Why So Much Love For Milton Bradley?

I wasn't sure which picture to use for this editorial.

Do I run a picture of Milton Bradley extending his middle finger at Dodger fans?

Or one of his altercation with the umpire in San Diego that tore up his knee?

Or a photo of him running over then-manager Ken Macha in Oakland?

There are so many options that show so clearly Bradley's character to choose from—it was a truly tough decision.

Problem is, each of these options should be reasons why Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry should be looking at other players to fill the Cubs need for a left-handed bat in the outfield.

Bradley, the board-game-moniker-bearing slugger, has had issues in as many clubhouses as he's been a part of during his career. He's had issues with managers, fans, and teammates alike, with free agency and short-term contracts being the result, despite his on-field production.

I fully understand why, on paper, the Cubs would be interested in Bradley. He had the sixth highest batting average in all of baseball last year (.321), while hitting 22 home runs and 77 RBI in only 126 games.

He was an All-Star for the Texas Rangers, and did a solid job protecting Josh Hamilton during his heroic comeback season.

But for all the nice pieces of Bradley's 2008 stat sheet, there are reasons for concern.

Last year was the first time since 2004 that Bradley played in more than 100 games, a span of five years that saw Bradley play for four different teams.

Another reason for pause is his defensive experience—or lack thereof. Bradley had just 77 at-bats as an outfielder last year, of his 414 total. Perhaps it's because he hurt his knee screaming at an umpire, or maybe it's because of the talented outfielders in Texas, but Bradley spend most of his time as a designated hitter in 2008.

Bradley will be 31 in April and has a history of missing games due to injury. He doesn't play a lot of outfield because of these injuries, and has temper issues.

I understand that Adam Dunn has enormous holes in his swing, and that Bobby Abreu would probably be too expensive. But why does that incline the Cubs to settle for Bradley as the lesser, cheaper of the options?

For all the potential goodwill the Cubs need to repair with their fans after falling apart in consecutive Octobers, is bringing in someone that might need to be restrained the first time he gets his share from the Bleacher Creatures really a good idea?

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