Ryan Dempster told the Chicago Tribune the players would give Milton Bradley another chance. The Cubs are not going to "give Bradley away for nothing and pay the majority of the $21 million left on his contract" according to the Tribune.
Dempster told the Tribune, "We're a pretty good bunch of guys and we're pretty forgiving. I just want the best for Milton, if it's for our team or another team. I just want him to be happy and want him to play baseball."
Ryan Dempster was one of the players that came out in support of Jim Hendry at the end of the season when he suspended Milton Bradley.
The Cubs are rumored to have three or four teams interested in acquiring Milton Bradley.
Stay Tuned ...
I sure hope not. Really need to turn to the page...please get rid of him just for the sake of a fresh start!
What an exciting day for the cubs faithful!
I think this is the beginning of an enjoyable fun era of cubs baseball.
C'mon he met his wife in the bleachers! The passion has to exist!
Count me amongst the first that would welcome him back if it were to move that way.
Winning fixes everything and a fast start would make EVERYTHING gravy. That means fixing our second base situation and making sure Soriano is ready to play in March.
This is exactly what I mentioned a week or two ago. Players are professional and would be forgiving, and Dempster just emphasized that.
I'd much rather give Milton a second chance--primarily because of the signing of Jaramillo as hitting coach--than make a trade juat for the sake of making it.
To me it makes no sense to get rid of Bradley but have to receive a crappy contract of another pleyer who struggled last year or the last couple for years and hope that player turned things around. I'd just assume let Bradley have a second shot, particularly in the second spot of the batting order where he actually had success in his limited time there.
We're not going to increase the payroll much, and there are other holes to fill. We certainly arent going to save money by trading Bradley, so at this point I say keep him but make it clear if there are any issues you will suspend him again.
Flat out, I don't want Milton back.
But I am not the deciding factor...and the players probably feel the same.
If Milton does come back, there would have to be a gag order put on the guy.
And the reporters would have to be told he's off limits....It's the only way...
and even at that...I just don't want him back.
I understand what you guys are saying...
but the team did play better without him...and Soriano swinging at air.
No F*****g way.
Interesting stuff from Buster Olney ...
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4610865&name=olney_buster
Thanks Neil.
I am not an "insider" and refuse to pay the 4-letter to read their columns. But in the little teaser snippet I was allowed to read it got me wondering about Atkins. I know the Cubs don't need a 3B or 1B, at the moment, but he'd be an interesting buy low, he might be a steal. Can he really be spent out at 29?
If you were the corporate CEO and one of your key Vice Presidents began snapping at other members of your organization, was insubordinate, and stated that he couldn't wait for 5pm to come each day, would you welcome him back the following year (or even the following day)? C'mon. I don't give a crap about trading for another worthless player/contract....just dump him, eat the salary, open a roster spot and move on.
This scenario is what makes Hendry's gimme of a third-year add-on so sad. Dumping $9-10m would have been easier than 20. Good job Jim...and he gets to keep his GM job too.
And let's see, tomorrow is November 1st...isn't that when our gem of a manager Pinella goes into his 3 month hibernation?
Rickett's had a wonderful opportunity to just clean house and restart with a whole new leadership team. Looks like the same 'ol stuff to me for 2010.
One more thought on Bradley. For those proposing keeping him, what level of performance do you really anticipate from him? Just because he's got his former hitting coach at his side doesn't mean a significant uptick. Someone here did a really nice job recently summarizing Bradley's overall yearly performance....nothing to write home about, yet Hendry went ga-ga over him.
Sorry, I'd rather go to Jake Fox and say "kid, here's your $500k and roster spot....spend the next three months and get after playing RF...and you know what, we also have the best hitting coach to work with you moving forward...welcome to your role".
Guys...I really think this is a lot of nonsense. Bradley's not coming back.
-He alienated his co-players.
-He pissed off the gm that gave him
30 million
-He alienated the fans.
-He can't keep his head in the games
except to count innings.
I stand by my statement of several months
ago..."If Bradley shows up at Wrigley in
Cubbie Blue next season, I won't be seen near Wrigley at all."
here is another Bradley for Wells article:
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/columnists/bob_elliott/2009/10/31/11588066-sun.html
As Buster Olney pointed out with comments in his blog, that would be two, huge, untradeable contracts with Wells and Soriano ... what I pointed out earlier in the week.
Thanks for posting the link ...
I will post this in a later post as well, but I wanted everyone to know.
I am sorry to inform you that JimK, who was an ardent Cubs fan and contributor to this web page (including his Rembering Jackie Robinson post), passed away on October 29th. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
How terrible. I am so sorry to hear that. His family will be thought of today.
God bless Jim K.
God bless you Jim K
OK - reading the Toronto Sun post abtou the Wells/Bradley thing actually makes it sound like a decent deal.
"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 if that's the case, then we get rid of Bradley and get in return 6 years of Wells at $43mil. That amount of salary for a player like Wells is not that unreasonable. Three gold gloves in center, .270-280, 20-25 HR, and 75 RBI in the NL seem about right. 6 years is a bit much, but he's only 30
OK - reading the Toronto Sun post abtou the Wells/Bradley thing actually makes it sound like a decent deal.
"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 if that's the case, then we get rid of Bradley and get in return 6 years of Wells at $43mil. That amount of salary for a player like Wells is not that unreasonable. Three gold gloves in center, .270-280, 20-25 HR, and 75 RBI in the NL seem about right. 6 years is a bit much, but he's only 30
Still think Bradley should go but need to get something to help our team or at least not hinder us for years. Now what about a trade for Carl Crawford in TB? I had heard they are thinking of moving him. I'm sure it would take us sending some money and minor league players. But he is everthing we need in a player; great D, speed, all around hitter entering the prime ages of his career and a left handed hitter. Now I know he plays LF great and so it raises the same issues as last 2 years of moving a corner OF to CF. I think he is more apt to play a smooth CF. But maybe a subsequent move could be trading Soriano to Toronto for Wells who still plays a solid CF maybe not the gold glove days of before, you know bad contract for bad contract. crawford, wells and Dome would be a great defensive OF it would add balance to the lineup and add overall speed to the basepaths. Just a pre off season thought.
We've lost a great contributor and good guy...He always brought a smile to my face.
I am deeply sorry to hear this.
Godspeed JimK on your journey.
Prayers and thoughts for his family.
I am crushed by this, such a nice man.
Yes.
If the fans won't forgive Bradley, then you might as well dump or trade him.
I'd give the guy another chance, despite the stupidity that came out of his mouth, but if the fans ride him all season long, then you have a miserable player & are back with the same problem.
It's too bad, too, as I'm sure our new hitting coach could really help the guy.
It's obvious the Cubs bought that he was a "Changed" man or at least were hoping he was. They made a 3 year & multi-million dollar mistake. That alone should put Hendry on thin ice. He's trying to win, but also giving away some stupid contracts. I just don't think he made some deals looking past the current year. Soriano is obvious. Dempster was a dumb move, imo. The guy was coming off a career year. Then he choked in Game 1 of the playoffs. That was the perfect time to dump him instead of throwing 4 years & multi-million dollars at him.
This team is being saddled by aging veterans & backloaded contracts. If history is any indication, the Cubs should be restocking their farm system be it internationally or picking up minor league free agents. Wasn't Jim's history in scouting? How could he let our farm system get this bad?
The Cubs plan these last years will never work with this ballclub. We keep placing a bandaid over glaring problems that need major reconstructive surgery.
The team missed it's opportunity. Now they are underproducing & breaking down.
As great as Derrek Lee is, he's a golden chip right now & getting older every year. Not to mention we have multiple DH's on a National League team. Restock with young players. We need to build our own stars. It's a shame a guy like Soto looked to be a rock at Catcher for a long time & just tanked last year. Same with guys who produced in 2008(Fontenot), but were ghosts this past year.
Depth is needed at 3B as Aramis plays great at 3rd when he plays. He'd be perfect in the AL at this stage of his career where he can be rested as a DH on some off days. Soriano, Bradley, Aramis, Fox, Hoffpauir & eventually Lee are all DH types. I'd pick Hoffpauir for our future at 1B.
Soriano? Realistically, I'd take my chances with him at 2B rather than LF. We have ZERO chance of trading him. Thank the Cubs brass at the time for that wonderful contract.
I agree, Jim C, that this is a crushing blow. Jim K was a very special person and left a remarkable impression on me as a person.
As many of you know I went through a huge custody issue last year and into this year. When I reached out for help, including through the CCO site, Jim K--a man who only knew me though the CCO web site--offered financial support to me to help me go out to see my daughter in Kansas which was a court requirement before the custody change. In March, I was awarded full custody and brought my little girl home.
Jim and I stayed in touch via email. He genuinely cared how things were going. One conversation we had I mentioned looking at bicycles for my daughter. Jim knew that I was struggling a bit having to replace most of my daughters clothes for school and buying a few toys here and there, the next day I received an email telling me to pick out a bike online and tell him what she wanted. Within days a check was in the mail from Jim to purchase Abby's bike. The only condition that money came with was that I sent pictures of my daughter enjoying her new bike.
Obviously I thanked Jim privately for his help and care. Given the circumstances I just felt like the readers here who have gotten to know Jim K should really understand the depth of his warmth and compassion.
Jim K gave me a much needed lesson in compassion and caring for one another.
I take comfort in knowing that at this very moment Jim K is sitting with Harry Caray popping the top on an Old Style and Budweiser while telling old Cubs stories. Although I'm sure Harry is trying to figure out who the hell Seth Smith is.
Godspeed Jim.
Joe S.
That was a very touching post.
When you break everything down in life, there are two kinds of people. Those who are humble and those who will be. Jim K was a very humble man and I will miss him and all of his contributions to this site.
Joe, Thankyou for sharing that story on JimK.
I suspected he was such a man...but did not have the pleasure of ever meeting him.
His warmth, humor and concern for his fellow man came through loud and clear however...and he was a rare giant.
I weill say more later...I can't just now. Just, thankyou for sharing Joe.
Joe S.,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about Jim K. It really moved me. I know that no matter what, your wonderful daughter will always know about him and you two have an extra guardian looking down you from above.
As technology grows and expands, it alters, both positively and negatively, the world we live in. Facebook has allowed people to reconnect with old friends and loved ones, but has also indirectly supplanted some face-to-face interaction.
In this case, blogs have provided fans an outlet to share their thoughts with one another and keep up with their team(s). In the past few years, blogs have come under fire for their negativity or baseless ranting against teams and the corporations or people that own them.
One largely overlooked aspect of blogs is us. The fans. The people who spend time reading, posting, conversing, arguing and most importantly, enjoying their team. As the world grows, the idea of friendship changes.
Outside of Neil, Shaun and Jim C., I have never had the privilege to meet any of you in person, however, many of you play a role in my daily life. From your emotions to your ideas, I read your thoughts almost daily. And to me, that makes you all part of my life.
Though I never met Jim K. in person, I knew him. I read him, I agreed with him, I disagreed with him, but I respected him. And I think that was always Jim K's message. Respect. And even more so, love. I think Joe S.' story confirms that.
As the CCO moves forward into winter and the always impending "Next Year," let us all remember Jim K. and continue to live by his lessons here on the CCO. Respect.
Thank you all.
Godspeed Jim K. and God Bless all of you.
Well said Brian. 100% agree.
Jim K, RIP.
We will miss you.
Somebody has to explain the logic to me on trading Bradley for Wells. It makes NO SENSE. If it was Soriano for Wells, ok, I get it.
Wells contract is for 6 more years, Bradley has 2 more. Why in the world would we want tie up 2 positions with aging dogs for the next 5-6 years ? We already have 1, now we want 2 ? UGH.
At some point, I would think we would want to open up some room for a Brett Jackson or a Tyler Colvin, right ?
But what do I know ?
That whole Bradley for Wells was just a scare.
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/10/cubs-not-interested-in-wells-for-bradley-swap-with-jays.html
The only way I would take Wells for Bradley is if Halladay was included in a package as well. Even then our outfield would be awful and we would need 5 aces in the rotation - to compensate for the lack of offense we would have.
Thank God.
What a horrible idea to bring in Wells...UNLESS Soriano is included in trade. If not, We would have been guranteed to have the worst OF in baseball for years with Sori and Wells.
sheesh
I was shocked to hear about JimK. I will miss his insightful and entertaining posts and big heart. The world is not a better place without him. JimK I am very sad to see you leave us and sad that you won't have an opportunity now to see a Cubs WS...at least materially...shame on the franchise for depriving you of this. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Wow. I've been around the CCO for a season, but came to admire JimK's thoughtful comments, his often humorous and always poignant anecdotes and general knowledge of the game. I have been wondering lately, if he was still with us. How sad. Condolences to his family.
The passing of JimK has indeed shocked and saddened the entire CCO community. Can we please halt our discussions on Milton Bradley for at least today? It seems very inappropriate..
I agree. No offense to anyone here. I'm sure some "newbies" may not know who Jim K is....but for just today....lets make this about Jim K and not about Milton Bradley or anyone or anything else. There will be plenty of time for baseball talk...and I'm sure Jim would want us to get to it sooner than later. But for now.....
Neil,
Thank you for the update on JimK. He will be missed on here. JimK and I had some good banter back and forth and some pretty good debates. I can only hope that we have more healthy debate on this site.
Joe S., Thank you so much for sharing that story about JimK. Hopefully his family knows what he did for you, because that's really special.
Neil, is there any possibility we can send a card from the CCO to his family? I just think it'd mean a lot, because he spent quite a bit of time on here, and made an impression on all of us. I realize having a card come from a blogging site might seem weird, but maybe you could write one on behalf of all of us...and include Joe S.'s story...hopefully before the memorial service so they can read it out loud about what he did for Joe.
Anyway, I don't really want to talk baseball right now. It's a sad day for us that he's gone. I'm glad he enjoyed a fairly long life though. God bless JimK, and hopefully he'll be in God's ear, letting him know that we need a championship on the North Side
Aaron, yes I am sure Jim's wife knew what he did, and his son was aware too as he reviewed his Dad's emails.
You mentioned a card, and perhaps we can come up with ideas. I have Jim K's address and if anyone would like to send a card or story to his wife and family through me I would certainly not object to my address being given out through Neil. I would immediately forward what is sent to me without opening it, merely sticking it in another envelope and forwarding on. I think it would be uplifting for his family to hear how he touched the lives of others. Just a thought. Neil?
Joe and Aaron, I am trying to find out the arrangements. I do plan on sending something.
Joe, check your email when you have a chance.
Neil, I've been too upset to post.
Thankyou so much on your follow-up
in finding out Jim's fate....I've
had such a bad feeling for him these past 2 weeks...and felt helpless about seeking him out.
JimK's posts delighted me...and oftentimes lifted me for the day
as I went to face my own challenges.
He reminded me much of my own father's
wry sense of humor...and love of the Cubs.
Once a year in the summer...I visit my father's grave with a radio...and share a Cubs game with him...it was one of his loves. I usually bring a few beers...
to celebrate his Cubdom...and so much
more with him.
I will now include JimK in my graveside
memories each season. And I will bring
an extra beer for him.
(By the way, most of the beer goes in the flower beds surrounding the gravesite...and Jim's will too.):)
Neil, If there is any way to glean all the comments re the JimK we knew and include them in a sympathy card...that might give his family an idea of how well
he was thought of here.
That is sad news about JimK.
He was always upbeat, with a quirky wit and unmitigated love for the Cubs.
I'm sure he will have his eyes on the Cubs and this blog from the bleachers in the sky.
I had the great pleasure to meet JimK and his wife for lunch on September 12. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of his passing. This man had such a gleam in his eyes when he was talking about his Cubs. He was wearing a Cubs pullover and had his autographed baseball which he treasured. I hope he takes it to heaven with him and shows it off up there. He was very passionate about his Cubs and he will be missed. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Another Jim story....I was reviewing the emails that Jim and I exchanged over the months. I told the story above of how he purchased a bike for my daughter. When we went to get the bike for her, I of course had her sit down and draw a Thank You card form Jim and his wife. We included some pictures of her on the bike as well. He took the time to send Abby a letter through my email when he received her card: (I did pull out names and ages of grandchildren that were included in the text of the letter--otherwise it is unchanged)
Hi Abby,
Mrs. Kneisley and I were so pleased to receive your thank you note and picture. We are happy that you like your bike, and both you and the bike are very pretty.
Mrs. Kneisley reminded me that our granddaughters both liked pink and purple when they were your age. We do have grandsons too.
We especially liked your art work and printing on the note. You do very well with both.
Please work very hard in school and try to do the best you can in all of your subjects. That is very important.
And again, thank you for your note and picture.
Your friends,
Mr. and Mrs. Kneisley
Indianapolis, Indiana
This has been a rough day to put a smile on my face. Very few people have touched me in the way Jim K has. While I am glad to have been just a fractional part of his life, I will live with the disappointment that I was never able to meet this wonderful man.
Joe S,
thanks for sharing the other note...you absolutely have to send that to his family for the memorial. It is very clear that he touched your life, and perhaps your daughter can write a note (not sure if you've shared with her, or want to protect her from knowing what happened though). But what a tremendous story, and I think I can speak for everyone on here that we are glad you have your daughter now.
Gramps, thanks for your story too. I remember him saying something about arranging a meeting in Chicago or something with the CCO. Were you the only one that went? Didn't Jim (TP) go as well?
Anyway, my prayers are with his family and friends. Here's to you JimK (raises glass), you will be missed.
I did in fact share it with Abby. I kept it simple for her. I didn't want to talk much about it as it was hard enough to do as my eyes filled up pretty quick. I am working on a long note to send to his wife Joyce and having Abby write or draw something to send as well.
Aaron:
I wasn't able to make it that day, I would give anything to have the chance to meet him (and Gramps) in person. I am very saddend by this. I have been fortunate to meet Neil, Abby, Shaun and Brian. All Very nice people. There are also many people like yourself that I haven't meet but look forward to. One day when my kids are able to post I will tell them about Jim K and the kindness that he showed.
Good Bless Jim K.
Nation Represent!
I told ya'll: Bradley is coming back, for financial reasons alone. They can't get a thing for him, and they can't afford to pay someone to play in his place. We're stuck.
This is another evidence of a great job by JHendry. Now watch what he does with Hardin. He'll cut him lose for nothing in return. This, folks, is what it is like to have an axe murderer in charge of your ballclub. Brutal!
RIP JimK...you will definitely be missed. I don't get to post on here as much as I would like, but I always read everyone's comments and love getting to know everyone's perspective on things. I always loved reading what JimK had to say about what was going on in Cub Nation. God bless JimK, his family, and friends.
For those of you that would like to reread one of JimK's wonderful stories...
Go to the community post section and click to the latest commentary posts of
myself and JoeS.
It relates to Jim's experience with the late owner of the Twins.
JoeS was kind enough to lead the way
to Jim's January post...it's a great story.
Thanks for the reference Suzy.....I'm struggling big time to deal with this tonight...all I can say is that Jim and the CCO have become a huge part of my life. I can't really go into details at the moment, it's definitely hard to express.
Joe S.- Forget the reference...THANKYOU
for bringing one of JimK's memorable posts to the top of the list.
CCO has also become part of my daily life...and JimK was always there...with his humor and unique posts...that were
generally uplifting.
So I too, am having a difficult time with his passing.
The one thing we learned from JimK's stories is he lived a very full life...
had sorrows (loss of his daughter)and many loves (the trophy wife) and sadly, the Cubs. :)
He was passionate and obvious had a deep compassionate and sharing nature....Joe,
carry that with you and pass it along.
As he touched your life...try to touch others. That's all we can do. Peace my
friend.
I too will miss JimK.
Man, I'm bummed. I've been here long enough to know what an asset he was to this community and even this team/
We've got a spot saved for ya buddy when the Cubs win it all.
God bless you and the family.
Somehow the the trivia and travails of Milton Bradley seem so pointless today. I have once again been touched by how an online community can remind us of the virtues of real people touching real lives in real ways. Our prayers are with JimK's family and friends.
Thornton Wilder in the play Our Town has the Stage Manager answer the question of does anyone really realize life, every minute, while they live it with a simple "No ... well, some do, saints and poets maybe, they do a little". I'm fairly sure from the spirit of his comments and the acts of kindness he displayed that JimK was both. Grace and peace, my friends.