Re: Rosenthal: Multiple teams after Bradley

[MSG T]

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/columnists/bob_elliott/2009/10/31/11588066-sun.html

 

Toronto Sun has an interesting article on the Wells for Bradley rumors.

The Chicago Cubs would like to -- have to -- deal disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley. And one player they are eyeing as a target destination is the Blue Jays, with centre fielder Vernon Wells going to the Cubs in return.

 

"It's early on, but we think this one has some legs," said one Cubs official. "But they aren't the only team we are talking with."

 

The Cubs' idea is to split the difference on monies owed -- Wells' $107 million and Bradley's $21 million for a difference of $86 million. Each team absorbs $43 million.

 

So instead of Bradley for 2 years at approx $10.5MM per year, they would be willing to take Wells for 6 years at about $10MM per year? There better be something else going on in the deal for the Cubs to take it serious.

 

 

Why would the Cubs want to get rid of Bradley for worse player and a longer contract at the same money per year? They would have to be getting something good thrown in. This makes no sense, I'd rather release Bradley than get Wells back.

[cheapseats]

I'm not saying I'm in favor of it, I just threw it out there wondering what everyone else thought.

 

For me, it would mean giving up on the Cubs.

[Bruce Miles]

This one ain't happening. The Cubs are not about to take on Wells' money.

[ISUCubsFan]

Wells has basically been a replacement level outfielder for the last 3 years. Unless Toronto is willing to pay for nearly all of his contract and Bradley this would be terrible.

[CUBZ99]

This one ain't happening. The Cubs are not about to take on Wells' money.

 

Is this a case of the Blue Jays trying to create something that isn't there? Or a case of the Cubs trying to get more leverage in a trade?

[MSG T]

This one ain't happening. The Cubs are not about to take on Wells' money.

 

 

Thank God.

 

Are they actually having talks about anything(other than Well for Bradley), or is this just pure speculation?

[Bruce Miles]

This one ain't happening. The Cubs are not about to take on Wells' money.

 

 

Thank God.

 

Are they actually having talks about anything(other than Well for Bradley), or is this just pure speculation?

 

I'm told the Cubs have never discussed Vernon Wells. I don't know where this came from. But Cubs people I talked to were incredulous. They have talks ongoing with several teams, but this one has never been a possibility in the minds of the Cubs.

[Backtobanks]

This one ain't happening. The Cubs are not about to take on Wells' money.

 

 

Thank God.

 

Are they actually having talks about anything(other than Well for Bradley), or is this just pure speculation?

 

I'm told the Cubs have never discussed Vernon Wells. I don't know where this came from. But Cubs people I talked to were incredulous. They have talks ongoing with several teams, but this one has never been a possibility in the minds of the Cubs.

 

Thanks Bruce!

[Old Style]

Bruce to the rescue! Thanks for the info, good sir. We can rest a little easier now.

[RedFlash]

So can we safely assume that this Wells-Bradley rumor was simply wishful thinking by Toronto Blue Jays?

[Little Slide Rooter]

Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this morning's Vernon Wells rumor "would be a stunner" if it happened. Some of the players he mentions as possible fits include Carlos Silva, Derek Lowe, Gary Matthews Jr. (who said he wants out of Anaheim), Barry Zito, Aaron Rowand, Oliver Perez, and Dontrelle Willis, among others. Any other ideas?

 

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

[RedFlash]

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

 

Milton Bradley for Lowe would be outstanding for the Cubs, but think about it for a sec WSR: Milton Bradley in Atlanta? That would be hilarious.

[Backtobanks]

Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this morning's Vernon Wells rumor "would be a stunner" if it happened. Some of the players he mentions as possible fits include Carlos Silva, Derek Lowe, Gary Matthews Jr. (who said he wants out of Anaheim), Barry Zito, Aaron Rowand, Oliver Perez, and Dontrelle Willis, among others. Any other ideas?

 

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

 

As long as the Braves agree to the same kind of deal that the Bradley-Wells rumor discussed (split the difference in contracts). That would send the Cubs about $12 million (probably split over 3 years).

[cheapseats]

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

 

Milton Bradley for Lowe would be outstanding for the Cubs, but think about it for a sec WSR: Milton Bradley in Atlanta? That would be hilarious.

 

Gary Sheffield and JD Drew have both played for the Braves. I don't see Bradley as much of a stretch.

[CUBZ99]

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

 

Milton Bradley for Lowe would be outstanding for the Cubs, but think about it for a sec WSR: Milton Bradley in Atlanta? That would be hilarious.

 

Gary Sheffield and JD Drew have both played for the Braves. I don't see Bradley as much of a stretch.

 

Also, John Rocker.

[17 Seconds]

Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this morning's Vernon Wells rumor "would be a stunner" if it happened. Some of the players he mentions as possible fits include Carlos Silva, Derek Lowe, Gary Matthews Jr. (who said he wants out of Anaheim), Barry Zito, Aaron Rowand, Oliver Perez, and Dontrelle Willis, among others. Any other ideas?

 

While this list is full of undesirebles, the one name that stands out that would be a perfect match is Lowe. The Braves have been looking for a righty bat for the outfield, and Bradley could match that need. Meanwhile, ground ball master Lowe would be great at Wrigley, and we could then be free to shop for Bradleys replacement, using Marshall, Gorzo, or Shark as bait.

 

Lowe's groundball rate has plummeted over the last few years, and his overall numbers took a nose dive last year too, as soon as he left Dodgers staidum. Last year he had a 1.52 WHIP, he's 36 years old, and he has a big contract. No thanks.

 

I like how people just assume that pitchers will be good in Wrigley if they get ground balls.

[Backtobanks]

From MLBTR and Phil Rogers:

 

When Tim Hudson re-signed with the Braves, Ken Rosenthal indicated that Javier Vazquez or Derek Lowe could be shopped for a bat. Rogers suggests it'll be Vazquez that's put on the trading block.

 

I wonder if the Braves would be interested in Bradley, Fox, and prospect for Vasquez. The Braves have been mentioned before as a possibility for Fox (they need a RH bat at 1B).

[17 Seconds]

Vazquez was lke a top 3 pitcher in the NL last season. I don't see why the Braves would want to trade him, especially for that.

[Banedon]

Sullivan also shoots down the Bradley/Wells rumors.

 

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/10/cubs-not-interested-in-wells-for-bradley-swap-with-jays.html

[Backtobanks]

From MLBTR:

 

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers "refused to rule out the possibility of Milton Bradley coming back to Texas."

 

How about trying a 3-way deal:

Rangers get Bradley, Fox, and cash ($7 million in 2010 and $4 million in 2011)

Rangers need to improve offense, but can't afford much additional salary for 2010.

Marlins get prospects from Rangers and Marshall/Stevens plus Colvin from Cubs

Marlins cut salary and add prospects while finding a taker for Hermida (possible DFA)

Cubs get Cody Ross and Jeremy Hermida from Marlins

Cubs manage to dump Bradley for solid CF and project RF.

 

If Cubs re-sign Reed Johnson, the OF would have lots of options for lefty-righty matchups and in case of injuries.

[Sammy Sofa]

I really don't want to move Marshall if Harden isn't coming back. The Cubs are giving up way too much in that scenario.

[Guest]

Texas has plenty of prospects I'm interested in. How about just getting one or two of them in return for Bradley.

 

We can either wait for FL to non-tender Hermida or deal for him separately.

[Backtobanks]

Texas has plenty of prospects I'm interested in. How about just getting one or two of them in return for Bradley.

 

We can either wait for FL to non-tender Hermida or deal for him separately.

 

I agree that 1 or 2 prospects from the Rangers might look good, but with their financial problems we might have to pay more than Ricketts wants to pay to dump Bradley.

[Backtobanks]

I really don't want to move Marshall if Harden isn't coming back. The Cubs are giving up way too much in that scenario.

 

I guess I overcompensated for the fact that usually posters criticize my proposals because that the Cubs are getting too much and giving up too little. I really like Marshall, but I'm sure he would be a player that other teams would want. Maybe the Hendry could offer Stevens/Berg instead of Marshall. As for the other players being traded, Fox doesn't really have a spot on the Cubs and I don't think Colvin will ever fit in with a high-payroll contending team. Ross has great numbers for a CF (career avg. .264/.323/.484/.807 with 24 HR and 85 RBI) and is only 28 years old and Hermida at 25 years old (.265/.344/.425/.769 with 18 HR and 66 RBI) might really benefit from Jaramillo. Also, both players would be under club control for a few more years.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I dont know how it will go down, but I have a very strong feeling that Hermida opens 2010 as our starting right fielder.