Milton Bradley, Counting Down The Days

Well, it looks as though Milton Bradley may not only be done for the season, but done as a Cub.  The season has less than half a month left of is looking more and more like a playoff-less Cub’s team, and the front office may decide it is in their best interest to shut Bradley down.  As Lou Pinella himself said, “''Look, we're not going to play people that are hurt. If they're hurt, we're not going to play them.'' 

Bradley’s three year, $30 million contract includes a third year which could be nullified if he finishes 2009 on the DL (looking more and more imminent), or if he is unable to play because of his knee by April 15, 2010 (less likely, as the problem appears less serious currently than it has in the past). 

And while the Cub’s front office would probably love to get rid of this deal completely, if they do so, they will have lawyers coming at them from all sides.  The best answer to all of the problems would probably be to avoid this route.  As Al, editor and chief of Bleed Cubbie Blue, an online Cub’s fan-site, says, “If they have to shut him down, just do it and trade him.  Don’t try this weasel method.” 

However, from his own quotes and actions, it appears that Bradley may want out of Chicago himself.  From the Daily Herald, “"It’s just not a positive environment. I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment. There’s too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Everything is just bashing you. You got out there and you play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it. It’s just negativity.”  This coming from one of the most detested players either league has seen in the last ten years.

The only winner in this situation is looking like it could be a minor leaguer seeking his first trip to the majors.  2006 first round draft pick Tyler Colvin could see some major league action in the last week or so of the major league season, enough to give him the glimpse he needs to make it back full time in 2010.