How about this Solution to the Bradley Mess?

[biittner77]

I can see 3 scenarios with a Bradley trade:

 

1. Cubs pay all of his salary but get a very good prospect in return. Basically means some version of an in house platoon in RF

 

2. Cubs pay little of Bradley's salary and get "nothing" in return (minor league roster filler)

 

3. Cubs take back a bad contract (or 2) from another team.

 

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

[Backtobanks]

If there's multiple teams involved, it barely even matters that Hendry wants him gone as they're going to have to bid relative to each other not relative to how much the Cubs want Bradley gone.

 

As I posted earlier, I'm not sure how many teams are going to be involved if they have to give up something of value and pay most of Bradley's contract. I think the "interest" in Bradley comes from the fact that the other GMs know they have all the leverage. The other GMs have seen the stories about Bradley and have read the quotes from Lou and Hendry basically stating that Bradley will be traded because nobody wants him back. When you see the low-payroll Padres are interested, you know teams are looking for a something-for-nothing deal. Actually with all the negative publicity and the national media claiming Hendry will have to eat 80% - 85% of his contract, I'm surprised there aren't 20 teams interested at this point.

 

I've also seen teams like the Mets interested as well. If Hendry can get one or two teams like the Mets bidding against each other, how much he has to pay of Bradley's contract will likely decrease.

 

And the fact that Bradley is probably the best corner OF on the market means that a team with a need there might be willing to give more and make more of an effort to outbid others. I don't expect anybody to pay most of Bradley's salary, but the more teams that are involved the more likely it becomes that the Cubs aren't paying 80+% of his contract.

 

Sure the Mets are interested as long as we're willing to take Oliver Perez for Bradley.

 

I haven't heard that their interest in hinged only on us taking Perez. Are you speculating or is there something to that?

 

Perez was one of the bad contracts mentioned as a possibility when this Bradley situation started.

[Backtobanks]

If there's multiple teams involved, it barely even matters that Hendry wants him gone as they're going to have to bid relative to each other not relative to how much the Cubs want Bradley gone.

 

As I posted earlier, I'm not sure how many teams are going to be involved if they have to give up something of value and pay most of Bradley's contract. I think the "interest" in Bradley comes from the fact that the other GMs know they have all the leverage. The other GMs have seen the stories about Bradley and have read the quotes from Lou and Hendry basically stating that Bradley will be traded because nobody wants him back. When you see the low-payroll Padres are interested, you know teams are looking for a something-for-nothing deal. Actually with all the negative publicity and the national media claiming Hendry will have to eat 80% - 85% of his contract, I'm surprised there aren't 20 teams interested at this point.

 

I've also seen teams like the Mets interested as well. If Hendry can get one or two teams like the Mets bidding against each other, how much he has to pay of Bradley's contract will likely decrease.

 

And the fact that Bradley is probably the best corner OF on the market means that a team with a need there might be willing to give more and make more of an effort to outbid others. I don't expect anybody to pay most of Bradley's salary, but the more teams that are involved the more likely it becomes that the Cubs aren't paying 80+% of his contract.

 

Sure the Mets are interested as long as we're willing to take Oliver Perez for Bradley.

 

I think you dramatically underestimate how much teams will value Bradley independent of a discount that may or may not come. The discount is not the only reason there is interest.

 

I guess we'll have to wait and see. I do underestimate Bradley's value considering he's owed $21 million and still has an injury history. He also added in 2009 to his reputation as a player with mental health issues, a discipline problem, and and a public relations disaster.

[biittner77]

Can Oliver Perez be fixed? I haven't really followed his career but it seems like his problem is more about make-up than lack of talent. If they included that 2nd baseman that they had playing LF (the one that kept making the bad plays in LF) That could potentially be a good deal for the Cubs.

[dew1679666265]

Perez was one of the bad contracts mentioned as a possibility when this Bradley situation started.

 

The only mention of Perez I've seen is pure speculation. It wasn't pure speculation that had the Mets interested.

[dew1679666265]

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

 

I don't think this should be overlooked. Hendry was in a similar situation with Hundley when he took the job and he turned it into two good contributors - Karros and Grudzielanek. He's also worked positive trades for guys like Jacque Jones, Neifi Perez and others who many fans didn't think had much value at all.

 

Hendry has proven to be very good at making trades (with a few exceptions, of course).

[inari]

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

 

I don't think this should be overlooked. Hendry was in a similar situation with Hundley when he took the job and he turned it into two good contributors - Karros and Grudzielanek. He's also worked positive trades for guys like Jacque Jones, Neifi Perez and others who many fans didn't think had much value at all.

 

Hendry has proven to be very good at making trades (with a few exceptions, of course).

 

Jacque Jones was a free agent signing. And how was Neifi Perez a positive?

[Rob]

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

 

I don't think this should be overlooked. Hendry was in a similar situation with Hundley when he took the job and he turned it into two good contributors - Karros and Grudzielanek. He's also worked positive trades for guys like Jacque Jones, Neifi Perez and others who many fans didn't think had much value at all.

 

Hendry has proven to be very good at making trades (with a few exceptions, of course).

 

Jacque Jones was a free agent signing. And how was Neifi Perez a positive?

 

Chris Robinson was our AAA all-star this year.

[inari]

Absolutely misinterpreted what he was saying. My bad.

[dew1679666265]

Absolutely misinterpreted what he was saying. My bad.

 

Yeah, sorry. I should have worded it "trades of guys like Jones and Neifi".

[champaignchris]

3. Cubs take back a bad contract (or 2) from another team.

 

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

 

Bradley to the Tigers. Magglio and Dontrelle (and about $15 million) to the Cubs. It makes too much sense not to happen.

 

Yes, I'm kidding. Mostly.

[Tarver]

3. Cubs take back a bad contract (or 2) from another team.

 

Given Hendry's track record, #3 is probably the most likely. But again, a guy that could turn Todd Hundley- the most hated player in recent memory- for 2 useful but overpaid players might be able to make this work. It should be a lot easier finding a taker for Bradley who's actually good at baseball than it was for Hundley.

 

Bradley to the Tigers. Magglio and Dontrelle (and about $15 million) to the Cubs. It makes too much sense not to happen.

 

Yes, I'm kidding. Mostly.

 

Considering 2010 could be the last year for this core, that trade would be absolutely brutal. Neither one of those guys could help in next year.

[Little Slide Rooter]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

[RedFlash]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Hawpe is 30 years old. If I am the Rockies this is the perfect time to sell high while you can.

[Backtobanks]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Sounds like we need a 3-way trade to happen:

 

Cubs get Hawpe

Padres get Bradley + $9 million

Rockies get Chris Young (rom Padres) and Sean Marshall (from Cubs)

 

Additional tweaking (money and/or players) might be needed.

[biittner77]

Why not just keep Young and hope he can stay healthy/ be effective as the 4th/ 5th starter assuming Harden walks? Start the season with a platoon of in house options or a scrap heap guy like Hermida and see where things stand in May. Or they could include Marshall in a package for a RF.

[Backtobanks]

Why not just keep Young and hope he can stay healthy/ be effective as the 4th/ 5th starter assuming Harden walks? Start the season with a platoon of in house options or a scrap heap guy like Hermida and see where things stand in May. Or they could include Marshall in a package for a RF.

 

Young has been mentioned as a possibility in the Bradley discussions, but all of the "middle-of-the-lineup/RBI guy" talk by Lou turned me toward the 3-way deal. I feel we can make do with a 4th or 5th starter better than a RF. In an earlier post, I mentioned getting Ross and Hermida in a Bradley deal. Hermida might be an interesting pickup, but the Cubs (assuming they're contending) don't really the time or patience to nurse Hermida along.

[Little Slide Rooter]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Sounds like we need a 3-way trade to happen:

 

Cubs get Hawpe

Padres get Bradley + $9 million

Rockies get Chris Young (rom Padres) and Sean Marshall (from Cubs)

 

Additional tweaking (money and/or players) might be needed.

 

I like it, but the Padres probably need more to give up their default ace. If there was a way for us to land Young and Hawpe in seperate deals, Id be all for it, say Bradley and either Marshall, Gorz, or Samardzjia for Young and a prospect package for Hawpe.

[Rob]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Why on god's green earth would we want Brad Hawpe?

 

Milton Bradley was more valuable this season... and he's got a very good chance to recover much of his power stroke next season and widen the gap even further.

[RedFlash]

Why on god's green earth would we want Brad Hawpe?

 

Milton Bradley was more valuable this season... and he's got a very good chance to recover much of his power stroke next season and widen the gap even further.

 

You forgot the green font, cause what you said isn't remotely true.

[Backtobanks]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Sounds like we need a 3-way trade to happen:

 

Cubs get Hawpe

Padres get Bradley + $9 million

Rockies get Chris Young (rom Padres) and Sean Marshall (from Cubs)

 

Additional tweaking (money and/or players) might be needed.

 

I like it, but the Padres probably need more to give up their default ace. If there was a way for us to land Young and Hawpe in seperate deals, Id be all for it, say Bradley and either Marshall, Gorz, or Samardzjia for Young and a prospect package for Hawpe.

 

I think we have in-house candidates to fill out the rotation without trading a young pitcher to get Young and then trade a whole package of prospects for Hawpe. I would rather go with my deal (1 young pitcher plus Bradley and end up with Hawpe) and go with our young pitching to battle for the 5th spot.

[Eric Clipperton]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Sounds like we need a 3-way trade to happen:

 

Cubs get Hawpe

Padres get Bradley + $9 million

Rockies get Chris Young (rom Padres) and Sean Marshall (from Cubs)

 

Additional tweaking (money and/or players) might be needed.

 

I like it, but the Padres probably need more to give up their default ace. If there was a way for us to land Young and Hawpe in seperate deals, Id be all for it, say Bradley and either Marshall, Gorz, or Samardzjia for Young and a prospect package for Hawpe.

 

I think we have in-house candidates to fill out the rotation without trading a young pitcher to get Young and then trade a whole package of prospects for Hawpe. I would rather go with my deal (1 young pitcher plus Bradley and end up with Hawpe) and go with our young pitching to battle for the 5th spot.

 

Hawpe is TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE on D. No no no.

[Backtobanks]

If there is one potentially attainable player that would be the ideal fit, it would be Brad Hawpe. Hed be the middle of the order lefty Lous looking for and plays the open position.

 

The question is, will the Rockies be willing to trade him? They do have a crowded outfield between Smith, Fowler, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Murton, and Eric Youn waiting in the wins, so I suppose for the right price, he could be had. Obviously, considerig the afor ementioned crowded outfield, they have no use for Bradley, so we still have to find a taker for him.

 

Sounds like we need a 3-way trade to happen:

 

Cubs get Hawpe

Padres get Bradley + $9 million

Rockies get Chris Young (rom Padres) and Sean Marshall (from Cubs)

 

Additional tweaking (money and/or players) might be needed.

 

I like it, but the Padres probably need more to give up their default ace. If there was a way for us to land Young and Hawpe in seperate deals, Id be all for it, say Bradley and either Marshall, Gorz, or Samardzjia for Young and a prospect package for Hawpe.

 

I think we have in-house candidates to fill out the rotation without trading a young pitcher to get Young and then trade a whole package of prospects for Hawpe. I would rather go with my deal (1 young pitcher plus Bradley and end up with Hawpe) and go with our young pitching to battle for the 5th spot.

 

Hawpe is TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE on D. No no no.

 

So that is a "no" to Dunn too if he was available?

[inari]

Dunn is a heck of a lot better hitter than Hawpe, though.

[RedFlash]

[Hawpe is TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE on D. No no no.

 

Hawpe is no worse defensively then the lot the Cubs have trotted out there recently. Sosa (the latter years), Hollandsworth, Grieve, Burnitz, Bradley, etc, etc, etc. The only remotely close to good defensively RF the Cubs have had is now playing CF. I gladly take Hawpe even with his defensive liabilities (which won't be a problem especially if you keep Reed Johnson or Fuld as a the defensive replacement on next yr's team).