12-14-2008, 03:41 PM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Bradley's choice ... or is it?
The Cubs and Rays are the teams in strongest pursuit of free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley, who also is drawing interest from the Reds, Angels and the Nationals, a team that never met an outfielder it didn't like.
For Bradley, the choice appears simple. The Rays' Joe Maddon almost certainly would be a better manager for him than the Cubs' impatient Lou Piniella, and staying in the American League would allow him to protect his oft-injured body by serving as a DH.
With the Rays, Bradley could bat cleanup between Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria, offer above-average defense in right field and fit well on a young, high-energy team.
The question is whether the Rays will meet Bradley's price.
The glut of outfielders and DHs on the trade and free-agent markets will allow the Rays to be choosy. If Bradley proves too expensive, they can simply turn to another free agent from a group that includes Abreu, Jason Giambi, Garrett Anderson and Pat Burrell.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link.
The Cubs and Rays are the teams in strongest pursuit of free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley, who also is drawing interest from the Reds, Angels and the Nationals, a team that never met an outfielder it didn't like.
For Bradley, the choice appears simple. The Rays' Joe Maddon almost certainly would be a better manager for him than the Cubs' impatient Lou Piniella, and staying in the American League would allow him to protect his oft-injured body by serving as a DH.
With the Rays, Bradley could bat cleanup between Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria, offer above-average defense in right field and fit well on a young, high-energy team.
The question is whether the Rays will meet Bradley's price.
The glut of outfielders and DHs on the trade and free-agent markets will allow the Rays to be choosy. If Bradley proves too expensive, they can simply turn to another free agent from a group that includes Abreu, Jason Giambi, Garrett Anderson and Pat Burrell.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link.