BALLERS BAIL ON BRADLEY

OAKEYLAND NEWS- On early Wednesday morning, the Ballers and the Finches came to terms on a Deal sending OF Milton Bradley to the Finches for young prospect OF Ryan Sweeney. "It came as a complete shock to me," said Bradley, "I thought I was at home here in Oakeyland and really started to connect with some of the guys. I really thought I had a shot at competing for a starting job here this Spring Training. Hopefully the Finches will give me that shot, too."



When asked why Oakeyland had traded away a guy who did indeed have a shot at starting this year, Daniel Petropulos said, "We just believed his time was over here. We have a good idea of what our starting outfield is going to be this season. And with the trade talks with Arizona still going on involving the movement of Ethier, we knew we needed to bring back another outfield prospect, as insurance, who can still be ready to start in a year or two."

Still, fans seem a bit angry, as Bradley was a fan favorite, while others are welcoming Sweeney with open arms. When asked about the trade, Sweeney replied, "I'm content. I'm not even there yet, so I'm not quite sure yet. But I know the club has some good chemistry, and I know I probably won't be starting this year, but I can't wait to work with some of my favorite players. I just want to learn all I can and eventually earn a starting job."



And he might, eventually. With an outfield of Jones, Drew, and Swisher, it seems unlikely. But we all know Drew hasn't exactly been the healthiest of players, and if Jones keeps the slump from last year, there may be some opening spots halfway through the season, even with the rumored talks of Carlos Quentin coming from Arizona. And you can't forget about Eric Byrnes, if he keeps up strong like last year and wins a starting job, his speed, contact, and leadership qualities are always helpful, especially with youngsters. It may be in Oakeyland's best interest to have Sweeney sit this year and learn and develop. But as we all know, with injuries, slumps, and age, you never know.