In the past offseason, the Texas Rangers, with the recommendation of Ron Washington, took a chance on the troubled Milton Bradley.
Texas was looking for Bradley to do something similar to what Sammy Sosa had done for Texas in 2007.
What they have gotten was so much more than expected.
Bradley currently leads the AL in hitting at .338, eleven points ahead of second place. He is fifth in RBI with 45, which would lead on most teams, except his teammate Josh Hamilton has 70.
Bradley is also currently tied with Hamilton in runs scored, 45; both are behind teammates Ian Kinsler (55) and Michael Young (50). He is tied for second with teammate David Murphy in doubles with 20, and leads the AL in slugging percentage (.638) and on-base percentage (.455).
These are great numbers. Currently, he is ranked 14th in outfield voting for the All-Star Game, but he has been climbing recently.
So why trade him?
The negative side of Milton Bradley is his history of injuries and on-field problems.
Bradley has been on and off the DL for the past few years of his career, and never played more than 90 games in a season. Currently, he is at 58.
He is also playing on his seventh team in his ninth season in the majors, with countless events of clubhouse or on-field tirades, though has shown no signs of this at all this season.
The Rangers are building for the future, standing at 33-33 and third in the AL West. Texas is seven games behind the Angels. The Rangers could make a run at the Angels, but with big question marks in the pitching department, and the Angels getting back healthy starters, it would be a difficult job.
The Texas Rangers are being geared more toward 2010, possibly 2009. The front office seems to be sticking to the plan of allowing the youngsters to develop, and if this is true, Milton Bradley and his one-year contract don't really fit into those plans.
That is why I'm theorizing that the Rangers pull off a similar trade to the one they did last season with Kenny Lofton and Eric Gagne.
Last year the Rangers traded Lofton back to the Cleveland Indians for catching prospect Max Ramirez, who ranks near the top in catching prospects and has been experimenting with first base over the past couple of weeks.
Texas also sent Gagne to the Boston Red Sox, and in return got 26-year-old lefty Kason Gabbard and outfield prospect David Murphy.
Today, Lofton is out of baseball. Gagne lasted about a week with the Red Sox and a month this year with the Brewers. Ramirez is thriving in AA Frisco, Gabbard is at AAA Oklahoma City, and Murphy is the leading contender for AL Rookie of the Year.
The first possibility is that the Rangers keep Bradley for this season and sign him to an extension that makes him the DH for the next couple of years. I have nothing against Bradley, I like what he is doing, and if he stays healthy this year, I have no problem with an extension like that. It could turn Hamilton-Bradley into the new Ortiz-Ramirez.
However, if the Rangers wanted to do something similar to last year's trade, here are some teams that could show interest and what the Rangers might be able to get for Milton Bradley.
Boston Red Sox
Last year they made a trade that worked out great for the Rangers. Boston is not really looking for another hitter/outfielder, but if David Ortiz's injury is delayed or if J.D. Drew goes cold again, the Red Sox might show interest.
Texas would love to be able to get Jon Lester, but I think Boston might have him penciled in for their future. They have a better chance of acquiring either Clay Buchholz or Justin Masterson, two young right-handers that are showing that they are Major-League ready.
Chicago White Sox
Ozzie Guillen has been screaming for some offense, and White Sox sluggers Jim Thome and Paul Konerko are not performing this year. Texas would like to dip into Chicago's young prospects here, but how about a deal that could bring John Danks back to Arlington.
Cleveland Indians
Here is another team that is struggling with their sticks. Cleveland has plenty of good pitching this year, but they aren't getting any run support. With Travis Hafner presently hurt, and hurting the team when he has been playing, Bradley could return to the club he spent the most time with.
Texas would ideally love to get the young, groundball-inducing Fausto Carmona, but also acquiring rookie left-hander Aaron Laffey would be ideal as well.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers aren't really looking for another hitter, but if they felt things were turning around, and they wanted to take a shot at the AL Central or Wild Card, then Bradley would help this potential power-producing lineup.
With not many young pitchers, it's doubtful the Rangers could wrestle away Justin Verlander, but Armando Galarraga is more likely, who was a Rangers prospect until this season when the Tigers acquired him.
Kansas City Royals
I know, I know; why the hell would the Royals want Milton Bradley. I was just intrigued by the idea that Texas could get Alex Gordon for Bradley and settle the 3B/1B problem.
Minnesota Twins
There are multiple scenarios of working out here, even some that could include position players. However, the one trade that seems the most interesting, but yet the biggest risk, would be Bradley for Francisco Liriano.
With Liriano's command and injury problems this year, this move is very risky. But if he were able to re-gain his command and confidence and pitch like 2007 again...WOW!
New York Yankees
The Yankees always seem ready and willing to get hitters, but with a depleted minor-league system, it's harder to find young talent. But I can see a couple different scenarios that could include Yankees' pitching prospects Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, or Chase Wright.
Oakland Athletics
I don't normally like to see a move that keeps the player leaving within the same division, but the A's have a couple of young pitchers that could make it worth it. Dana Eveland and Greg Smith are young left-handers who are having solid seasons in the majors this year. With the A's struggling to find a DH, this could work out well for both teams.
Tampa Bay Rays
Now, the Rays could do something like this, if they are still in contention for the AL East closer to the trade deadline. They have a ton of pitching and good hitting, but adding a bat like Bradley's would make them a force at the plate.
Ideally for the Rangers, you get the guy who keeps beating you (Scott Kazmir), but I doubt the Rays would let him go. James Shields or Andy Sonnanstine could spark this deal to get some talks going.
Toronto Blue Jays
If the Jays want to take a shot at the AL East or the Wild Card, then they are going to need to add another bat. Bradley would fit well in Toronto, and in return the Rangers would love to acquire pitcher Jesse Litsch.
It would be hard to see Bradley go back to the National League. He can't play in the outfield everyday and needs to be DH most of the time. But here are a few deals in the National League that could possibly happen.
Atlanta Braves—Jair Jurrjens
Cincinnati Reds—Edinson Volquez (No, I'm kidding. Could you imagine?)
Florida Marlins—Andrew Miller
Houston Astros—Wandy Rodriguez
Los Angeles Dodgers—Clayton Kershaw
Milwaukee Brewers—Yovani Gallardo
New York Mets—Mike Pelfrey
Philadelphia Phillies—Kyle Kendrick
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4 months ago
At first the headline took me by surprise, but his makes sense. Bradley has been out of his mind, the Rangers sure could use some young arms to compliment their solid offense. I still say the offense is fine even if Bradley is gone. But, he has been a solid fixture in that cleanup spot behind Hamilton. Who would you say would hit there if the Rangers would trade Milton? Maybe Blalock when he returns?
I don't see the Indians as a player. It's no secret that Milton and Indians management did not mix together very well. As bad as our sticks have been, I don't see them brining him back.
The Rays however are an interesting possibility. He could give some veteran presence in the middle of the lineup and play RF or DH. Plus the Rays have plenty of minor league pitching depth, maybe a Jacob McGee, Wade Davis or a Jeremy Hellickson.
from 4 months ago
I agree with your Indians assessment, more than likely than wouldn't work, but I would love to have Carmona or Laffey for him.
Tampa Bay really makes sense, thanks for posting some of the minor league depth, I thought about including some names, but this piece was long enough even without minor leaguers.
from 4 months ago
Bradley can really rake, I just think he turns away way too many teams with his demeanor.
4 months ago
I've made no secret. I despise Milton Bradley, I could care less if he was out of baseball next year. He really yanks my chain.
But the guy can hit, and right now he is doing that. Just think if he calmed down a little more in the past, he could have had an easy road.
Like Michael said, not gonna happen for the Tribe. No way, no how.
However Texas would be wise to get rid of him when they can, they did a masterful job last year with the Gag-Me trade, and they have a few parts like Bradley that they could move to keep restocking for the the not-so distant future. There is always that possibility with Gameboy that he could explode at any moment.
from 4 months ago
Nino I agree with you on Bradley, I have never been a huge fan and I wanted the team to have a "one-strike" policy with him, but he has been behaving, been a clubhouse leader, and knocking the cover off the ball.
But your assessment is correct that he may be another 7-game losing streak away from exploding. Right now he is sell high, so let's (The Rangers and I) sell him now for young pitching.
4 months ago
The A's wouldn't take him again ... especially since their young guys are a part of their rebuilding effort.
from 4 months ago
Chris I agree with you that it doesn't make sense for Oakland to take him with what they are putting together, just would love to have Eveland or Smith.
4 months ago
There is no way that any of those teams in the NL would give up that type of young pitching for a combustible, injury plagued outfielder who is really just a DH on one leg. You wrote that Volquez was a joke, but you should put that next to the rest. No team in their right mind would do that. SUre guys like Pelfrey and Kendrick are no longer top notch propects, but they are decent arms.
from 4 months ago
Patrick, I agree with you that sending him to an NL team really doesn't make sense because of his inability to play outfield everyday. Just wanted to give an idea of the type of players the Rangers could go after, if a NL team decides they want a bat like Bradley, but I do believe that if the Rangers trade him, it will be within the AL.
4 months ago
I think you have no concept of who would be buying and who would be selling. I have a great idea, let's all help out Texas. Why dont we give up some young promising arms for a rent-a-player? His trade value isnt a fraction of what you think.
from 4 months ago
But that's what we did last year with Gagne, he was coming off the surguries and needed to prove himself, Bradley is very similar and proving himself. The only factor thats lowering his value is the history of injuries like Gagne, and Texas got Murphy and Gabbard for him.
from 4 months ago
The thing is that Murphy and Gabbard hadn't seen much, if any, MLB time when they were traded. I know Gabbard had a few starts and Murphy maybe was a September call-up...but the point is that they weren't already starting in the majors like most everybody you have on your list.
from 4 months ago
The thing is that Murphy and Gabbard hadn't seen much, if any, MLB time when they were traded. I know Gabbard had a few starts and Murphy maybe was a September call-up...but the point is that they weren't already starting in the majors like most everybody you have on your list.
from 4 months ago
Good point, good point I will agree that getting a proven young pitcher is going to cost us more than just Milton Bradley. So can you shot more for a young Triple-A pitcher who might be ready, but just needs a few starts in August and September to prove he is ready?
4 months ago
I think you're overvaluing Bradley, Matthew. To get guys like Masterson, Buchholz, Danks, Carmona, Gordon, Eveland, Smith, Kazmir, Shields, or Litsch, you better be ready to trade Saltalamacchia/Murphy/Teagarden/Davis. No team, contending or not, gives up MLB-ready or young, starting, star talent for a guy who's been playing way over his head for the first two months of this season. Bradley might bring in a couple of mid-level AAA players or a good AAA player who's blocked at the MLB level, but he's not going to bring in these young stud arms you want. The Rangers did get a steal getting Murphy and Gabbard for Gagne, but both those players were pretty buried in a system that had Buchholz, Lester, Masterson, Michael Bowden, and Jacoby Ellsbury. Those "buried" players are going to have to be the guys Texas goes after if they trade Bradley, not the young studs who everybody knows. Plus, a lot of those guys (Kazmir, Carmona) were signed to long-term deals to avoid arbitration and are going nowhere regardless of who is offered. You gotta be realistic with who you're going to get for Bradley and just hope that you can get somebody who will contribute in 2009.
from 4 months ago
Couldn't agree with this more. Every time I read what they "could get" for Milton Bradley I had to scroll back up and make sure it wasn't Bradley and Hamiton with the possiblity of Kinsler. Some of these trade ideas are just simply way out there my friend.
Overvaluing Bradley is an understatement. These trade ideas are just...wow.
from 4 months ago
JJ, I understand what your saying, and I probably should have written that the Rangers will likely have to deal away some of their young position players. We have plenty of catchers and many teams have shown interest in Joaquin Arias. To get a young proven arm it will likely cost us Bradley and a top minor league position player.
And I'm not dead set on just those names, it was some of the more popular names and maybe a little bit of a wish list at times...a.k.a. Scott Kazmir.
4 months ago
I happen to think the Rangers should sign Bradley to a 3 year deal. Rangers do not have that many good OF prospects right now. Bradley hasn't been that bad of a hitter for his career, and I don't think his personality is so bad that it can't be dealt with.
from 4 months ago
Yeah I agree that keeping him around could very well work, if we are building for 2010 or 2009, then a clubhouse leader like Bradley could really help.
4 months ago
Just two things:
A) I think you're overvaluing Bradley and placing an unrealistic price on him. Yes he has crazy good numbers so far, but no team will be willing to give up young pitching under their control for many years. Not only do they get less than a year of his services at his current cost, but they run the risk of losing Bradley, who will almost surely cash in on this year's success.
B) The Rangers already have the 4th best farm system in the majors, far from the position it was in this time last year. The teams' currently at .500 and, as crazy as it sounds are not far from the WC. Trading a top player, just as the playoff race is set to begin would betray an already weak fan base.
I actually think Texas should look at re-signing Bradley to a medium length contract (3-4 years, assuming its reasonably priced). Being in Texas is a perfect situation for Bradley, DH'ing and quietly using the ballpark to his advantage, leading the AL in SLUG and OPB (!). Plus, the risk of injury is dramatically less, not being in the field.
from 4 months ago
I understand the risk and now that many teams have multiple reasons to pass on the guy. And I don't have really any problem with us keeping him around a couple more years as a DH, but in 2011 maybe even 2010 the DH position is going to go to Michael Young and Elvis Andrus will hopefully be the everyday SS.
4 months ago
At first the headline made me think OMG, slavery has returned.
Seriously, Bradley is playing well, but you're expecting a lot in return with many of the names you mention, especially the young stars to be like Kershaw, Gordon, et all (Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, seriously dude? They wouldn't even include those guys in a trade for Johan Santana!).
Some teams won't be interested simply because of his past troubles and/or injuries, so that limits his marketability right there. You won't get much if you trade him, might as well hang onto him.
from 4 months ago
Thanks Bob, yeah I read that headline again after you said that and I see what your getting at...HA HA HA
I maybe be overvaluing him a little bit, but with the numbers he is producing and you get two or three teams interested in him, its possible for Texas to get a top-notch prospect in return, probably not one with a ton of Major League experience.
from 4 months ago
Touche Matthew. Yet another setback from the horrible Young contract, including the fact that it doesn't start until 2009!
4 months ago
I'm not a Texas fan (obviously, just check my logo) but Young always seemed to be a really nice player. Are you guys real down on him?
from 4 months ago
No, I'm a huge fan of Young, he is the kind of guy that shows up everyday, puts forth his All-Star effort, and gets 200 hits. Too many fans in Dallas always want more and more, in all our sports, so when they get 200 hits, they want talk all off-season about how his power numbers are down.
from 4 months ago
I apologize for the confusion but I totally agree, Young is a great player. He's been nothing but a class act while he's been here. However, he'll be getting paid roughly $17 M for his 33-37 years, due to Daniels not ripping up his previous deal. If he did, he'd be paying for his 31-35 years, which are going to be a lot more valuable.
4 months ago
Oh well, there goes Bradley's marketability again, down the tubes. The latest with the announcer is a reminder to everyone that the guy is a timebomb waiting to happen.
from 4 months ago
You know, I thought about this very article when I read about that, too.
from 3 months ago
Yeah that didn't help, ok so I guess I need to rewrite now and put all Triple-A pitchers.
Thanks for the compliment Michael, that's like the best I can get, my soon to be brother-in-law was reading this while hearing about that, I told him I would call off the wedding if he didn't stop laughing.
3 months ago
Hey Matthew,
NO WAY Detroit wants Bradley. We've got enough aging injury-prone sluggers as it is. And they certainly don't need him, particularly at the cost of pitching. Dombrowski's a pretty smart guy though he's taking heat for the trade this Winter. Personally, I think it'll still work out for Detroit. They're only six games back after back to bad sweeps. Also Zumaya and Rodney should be re-joining the bullpen soon. I know you're just brain-storming, but the Tigers know they need to keep all the pitching they have left. Good thoughts though.
from 3 months ago
Yeah I agree that the Tigers don't want to give away any of their young pitchers, and the more and more I look at it, more likely that the Rangers are going to hold onto Bradley and sign him to a 2-year extension.
3 months ago
I'm torn on this. I really like Bradley and would love to see him around long term but you mentioned the red flags. The most plausible scenarios are Boston, Chicago, or New York.
Boston will not give up Lester and probably not Buchholz. Masterson and other prospects is possible though.
Chicago is smarter than we are and i don't see swinging a deal to bring back Danks. It's much more likely to be able to bring back a top prospect like Jack Egbert or John Ely.
Cleveland is probably a seller not a buyer at the trade deadline. If they move C.C. Sabathia there is not hope that they make a move to bring in veterans.
Detroit is not looking for a bat they need pitching
Kansas City isn't happening
Minnesota is never a buyer
New York Yankees probably would part with Phil Hughes but his performance this year has made teams begin to question his makeup a little bit. Ian Kennedy would probably be a bit harder to get. But i could see a deal getting done here.
Oakland, Tampa Bay, and Toronto are the same as Minnesota.
Good article though.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comments Grant.
Yeah I'm getting more and more torn on the subject as well, whether holding on and extending his contract would be best.
Getting a deal done is going to be tough and not sure that Daniels wants to be selling anything this year, just worried about giving away top prospects for three months of C.C.
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