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Free Agent Stock Watch: Milton Bradley
In December, Milton Bradley signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for $5.25MM guaranteed. He can earn up to $2.75MM more based on playing time incentives. The Padres didn't offer him arbitration; they were afraid of a possible award nearing $10MM.
Bradley was available at an affordable price and term mainly because of his injury history - he hasn't played 100 games in a season since 2004. His '07 season ended with an ACL tear in a bizarre incident (his manager tackled him to keep him away from an umpire who had provoked him). That Bradley was ready for Opening Day was remarkable.
Since Bradley was traded to the Padres on June 29th of last year, he's been an elite hitter: a .981 OPS in 263 at-bats. In that period his OBP ranks 7th in the game (.419) and his SLG ranks 15th (.563). Bradley could be called the Rich Harden of hitters - oft-injured, but elite when he plays. Bradley might be a hot trade commodity this July. He won't come cheap, since he has a decent chance of Type A status.
The smart move for Bradley in '09 will be to choose a team with an open DH spot. If he can remain relatively healthy and incident-free for the rest of '08, he could ask for a $12MM salary. He could even get multiple guaranteed years (after all, Frank Thomas did). The Yankees, Rays, Jays, Royals, and Mariners could be possibilities if the Rangers don't re-sign him. Of course, we can't rule out the NL - Bradley nearly re-signed with the Padres.
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The one problem for Milton Bradley- besides injury, temper, and ability to interact with teammates- is what I like to call "Jose Guillen Syndrome." I think that owners have a hard time offering $10M+ a year to a player like Bradley, mostly because he has been such a head case in terms of interacting with others, on top of the injury. He is like a rich man's version of Carl Everett, circa 2002.
Posted by: B Fu | May 12, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Rich Harden syndrome?
Bradley is reporting a sore right shoulder today.
Maybe goes to the DL?
Posted by: green_and_gold | May 13, 2008 at 02:03 AM
I do not want this guy clogging up a roster spot on the Yankees. I'd rather Barry Bonds thank MB!
Big Tex to the BX I think so!!!
Posted by: Yanks4Life | May 13, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Bradley may be a bit of a head case, but there is no denying that he provides a spark and a generally more positive influence than someone like Guillen. Besides, they gave Guillen a sack of cash to be far less productive than Bradley is.
Posted by: AA | May 13, 2008 at 06:15 PM