Bradley........no thanks

[RynoRules]

Actually I would suggest turning to this thread:

 

http://mb10.scout.com/foaklandathleticsfrm1.showMessageRange?topicID=9182.topic&start=61&stop=80

 

Alot of the links in there and police reports make it seem like his wife was the aggressor at least one time (June 28th). There is reason to believe that in the third incident, since he didn't go to jail that maybe he wasn't the aggressor either.

 

I also learned Bobby Cox is also a "wife beater," I wonder how many baseball fans know that? How many would care if he came over to the Cubs to manage? Wouldn't you guys worry he'd give guys lessons or "ruin clubhouse chemisty?"

 

Personally I'd love Bradley here. I said it on MLBCenter, and I saw it here: beggars can't be choosers. He's the best combo of youth, availability, and production of any CFer out there, and we shouldn't be so stupid to close the door on something NONE OF US know for sure.

 

If I worry about anything with Bradley, its the durability issue.

 

Who cares about "clubhouse chemistry"? If what you are saying is true and he beats or has beat up his wife, then the answer is "no", I would not hire him. Forgive me if I think winning isn't everything.

[Radar3454]

The Indians traded him after Wedge took him out of a game for not running out a pop up - Wedge and Shapiro decided they did not want him around while they were rebuilding.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Actually I would suggest turning to this thread:

 

http://mb10.scout.com/foaklandathleticsfrm1.showMessageRange?topicID=9182.topic&start=61&stop=80

 

Alot of the links in there and police reports make it seem like his wife was the aggressor at least one time (June 28th). There is reason to believe that in the third incident, since he didn't go to jail that maybe he wasn't the aggressor either.

 

I also learned Bobby Cox is also a "wife beater," I wonder how many baseball fans know that? How many would care if he came over to the Cubs to manage? Wouldn't you guys worry he'd give guys lessons or "ruin clubhouse chemisty?"

 

Personally I'd love Bradley here. I said it on MLBCenter, and I saw it here: beggars can't be choosers. He's the best combo of youth, availability, and production of any CFer out there, and we shouldn't be so stupid to close the door on something NONE OF US know for sure.

 

If I worry about anything with Bradley, its the durability issue.

 

It sounds like they're quite the disfunctional couple. Probably some blame to go on both sides. Bradley is certainly no angel, but it's possible he isn't as bad as he's been villified to be. I don't know.

 

It is unfair to blame Mr. Bradley for the whole incident. He is an off-the-field risk, but I'd still like to see him in Chicago. His health is my biggest concern, but the on-the-field upside he brings is too big to ignore, especially since he could be had for a used jockstrap right now. If he doesn't work out, just make sure we have a backup plan in CF. Pie wouldn't be too horrible of a failsafe if we acquire a big bat in RF, which is certainly doable given the low cost of Bradley.

 

:roll:

 

Would you mind putting your thoughts into words and justifying your stance on this issue?

 

IMO, Bradley is well worth the risk. He's going to assault his wife regardless of signing with the Cubs or staying with the Dodgers. Are we rewarding him for his conduct or alleged misdeeds? No. He's going to get his money regardless. We might actually be doing good by bringing him into an environment of quality family guys (Wood, Prior, etc).

 

There is no way an employer would get away with denying employment to an employee b/c of alleged conduct away from the job outside of baseball (unless there were national security issues).

 

Did he assault his wife? No. Legally speaking he committed no crime. His wife did. She assaulted him. He gets a bad rap b/c of her actions? Please.

[oldcubsfan]

"There is no way an employer would get away with denying employment to an employee b/c of alleged conduct away from the job outside of baseball (unless there were national security issues)."

 

 

 

 

What are you talking about? Companies do background checks all the time. People do not get jobs because of it. You are wrong on this or you just have little experience in the business world.

 

Let's just say you and another are up for the same job and I find out you have an arrest record, guess who I'm hiring, hint - not you. It is perfectly legal and not only that, it is prudent. Not one thing illegal about it.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

"There is no way an employer would get away with denying employment to an employee b/c of alleged conduct away from the job outside of baseball (unless there were national security issues)."

 

What are you talking about? Companies do background checks all the time. People do not get jobs because of it. You are wrong on this or you just have little experience in the business world.

 

Let's just say you and another are up for the same job and I find out you have an arrest record, guess who I'm hiring, hint - not you. It is perfectly legal and not only that, it is prudent. Not one thing illegal about it.

 

You just hit on the key point. A record is not the same as an "allegation." They are two completely different things. A record is sufficient grounds to deny employment. An allegation is not, as it obviously doesn't include due process and a conviction.

Edited November 27, 2005 by Meat&PotatoesMan

[Transmogrified Tiger]

"There is no way an employer would get away with denying employment to an employee b/c of alleged conduct away from the job outside of baseball (unless there were national security issues)."

 

What are you talking about? Companies do background checks all the time. People do not get jobs because of it. You are wrong on this or you just have little experience in the business world.

 

Let's just say you and another are up for the same job and I find out you have an arrest record, guess who I'm hiring, hint - not you. It is perfectly legal and not only that, it is prudent. Not one thing illegal about it.

 

You just hit on the key point. An record is not the same as an "allegation." They are two completely different things. A record is sufficient grounds to deny employment. An allegation is not, as it obviously doesn't include due process and a conviction.

 

Yep, in my limited job experience, they don't ask you what crimes you were charged with, only convicted.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

ALLEGEDLY

 

Also in that article:

 

No charges were filed against Bradley or his wife stemming from any of the three police responses. In two of the cases, police officers counseled the couple. In a third, Bradley was not home when police arrived.

 

A police report was submitted to the district attorney's branch office in Torrance, but prosecutor Mary Suzukawa rejected filing charges against Bradley.

 

According to the report, Bradley identified himself as a professional baseball player and said his wife had battered him because she suspected him of cheating on her. He described her as upset and said she hit him and scratched him.

 

And most importantly, the "beating" of his pregnant wife:

 

Bradley's wife, who was four months pregnant at the time, told officers she and her husband had argued about "relationship issues." Bradley, she said, grabbed her right hand and pushed it against her mouth, causing her to hit herself. The inside of her lip began to bleed, the crime report said.

 

He then grabbed her cellular telephone from a bedroom table and threw it toward a wall. The phone hit a headboard, struck the wall and shattered into several pieces, the report said.

 

Bradley picked up the phone and walked into the hallway, followed by his wife.

 

"Victim said her husband turned around and used his right forearm and pushed her against the wall," an officer wrote. "Victim stated (Bradley's) forearm was against her throat and she was having a difficult time breathing."

 

What would you call this? A gentle love tap? He choked her and bloodied her lip. My wife (who is pregnant) and I have argued since she became pregnant, and some how I have managed to not assault or batter her. Go look up the definition of a "battery" if you want to see what I mean.

 

And everything is "alleged" (including most of the rumors we discuss on this bd.), but when a person has a history of violent conduct as Bradley does, it is more likely to be true.

 

Here's the point. Bradley and his wife both have gotten physical with each other multiple times in arguments. His wife felt it wasn't bad enough to press charges, and she even had a chance when Bradley wasn't around. Someone outside the situation had the chance and declined as well. Since you've apparently already discounted the chemistry aspect, does this situation really make Bradley a dispicable human being as not to pursue him?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

If anyone should have been charged with assault in the Bradley incident, it was Mrs. Bradley. There was a reason Mr. Bradley wasn't charged with a crime and it had nothing to do with his job. The evidence didn't warrant a charge, much less a conviction of Milton Bradley.

 

You can't legally deny someone employment based on an allegation. On a conviction you can, but not an allegation.

[beowulf28]

good point cpatt - at least bradley has some passion and fire. a bit too much perhaps.

 

passion and fire? among other brutally violent episodes, the guy tried to choke his pregnant wife. i think you are confusing psychosis with passion. if he were not a pro baseball player they would have locked him up and thrown away the key long ago.

 

Good point. Amazing what a guy that can play a sport well can get away with.

 

If there is truth to this story, then I don't want him. Its one thing to fight with a teammate (or even to chuck a bottle at a guy who is probably insulting your mother). Its another thing to choke your pregnant wife. That's not ok, and I really do not care how high his OBP is.

 

I totally agree, RynoRules!

 

John

[RockTheIvy]

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/2825/murdershewrote4kk.jpg

[RockTheIvy]

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/2825/murdershewrote4kk.jpg

[beowulf28]

As a fan I'd take Bradley in an instant. As a GM, I would definitely evaluate these possible character issues very closely before actually making a move for Bradley. There's no doubt about it, Bradley would make an impact in any lineup. He sports a high OBP, has some pop, decent speed, he really could hit any spot in the batting order 1-8. Defensively, I'd say he's above average, getting good jumps and tracking down everything hit to him.

 

So, Bradley would definitely be worth a look, but like I said I'd look more into it as a GM than I am as a fan. If I were Hendry, I'd call around asking some former players of Bradley what they think of him as a person before making a decision.

 

I agree that due dilligence is definitely necessary, but Im not sure if negative feedback would deter me. Remember, Bradley will cost us next to nothing in terms of players and very little in terms of salary. There has never been any racial problems on the team (besides reverse racism by dusty). He is about to have his first child and that often has calming affects on disgruntled young males.

 

Who cares how much he costs you? If the man wasn't an athlete, he would've probably been charged with attempted murder!!!

 

John

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Who cares how much he costs you? If the man wasn't an athlete, he would've probably been charged with attempted murder!!!

 

John

 

That's quite a stretch. By the same logic, if the man she attacked wasn't an athlete, Mrs. Bradley could be charged with the same. But nothing in those reports even comes close to attempted murder.

[beowulf28]

Wow, I didn't know about the pregnant wife thing. Somethings are more important then winning baseball games. I'd never sign a guy like that.

 

I totally agree CardsFan. Who cares how cheap he is? Some things are more important. We're talking physically abusing his wife. He needs serious help.

 

John

[RockTheIvy]

Wow, I didn't know about the pregnant wife thing. Somethings are more important then winning baseball games. I'd never sign a guy like that.

 

I totally agree CardsFan. Who cares how cheap he is? Some things are more important. We're talking physically abusing his wife. He needs serious help.

 

John

 

Good point Beowulf...or shall I call you, John!?

[beowulf28]

Actually I would suggest turning to this thread:

 

http://mb10.scout.com/foaklandathleticsfrm1.showMessageRange?topicID=9182.topic&start=61&stop=80

 

Alot of the links in there and police reports make it seem like his wife was the aggressor at least one time (June 28th). There is reason to believe that in the third incident, since he didn't go to jail that maybe he wasn't the aggressor either.

 

I also learned Bobby Cox is also a "wife beater," I wonder how many baseball fans know that? How many would care if he came over to the Cubs to manage? Wouldn't you guys worry he'd give guys lessons or "ruin clubhouse chemisty?"

 

Personally I'd love Bradley here. I said it on MLBCenter, and I saw it here: beggars can't be choosers. He's the best combo of youth, availability, and production of any CFer out there, and we shouldn't be so stupid to close the door on something NONE OF US know for sure.

 

If I worry about anything with Bradley, its the durability issue.

 

It sounds like they're quite the disfunctional couple. Probably some blame to go on both sides. Bradley is certainly no angel, but it's possible he isn't as bad as he's been villified to be. I don't know.

 

Why take a chance on him? I'd rather have Mench in RF, and I don't want Mench! And I'd REALLY rather have Pierre in CF. Y'all can have Bradley, just don't bring him to Wrigley Field in Cubbie blue.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Bradley is likely the best option for us in CF and he's not a bad option for RF.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Wow, I didn't know about the pregnant wife thing. Somethings are more important then winning baseball games. I'd never sign a guy like that.

 

I totally agree CardsFan. Who cares how cheap he is? Some things are more important. We're talking physically abusing his wife. He needs serious help.

 

John

 

you should evaluate the events in question before judging someone. mrs. bradley scratched and struck mr. bradley. when he walked away she physically detained him. then he "choked" her by pushing her against the wall with his forearm. please. no jury would ever convict him of assault. her, yes. him, no.

 

he did not physically abuse his wife. say what you want about his attitude in the clubhouse, but accusing him of crimes he didn't commit is wrong.

 

whatever. it's brought his price down whether it is an incorrect perception or not. i say we pounce. he's cheap to acquire in terms of prospects with a huge upside. risk vs. reward. we have Pie waiting in the wings if Bradley happens to be a problem child in Chicago.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Compare this story to Julio Lugo. Lugo was actually arrested and charged for assault, but it was dropped when his wife changed her story(she exaggerated apparently, not uncommon). Ever since then, we've heard nothing from Lugo in Tampa. As others have noted, Bradley is about to have a child, which is widely perceived to have a calming effect. I hadn't heard all the facts about Bradley's case before today, and after seeing what's been reporting, I really see no reason not to go after Bradley. Hendry apparently agrees, since several reports have him pursuing Milton.

[beowulf28]

Who cares how much he costs you? If the man wasn't an athlete, he would've probably been charged with attempted murder!!!

 

John

 

That's quite a stretch. By the same logic, if the man she attacked wasn't an athlete, Mrs. Bradley could be charged with the same. But nothing in those reports even comes close to attempted murder.

 

Choking isn't attempted murder? Then say assault and battery. And allegedly both were involved. Since I'm not looking to trade for Mrs. Bradley, and Mr. Bradley is the one we're considering, I don't want him.

[oldcubsfan]

If anyone should have been charged with assault in the Bradley incident, it was Mrs. Bradley. There was a reason Mr. Bradley wasn't charged with a crime and it had nothing to do with his job. The evidence didn't warrant a charge, much less a conviction of Milton Bradley.

 

You can't legally deny someone employment based on an allegation. On a conviction you can, but not an allegation.

You can use background info to help decide who to hire. Most companies feel character counts.

[YearofDaCubs]

I think Bradley is likely the best option for us in CF and he's not a bad option for RF.

Agreed.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

If anyone should have been charged with assault in the Bradley incident, it was Mrs. Bradley. There was a reason Mr. Bradley wasn't charged with a crime and it had nothing to do with his job. The evidence didn't warrant a charge, much less a conviction of Milton Bradley.

 

You can't legally deny someone employment based on an allegation. On a conviction you can, but not an allegation.

You can use background info to help decide who to hire. Most companies feel character counts.

 

the laws governing background info in the hiring process are strictly defined. allegations from newspapers are not valid reasons for denying unemployment. convictions are.

 

how would you like it if someone accused you wrongly of spousal abuse and you were no longer allowed to hold any job other than a cook at McDonalds? after all, character counts.

[oldcubsfan]

If anyone should have been charged with assault in the Bradley incident, it was Mrs. Bradley. There was a reason Mr. Bradley wasn't charged with a crime and it had nothing to do with his job. The evidence didn't warrant a charge, much less a conviction of Milton Bradley.

 

You can't legally deny someone employment based on an allegation. On a conviction you can, but not an allegation.

You can use background info to help decide who to hire. Most companies feel character counts.

 

the laws governing background info in the hiring process are strictly defined. allegations from newspapers are not valid reasons for denying unemployment. convictions are.

 

how would you like it if someone accused you wrongly of spousal abuse and you were no longer allowed to hold any job other than a cook at McDonalds? after all, character counts.

 

You sound like a law student who seems to know the basics, but companies don't have to tell you why you aren't hired. They just choose the other candidate. Most jobs create numerous applicants and it is very easy to screen out those you aren't comfortable with.

[Bluescale]

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/2825/murdershewrote4kk.jpg

 

That (and two pints of very stout holiday beer) just made my night. My mom used to hjack the tv every Sunday night fo Murder She Wrote.

 

Thanks for the flashback!