Baseball season ended a while ago, especially for the perpetually-suffering Cubs fans.  I have tried to avoid discussing or even thinking about them after the miserable summer we all had to sit through this year.  With trade talks heating up around Milton Bradley at the winter GM meetings, I think it’s time to look at some of the possible scenarios that could be occurring within the next 36 hours (timetable courtesy of Phil Rogers).

• The Texas Rangers seem to have the most interest in Bradley.  Considering that his stint there was pretty much the only stop in his career that can be considered a success, it might be a good fit.  The most likely player the Cubs would get in return is Kevin Millwood.  Unfortunately Texas is asking the Cubs to eat a huge chunk of Bradley’s salary, and Hendry will be unlikely to do that.
• So what about this 3-way deal that just popped up as a possibility between the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Mets?  Apparently the deal would send Bradley to the Jays and Luis Castillo to the Cubs.  Castillo is okay, but keep in mind the goal isn’t to get great value, but just to dump Bradley.
• That Tampa Bay rumor that had the Rays swapping Burrell and his bad contract for Bradley and his is still out there.  Meh.
• Sarge Jr. anyone?  Supposedly the Cubs have talked to the Angels about doing a swap of Bradley for Gary Matthews Jr.  Didn’t we already do that dance though?
• There is always the possibility Bradley will stay.  Hendry has been trying to cover his ass on that one recently, making statements that re-open the door to a Bradley return.  I’m on board with that, but only if the Cubs front office and management take a proactive approach to helping Bradley feel comfortable and learn to deal with his issues.

So none of those situations is ideal, of course, but we knew all along it was going to be a tough situation to unload Bradley.  In terms of the things that make the most sense, I think the Texas deal makes the most sense for all parties.  The Cubs would get a 5th starter, Millwood, they could throw in the rotation to replace Harden.  Also Millwood’s contract only has one year left on it, so the money would be all off the books after 2010.  For Bradley and the Rangers, they would be going back to a formula that has worked for them before.  Stay close to your internets people, today might be the day Hendry makes a move.

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• Milton Bradley Waves To Some Fans In Texas (0)
• Why Won’t Milton Bradley’s Negativity Just Go Away (Unpaid Rent Edition) (6)
• Cubs Put Out Milton Bradley Fire Literally and Figuratively (A Last Look at Why You’re Wrong About Milton Bradley) (5)
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Tags: Milton Bradley, Rumor Mill