Mariner OF Milton Bradley is taking an indefinite leave of absence in attempts to resolve and address personal matters. Bradley has asked Seattle Mariners management for help in dealing with what manager Don Wakamatsu says is “emotional stress” from personal issues, ESPN.com reports.
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The mutual decision comes one day after an altercation Bradley instigated after striking out twice in crucial situations during Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay. Several teammates reported that his head and mind set prior to Tuesday’s match-up was “not good.” Milton affirmed this by complaining and yelling at the home-plate umpire several times throughout the game, despite instruction from his manager to “cool off.”
Reports indicate that Wakamatsu pulled Bradley after the sixth inning, to which he then packed his bags in the clubhouse and left the stadium. ESPN cites direct text messages from Bradley, however, stating: “Any reports that I said I'm packing up and leaving are 100 percent fabricated.”
What we do know is that Bradley requested a personal meeting with Wakamatsu and GM Jack Zduriencik Wednesday morning. At said meeting, the former All-Star came forward and admitted he needs help and is dealing with personally inflicted pressure to perform.
The Mariners lost their fourth consecutive game Tuesday evening after Bradley’s absence. Most notably, the M’s biggest demon is production at the plate (although their defense made its worst appearance last night with 4 errors, three of which from SS Jack Wilson).
No question, Bradley has not exceeded nor lived up to expectations, but for anyone to place the blame completely on Milton Bradley is certainly out of line. The M’s are second to last in the majors in batting average, only able to produce .235 as a team, and have only one player hitting over .300 (Franklin Gutierrez - .337).
There is no indication on Bradley’s return to the lineup, but ultimately we can all hope that he is able to gain stability and confidence moving forward, regardless of whether or not he is able to perform well upon his return.
Reach Jacob Kehle at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
