A priority for the Cubs this off-season will be to unload Milton Bradley.
But Billy Williams, the Cubs Hall of Fame outfielder, former coach and current senior adviser, says he is not ready to give up hope that Bradley could become a productive player for the team.
"If we could salvage something here and get a good ballplayer after what has happened, I think it would be a good thing," Williams said Monday. "I am going to continue to try to talk to him and give my opinion on what he should do and what he shouldn't do. I know that he listens and he will tell me a lot of things."
Williams was one of the few people who maintained a steady dialogue with Bradley throughout last season.
"I talked to him many times. I really, really wanted him to get through last year. I wanted him to get to know what being a Cub is all about," said Williams, 71.
"I remember going into the clubhouse one particular day, and all of the other guys were in the other part of the clubhouse. I walked into the training room and he was sitting on one of the training tables, eating his food. That just showed the isolation that he had from the ballclub. That is not good.
"If we could turn him around, that would be a magnificent story," said Williams. "There were times when you saw the left-handed hitter we wanted to get, because he was swinging the bat well. But it seemed like when he was swinging the bat good, something would come up."
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GET THAT SELF-CENTERED, CRY BABY "BUM" OUT OF CHICAGO!!!
Billy you're a true legend but Milton Bradley has to go.
I know we must address some behavior in right field to black ballplayers!From the Hawk to GlenAllen to Cliff Floyd............all have said the same thing! some it really bothered, others it didnt. As an organization we must protect our investment. I love what Billy is saying and find it to have some truth. I want him to stay and I want us to show the world, that the Cubs can win and win with Bradley! Our focus should be on starting pitching and a lead-off man. Milton will be fine. He is the same guy we signed last yr. He is who we thought he was...sorry Denny Green
I appreciate Williams' efforts at advising Bradley last year, and wish those efforts had prevented Bradley's relationship with Chicago from getting totally out of hand. A happy Milton Bradley could have been great for the Cubs.
But now it's way too late for reconciliation. Milton clearly couldn't tolerate Cub fans' displeased reactions to his weak performance to start 2009. Can you imagine what he'd hear from the bleachers right off the bat if he returned in 2010? His head would explode.
Sweet Swinging Billy, you're to good to lend your reputation to nut job like Bradley.
Love ya Billy, but no. Bradley's playing you like a fiddle.
Too late Billy, Milton gave up on the Cubs and the fans so we're giving up on him.
No thanks Billy.