On the same day Ron Santo said Milton Bradley would definitely not be back with the Cubs in 2010, the Mariners and Rangers re-entered the rumor mill as possible destinations for Milton Bradley.
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, “at least three teams remain interested in Cubs’ outfielder Milton Bradley.” After weeks of hearing it was the Rays or nothing and the Rangers were out of the mix, if both teams are indeed interested Jim Hendry might have a little leverage in his negotiations.
Rosenthal and Morosi pointed out that a deal for Bradley is not close.
Updated 6:32am C.S.T. – With Additional Information from SI.com
Updated 9:03am C.S.T. – According to a tweet from Monsters In the Morning, Milton Bradley will be traded to the Seattle Mariners.
Updated 10:19am C.S.T. – Jon Heyman of SI.com tweeted the Cubs and Mariners are discussing a deal for Milton Bradley.
The Mariners and Cubs are discussing a Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva swap according to Jon Heyman.
Updated – 11:45am C.S.T. – The Bradley for Silva Trade Could Be Announced Later Today. Larry Stone was just on XM Radio and said the deal could be finalized today.
Updated – 12:02pm C.S.T. – According to a tweet from Carrie Muskat, Milton Bradley headed to Seattle for Carlos Silva. Jim Hendry was asked about Milton Bradley during an informal luncheon at Wrigley Field on Thursday. Tom Ricketts and Jim Hendry met with corporate sponsors and was asked about Bradley according to Bruce Levine.
Hendry did not answer the question directly but said Kosuke Fukudome would be in right field next season … with a new centerfielder on the team.
The report from FoxSports.com indicated the Rays and Cubs “have been at an impasse for weeks, with neither side willing to budge on the teams” of a Pat Burrell-for-Milton Bradley deal.
The Rangers remain a longshot while the Mariners “might be an even bigger longshot.”
The Cubs are willing to send some money along with Bradley … but are not willing to eat all of the two-years and $21 million as Crane Kenney pointed out during the Winter Meetings.
Stay Tuned …
Update – According to a report from SI.com, the Mariners are “discussing whether to pursue a potential trade with the Chicago Cubs for mercurial outfielder Milton Bradley.” The Mariners are looking for a left fielder.
The Mariners GM said, “We’re not done yet.“