September 25, 2009
MLB- Bradley Suspended by the Cubs for the Rest of the Season
By Audrey Nolan
Milton Bradley was suspended from the Chicago Cubs for the rest of the season after he criticized the team during an interview on Saturday. The suspension was dispensed because Bradley’s conduct was considered detrimental to the team; only time will tell whether Bradley’s behavior may also prove detrimental to his future with the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry made the decision after he was informed of Bradley’s remarks to the Daily Herald of Illinois: the switch hitter complained of being scratched from Saturday’s lineup for a sore left knee and discussed the negativity of the fans, saying, “You understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here.”
The response was swift.
"Recently, it's become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has," Hendry said. "We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best to send him home for the rest of the season."
Hendry’s decision was supported by Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella. Piniella stated that the decision to allow Bradley to stay – or not – would be entirely Hendry’s.
"Jim made the decision and I support it," Piniella. "I really do."
The Cubs signed Bradley on a three-year contract worth $30 million last offseason; he still has two years left. He was brought to Chicago to bring balance to the lineup as a left-handed hitter, but he struggled in the first season, batting .257 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs. Bradley’s failures became an area of contention; some home fans even booed the player at Wrigley Field.
Despite Bradley’s negative reception, Piniella claims that he doesn’t understand why Bradley is uncomfortable with the team. The manager averred that he did his best to ease the new player’s arrival. Whatever the reason, however, Piniella failed; Bradely was quoted as saying that the Cubs did not have a “positive environment” and that he was not sure whether he would return next season.
What is certain is that he will not be playing for the rest of the season.
Bradley formally apologized on Wednesday, both to the Chicago Cubs and to the team’s fans. He said that he regretted his behavior, blaming it on frustration and disappointment. He decided not to appeal the suspension.
The Cubs have suspended him with payment; had they decided to otherwise, Bradley would have been out some $400,000.
Bradley also added that he was very disappointed with the outcome of his contract; he had signed hoping to help the Cubs win the World Series.
Piniella said that he appreciated Bradley’s public apology on Wednesday. Now, he explained, it was time to move forward. But it’s still not clear whether Bradley will be back next year. Nor did Hendry provide any reassurance; the team, he said, would take of the issue next season.
About the Author
Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer on MLB games and sports action for the online sports betting: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.