Rays Roundup: Should the Rays Sign Milton Bradley?
by Steve Slowinski on May 10, 2011 8:08 AM EDT
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- The big news from yesterday is that the Mariners finally cut ties with Milton Bradley. The Mariners had traded for Bradley before last season with the hope that he'd bring some much needed power to their lineup, but he's been nothing short of a disaster for them.
Off the field issues aside, Bradley hasn't produced like the hitter he was in Texas or Chicago. Bradley's power has seemingly disappeared, hovering around the .140 ISO mark for the last three seasons (which is a little bit better than Sam Fuld this year, and a little bit worse than Johnny Damon). This lack of power isn't just a Safeco creation either; he had a .140 ISO his last season in Chicago, which is a huge hitter's park. While he could still hit double-digit homeruns, he's no longer likely to get much above 15. He has a .310 wOBA so far this year with a .294 BABIP, so it doesn't look like his performance will bounce up anytime soon, and his release has Dave Cameron speculating that he could be finished in the majors.
The Rays have been willing to take flyers on players that other teams passed up due to character or makeup issues, but I simply don't think that Bradley would be an upgrade for this team right now. A couple seasons ago? Yes, I would have been all for it, but his bat right now looks to have the upside of a .330 wOBA; that's not exactly something to write home about. His defense is also below average in the corner outfield spots, and he's never played first base before. He'd have to DH for the Rays, likely pushing Johnny Damon back into the field full time, and I don't think his bat is enough of an upgrade to make it worth it. Sure, the Rays could sign him for the league minimum right now, but I'd prefer letting Damon DH and giving our young players more playing time instead.
If he could play first base at a league average rate, then I'd be willing to give Bradley a shot. But given his history of well below average defense, I don't think that's especially likely. But maybe that's just me. What do you all think? - In other reads, The Process Report is starting up some draft coverage and has an article on the Rays and risk up right now. Also, Rays Prospects profiles a couple hitters to keep your eye on as the draft gets closer.
- Matt Klaassen took a look at the Rays' recent surge over at FanGraphs late last week. It's fun to sometimes take a look at what outsiders think of the Rays; it helps give me a bit more perspective.
- Tommy Rancel wrote about Ben Zobrist's returning power over at TPR. It's definitely still too early to say anything definitive about Zobrist's power, but the early returns look very good. He's already on pace for a much better year than last season.
- And finally BurGi over at Rays Prospects does his weekly prospect breakdown, this time focusing on the pitchers. Well worth a read.
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This comment was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily reflect views or opinions.
by Passionate Apathy on May 10, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
No, dont need him
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLcardsgal47
by miamigirl54 on May 10, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Agree with all the above. No on Milt
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "My electrolytes are down after the workout today…I fail"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 10, 2011 9:20 AM EDT reply actions
#tpr #drb #dopez #rancel
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "My electrolytes are down after the workout today…I fail"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 10, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. If there was any talent there its easy to ignore the headcase stuff. Especially after watching a Danjo/Kotch AB
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "My electrolytes are down after the workout today…I fail"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 10, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure if you got the memo, but Kotch has blossomed and can finally live up to his immense potential
@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT
by Sandy Kazmir on May 10, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Milton's struggles aren't all that different.
Less the gold glove caliber D
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Bradley was hitting at the start of the season; he fell right off the planet though about a week before his 1st ejection.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
You missed the article in the paper today.
Lasik has cured him! There’s less tomfoolery in his mechanics! He’s just happy to be home!
@ptSuttery
Well, it worked for Gomes.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
Yeah.
He got the lasers just before he signed with Cinci. The NL central isn’t the ALE, but he was utterly hopeless his last year and a half here. It can’t all be easier competition.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
Meh, maybe. He's still Jonny Gomes, though.
He followed up 2009’s 381 wOBA with a 330 wOBA in 2010, which is basically the pattern he set in 2005-2006.
Even if Lasik has helped Kotchman, it’s only helped him from being one of the worst players in baseball to replacement level.
@ptSuttery
Branyanero please.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
I don't think he's capable of being a passable fielder at any position; even 1st.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
I have reason to believe that Gomes is a secret mexican.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
Replacement level bat with a plus glove
Better than replacement player.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on May 10, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Still want Branyan.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
Yes. I wanna see him bullrush the stands and piledrive a fan who calls him something that rhymes with 'chigger'.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
I suppose he has gotten a little 'bigger'
but i don’t see how calling him that would set him off that much
Regressing to the mean streets of St. Pete
by stpetelawyer on May 10, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
You should ask those KC announcers about that.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
No
I would be willing to take a flier and put up with his antics if he were still productive. But he isn’t. If someone finds him a time machine back to 2008 levels (wOBA .423 and ISO .242) then I’ll say welcome aboard!
I think someone will give him one more shot, but it shouldn’t be the Rays. Wherever he lands this is most likely his last opportunity, IMO.
Nah
I don’t see the upside to bringing him in either. If he wasn’t crazy, then maybe, but his craziness is hampering is ability to not suck.
If we bring Milton
on board , the only player I could see him replacing at this point is Danjo. Danjo has turned into the reincarnated Joe Dillon.Rick Stroud had an article in the paper today and the quotes from Maddon lead me to believe that he is really pleased with having Kotchman’s defense at first base.It sounds like the Rays are getting ready to make a move with Danjo.Milton salary paid by mariners,might make him an option.
You see Jason? This is why you're wrong. Right here. This post.
Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767
by kericr on May 10, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
NO
No reason to mess with the clubhouse vibe
by Professor Twain on May 10, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions
Unless a player
is screwing the other players wives, clubhouse vibe is not a factor.Especially on this site. The game is played by players contributions on the field,it is not a love fest.
Longo's reoccurring case of herpes proves that it is a game of love
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
The clubhouse vibe % is 69
Milton only has a vibe % of 4.20
This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.
I honestly think it could be worth a shot
I mean if it doesn’t work out just release him. But did we think Carlos Pena, Benoit, Balfour, ect would turn out as well as they did? I’ll admit though those players I just listed weren’t known to have attitude issues.
R.I.P. Scott Kazmir 2005-2008
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