
OMG
I HAD NO IDEA. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT. I LOVE CAPS TOO
princeton11loveshalos - October 29, 2009
Um
I was quoting Mr. Romantico word for word as he seemed to be a bit confused. Try following the thread.
dmhead - October 29, 2009
Right, as dmhead points out, being traded TO the Yankees FROM the Phillies midway through 2006 means his last COMPLETE SEASON with the PHILLIES was in 2005.
Clutch - October 29, 2009
And I don't remember the Phillies doing shit in the playoffs in 2006 (or 2007).
The Yankees, on the other hand…the correlation between their 2008 performance and their 2009 performance, well, fantastic!
Clutch - October 29, 2009
Hire and fire Showalter
hauldog - October 29, 2009
While we're at it...
How about Lastings Milledge, too?
KennyKatella - October 28, 2009
When I first heard that name
I thought it was something sold in the tool corral at Home Depot.
rspencer - October 29, 2009
This worked out so well when we had Jose Guillen.
The first time Bradley has one of his little girl fits Sciosia will throw a tantrum and that would be it.
Ghost of seven in a row - October 28, 2009
No!
Get rid of GMJ but we don’t need the drama of Bradley.
jhens76 - October 28, 2009
My favorite team is the Angels...
and anyone playing against the Yankees.
3rd Echelon - October 28, 2009
Raining in Gotham City
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
CLIFF LEE vs. SCOTT KAZMIR
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
The difference being that Lee is still pitching as we speak.
And he’s dealing it to the mighty Yankees offense right now.
3rd Echelon - October 28, 2009
ruben sierra
or Jose Canseco?
feNOMINAL - October 28, 2009
CHASE UTLEY
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Who the hell said David Wright was better than Utley?
I read that on this site once. Funny.
hauldog - October 29, 2009
Yes on Bradley
If you are talking about baseball terms, this isn’t even a debate. Bradley is a much better player than GMJ and a low buy not just because of his character flaws, but because he had a fluky, outlier bad season as a hitter last year (one in which he was still better than GMJ in every season other than one that GMJ has EVER had).
There are only two arguments that I can perceive as to why people would not want Bradley and both are related. The first is that his attitude would somehow adversely affect the clubhouse. My response to that would be that it wouldn’t. Bradley has always liked and been well-liked by his teammates (exception: Jeff Kent…who EVERYBODY hated). He hasn’t done anything like what Guillen did the year the Angels booted him off. Second of all, you can boot him off if he DOES pull a Guillen and you won’t be worse for the wear (in fact, you’ll be a whole lot better…no one can debate that Guillen didn’t make the Angels a better team that year.)
Bradley has done some nutty stuff to be sure, but I really think he’s one of the most misunderstood players in baseball and one of the most honest players as well. You remember the time when the KC Royals broadcaster was vilifying him on the telecast and he went up to the booth at the end of the game? The headlines were all “Bradley blows up again” and “Bradley tries to kill broadcaster” and shit like that. The broadcaster had said something to the effect that Josh Hamilton has turned his life around and people are embracing it, but Milton Bradley just keeps getting worse.
Could you imagine being Bradley and hearing that and knowing that it is being broadcast to tons of people? I mean, Milton Bradley was in the middle of a career year, had been staying out of trouble, was constantly getting rave reviews from his teammates, and here he was being compared to a guy that signed a huge contract out of hs, was a hero, blew off the opportunity of the lifetime and chance after chance after chance… then was instantly welcomed back to the game when he finally got it right (I like Josh Hamilton BTW and think it’s a great story, but still…)
He shouldn’t have gone up to the booth at the end of the game, but I can totally understand why he was angry and he himself said he just wanted to vent his frustrations out of the BS that the guy was spewing. He’s an emotional guy who lets his tantrums get the best of him sometimes, but he can thrive in the right environment and has proven he can be a good teammate. I think he is a genuine, misunderstood person whose misgivings are taken advantage of by umpires, broadcasters, and the MSM. I am a fan and would love to see how he could do on the Angels. He also gives Bobby Abreu AB’s every time up with more power potential.
Spird - October 28, 2009
As I have said before.....
Bring On HASBRO
Dono Romantico - October 28, 2009
Really well said.
Maybe going home would help him as well.
Los Angeles de Inglewood - October 28, 2009
So he tried to get to the Royals booth...
…and prove the broadcaster was correct.
I don’t know why so many folks here have such a mental block about realizing that Bradley will, eventually, blow up. And while some here think his abilities with the bat outweigh the downside, it is instructive to remember that this was the idea the Cubs had when the team signed Bradley—who then forgot how to hit AND became a carnival sideshow at the same time. The man some here would slot for DH spent from Opening Day to the trading deadline of 7/31 with a line of .251/.386/.390, approaching Reggie Willits territory; the only significant difference is that Bradley hit 8 HR over those four months, which is 8 more than Willits would hit.
Yes, THAT’S the guy some here are touting for DH—seems to me we signed him before, only his name was Shea Hillenbrand and he didn’t have the bad attitude then, only the swiss cheese bat.
BTW, what is all this treacle about how he’d “thrive in the right environment”—he’s been on seven teams in the last eight seasons. How many bad environments are there is baseball?
George Kaplan - October 28, 2009
He's been a good to great player for a lot of those teams
And has thrived more often than not. Injury problems have more to do with his being traded and getting short contracts than anything else. No one wants to commit too long to a guy who can’t stay healthy.
Except for last year, he has ALWAYS hit and had gotten better and better before taking a step down last year.
I would be willing to bet any amount of money that with more ab’s next year, he improves on last year’s line. I will repeat this for you George- HE HAS BEEN AN ASSET ON EVERY TEAM HE HAS BEEN ON EXCEPT THE CUBS (and a .386 OBP isn’t too shabby). He’s got a lot of good baseball left in him. Is there anything that leads you to believe that this man would drag down our W-L record? It’s pretty clear to me that he could only improve it and if that’s the case, I’ll root for him. Sheesh…the way people get worked up over this guy, you would think he was a murderer or something.
Spird - October 28, 2009
A murdere of world series dreams
halofan4life - October 28, 2009
You're probably too young to remember Alex Johnson
Another enormously talented player, but beset with too many evil spirits haunting him. Those of us who do know how tempting all that talent is, and how bad things can get, and quickly, on the team as a whole.
As to how great a teammate Bradley is, I guess you didn’t notice how his Cub teammates didn’t bother to defend him? Ryan Dempster, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson all applauded Hendry’s action and said, essentially, that they were sick of the drama Bradley brought with him. Lee even said he had reached out to Bradley after Pinella sent Bradley home in June after a White Sox game—Pinella and Bradley had a confrontation—but Lee said he wasn’t going to reach out this time, only that he’d answer the phone if Bradley called.
The guy brings the circus with him, and it is an exhausting distraction for the players.
George Kaplan - October 29, 2009
Well that brings back memories
The year I became a baseball fan (and Angel rooter) was 1971. That was the year that Alex Johnson – the previous year’s Angel batting champ – became a huge clubhouse distraction and cancer with his deep-rooted issues and attitude, until the team had no choice but to suspend him and eventually trade him. I’ll never forget one game where a ball hit out to him was catchable with a bit of effort, but he just took a couple steps and let it bounce to him and Dick Enberg shouted “Aww, he should have had that one!!” He was immediately benched for “lack of hustle”, and it happened again and again that year. It was too bad that he couldn’t overcome his internal demons and let people help him. Instead he pushed everyone away, including teammates. Another memory I have of that year was early on there was a “bat night” with bats that had Alex Johnson’s signature on them. I heard later that year after all the bad press he got, they had a bunch of those bats left and had to sand off his name to be able to get rid of them.
Now, even though Milton Bradley is no where near that nuts, I learned just how one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch in terms of morale (apologies to Donny Osmond). A team doesn’t need a clubhouse distraction and headcase.
Hoppity Hooper - October 29, 2009
Johnson and Bradley
One of Bradley’s Cub teammates—I think it was Dempster—said almost exactly the same thing about Bradley.
On a side note, I can’t thank you enough for adopting your screen name—now when I see it, that damn theme song pops into my head and stays for many minutes, playing over and over again.
On the other hand, God bless Jay Ward.
George Kaplan - October 30, 2009
We do not need the drama, trade GMJ for 2 minor leaguers & a doche bag to be named later
salmonforever - October 28, 2009
just to let everyone know
Lee is a monster
princeton11loveshalos - October 28, 2009
Yeah he is
halofan4life - October 28, 2009
Do it
I make the trade and wouldnt look back ever. Even if the trade did some of the negative things that some have spoken about I have to believe that GMJ is not to far away from pulling the same crap that Jose Guillen did. I know GMJ will never post the numbers that Uncle Milty has or is capable of. Come on Uncle Milty and Cousin Oliver would be nice to have in Angels uniforms nest year.
I really dont think that his return to the So Cal market would make that much of an impact but I think guys like Tori Hunter would. If our fearless leader really wants to know what Bradley is all about all he has to do is inquire……….I am sure Bud Black would be able to give him all the info he needs. Here is the truth though I really dont know if the Cubs want GMJ back they know he is awful from the 2001 season when he played in over a 100 games and hit .217
Big question is ……….everyone knows GMJ sux right? So what do you really think your going to get. Milton Bradley would be a steal when it comes to talent vs talent.
Angel Aviator - October 28, 2009
Nice one, Rev.
I always love dropping a stink bomb on a crowd from four stories up, and then sitting back and enjoy the ensuing chaos.
Red114 - October 28, 2009
that made me laugh.
Jay Cal - October 29, 2009
Definitely Rec'd
halofan4life - October 29, 2009
Here's a thought....
After reading that he wants out and knowing that the union won’t allow him to take less money elsewhere, can the Angels INCREASE his contract by $1 and give him a player option to walk right now? If he’s going to be a pu**y and not honor his end of the bargain (read: by riding the pine), let him eat the difference to prove how badly he wants to play full time. If he doesn’t— shut the F*ck Up. It’s a win-win strategy for everyone.
Culero - October 28, 2009
Didn't know that about the union.
Aren’t players sometimes traded ‘plus cash?’ Can’t we hand Matthews over, plus some cash, and get a player that may not have an equally bad contract?
Rally Manatee - October 28, 2009
I would so much rather
trade Matthews for some prospects and sign a free agent outfielder (Bay if not Abreu).
Rally Manatee - October 28, 2009
This trade really would be a
no-brainer. GMJ is already blown $ so even if Milton goes absolutely ballistic we can just cut him at a $2 million profit. Anything we get out of Milty is found money.
Milton also makes Abreu expendible which allows that extra $ to go towards keeping Figgy, Lackey, Oliver, and/or Vlad.
We know what we’re going to get with GMJ and it’s squat. Nobody will trade anything we need for him. Chicago’s in the same boat with Milty but for different reasons. People think Scioscia has a big ego, but compared to Pinella he’s a lamb.
For us there’s the distinct possibility that coming home and a calm/stable clubhouse situation (the anti-Pinella/Cubs) can keep him off the radar for at least a little while.
Extremely low risk. Extremely high reward potential. My biggest fear is that he would play nice in the clubhouse and great in the field only to go batcrap when the umps start squeezing him against the Yank Sox in the playoffs.
Los Angeles de Inglewood - October 28, 2009
That would be a prerequisite
A lack of a brain would be an essential requirement for any GM willing to risk his clubhouse by trading for Bradley.
George Kaplan - October 29, 2009
No, if this idea was "Buy and Sell"
I’m selling. Milton is 6’0" of destruction, and not the good kind. The only place for him may be back with Texas.
Slasher52 - October 28, 2009
Maybe just One More Chance?
Big Daddy OB GYN - October 28, 2009
Win?
Clutch - October 28, 2009
Could Torii Hunter be a positive influence on Milton Bradley?
PieceOfAase - October 28, 2009
Great question...
HH poll?
Big Daddy OB GYN - October 28, 2009
Buddy Black says...
“Break a leg.”
Big Daddy OB GYN - October 28, 2009
lol
you guys are getting better at being funny.
Jay Cal - October 29, 2009
GMJ?????? This is a level right?
RedAces - October 29, 2009
Bradley and Scoscia...
yeah right.
schrute - October 29, 2009
all of the above...
since seeing my first game at the big A in 1966 (we played the kc athletics that night,) I’ve seen a lot. The truth of the matter is that this team is a great low pressure team, ala the braves, but have a hard time of it in the clutch. Unlike the braves, who terrorized the anemic NL, the angels are a legitimate great team, probably the best in the league, but something is wrong, chemistrywise. The team played its best ball of the year when torii and vladdy were out of the lineup. This indicates the need for a minor shakeup. Figgy and Lackey must be resigned, but after that, changes muxt be made. Oddly enough, eybar needs to go. there’s something about the guy…..
worldsoldesthalofan - October 29, 2009
were you that 103-year-old they showed up on the big screen a few homestands ago?
Wow. You are old!
Downing Rules - October 29, 2009
How can you be down on the Admiral?
Didn’t you see the fire in him during game 3 against Boston this year? Kid is like an M-80 of excitement and electricity dropped in the middle of that clubhouse. Please explain why you want Aybar gone? PLEASE!
halofan4life - October 29, 2009
I'm down with this trade but only if...
It’s a straight up trade, no cash included or any other players included…
The upside to this deal is 2 mil on the payroll for the next two years.
I’ve pretty much given up on GMJ. Bring MB in, keep him on a short leash, if he fails to produce, or if he becomes a cancer, cut him and we still come out 2 mil ahead of the game payroll wise…
Jietoh - October 29, 2009
Milton Bradley=Latrell Sprewell
Ask PJ Carlisimo how that worked out.
I respect your post as it does spark a heated debate and brings up some good pro/con points.
Milton Bradley is a poorly socialized, unstable person. The costs of bring him to the Angels would outweigh the benefits.
I personally think it would be better to go for Ryan Ludwig or Luke Scott instead.
Christhammer - October 29, 2009
Just can't get enough of this subject!
I’m willing to accept that Bradley may not be a fit for any clubhouse and will eventually go the way of Jose Canseco. But the prospect of getting rid of GMjr while possibly getting back some sort of value is just too good to pass up. So how about Francisco Cordero from the Reds? They can use an extra outfielder, right? If we were to offer Matthews, a low level minor leaguer and a little bit of cash to sweeten the pot, does anyone think that would be enough to trick them into taking him? I’m sure Dusty Baker would LOVE to plug him in at lead off.
dmhead - October 29, 2009
Not a chance on Cordero
hauldog - October 29, 2009
i like him
but he’s expensive
princeton11loveshalos - October 29, 2009
I like him
but he is not getting traded for GMJ. He will be dealt for salary relief, prospects or not traded
hauldog - October 29, 2009
I'd rather trade him for a solid prospect
rspencer - October 29, 2009
and I'd like to
marry Scarlett Johannson.
dmhead - October 29, 2009
I think you mean David Johanson
PieceOfAase - October 29, 2009
Or Sylvain Sylvain?
George Kaplan - October 30, 2009
well
that one went over MY head…
dmhead - October 30, 2009
New York Dolls
See here.
George Kaplan - October 30, 2009
I love how people think we can get prospect(s) of any quality for GMJ.
We are going to have to give a team him AND eat his contract for one mid-level prospect.
But its cool, keep thinking that baseball Front Offices know shit and you have it all figured out.
PhiSlamma - October 29, 2009
That's uncalled-for, don't you think?
I mean, you may well be right that my wish is ludicrous, but you don’t have to be an asshole about it, and put words in people’s mouths.
rspencer - October 30, 2009
That's a funny way of looking at it
I’ve read plenty of people here making that exact silly proposal. He’s not putting words in anyone’s mouth. And being an asshole is his M.O. Don’t take it personally.
dmhead - October 30, 2009
10000000000000% For this!!!
Bradleys a decent player. GMJ has had negative (!) production over the life of his contract. TRADE TRADE TRADE TRADE!!!!!
anaheim angels - October 29, 2009
Why the heck not
We should go for it. We owe GMJ 23 mil. They owe Bradley 21 mil. Make the trade, save two million, then cut his ass loose
Milik the Red - October 30, 2009
MB is too much trouble
Would bring along his temper tantrums and be a lotta grief- If we re-sign Abreu I’d say trade GMJ anyway we can, eat part of his salary- If we don’t re-sign Abreu, play him (GMJ) on right field
xavier c - October 30, 2009
pass
tell me one team he didn’t freak out on. Even on texas when he was happy and productive he tried to kill a reporter and had to be restrained
ihearhowie2.0 - October 31, 2009
angels
milton bradley?—no figgins?
no abreu? no vlad? nuts? no Lackey? just crazy
sign
sign them all Lackey-Abreau-Figgy and Vlad absolutely
trade mathews for someone else-maybe a brken down pitcher with a big contract that someone else is trying to get rid of
spc7@verizon.net - November 1, 2009
This had made ESPN
Is HH the speculated media? LINK
WiHaloFan - November 1, 2009
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