ESPN.com reports that the Chicago Cubs have suspended outfielder Milton Bradley for the remainder of the 2009 season after negative comments he made to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald. He referred to the environment on the Cubs as,"just negativity." Bradley has worn out his welcome almost every place he has played, yet teams continued to take flyers on him due to his excellent hitting ability and the thought that the change in environment would help him. Bradley injured himself in 2007 after being restrained by Bud Black from going after an umpire late in the season while playing with the Padres. The Padres let him go and he was signed by Texas the following season. After an All-Star performance in 2008 with the Rangers, they did not resign him as a free agent and he landed with the Cubs for the 2009 season.
Bradley is on his 7th team in 10 Major League seasons. It's no longer a condition of environment. Bradley has brought this upon himself. How many more chances will he be given? He will be 32 in 2010, and is at the age where teams will no longer be interested in him for his potential upside. His track record has shown that he is a malcontent. How many Managers and General Managers want to have a problem player on their hands during the downside of his career? Bradley needs to take a deep look in the mirror and see that the problem lies no farther than his reflection. If he doesn't commit himself towards making positive changes, it is likely that teams will stop making a commitment to him for his services. That time may arrive alot sooner than Bradley will like.