Hypothetically speaking, let's say that the Cubs have decided that they cannot take another year of Milton Bradley and Alfonso Soriano. They're desperate to get out from under both of these contracts and rid themselves of the headcase that is Milton Bradley. And for hypothetical purposes, let's assume that Soriano wants to get out of Chicago and is willing to waive his full no trade clause.And luckily for the Cubs, it looks like the Cubs might have found a taker for Soriano and Bradley. The Toronto Blue Jays are desperate to get rid of Vernon Wells and the more than $95 million owed to him through 2014. And for hypothetical purposes, let's assume that Wells is itching to get out of Toronto and revive his sturggling career elsewhere.
So the deal is on the table: Vernon Wells for Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley?
Would you do it? Let's lay out the pros and cons for each side:
Why the Cubs would do it
-Get out from the $90 million owed to Soriano through 2014
-Get out from the $21 million owed to Bradley through 2011
-NO MORE MILTON BRADLEY!
-Free up lots of salary space for 2010 (Wells only makes $12.5 million in 2010)
Why the Blue Jays would do it
-Free themselves from the $86 million owed to Wells from 2011-2014
-acquire two players, who have much more potential than Vernon Wells at this point
-acquire two players, who have much more potential than Vernon Wells at this point
-Bradley and Soriano would both benefit from playing in the American League (DH!)
-save money in the long run: Bradley's contract runs out after 2011 and Soriano is owed $18 million in each of the next 5 seasons.
-save money in the long run: Bradley's contract runs out after 2011 and Soriano is owed $18 million in each of the next 5 seasons.
Why the Cubs wouldn't do it
-Who in their right mind would actually want to acquire Vernon Wells' horrible contract?
-Even though this deal might make the Cubs more active in free agency in the short term, how badly would this deal prevent them from signing free agents in the future?
-Soriano is coming off one bad year and should be productive in the future (hopefully)
-Even though Bradley is a moron, he's still more productive and affordable than Wells
Why the Blue Jays wouldn't do it
-Was Soriano's 2009 season simply a fluke? Or is he on the decline?
-Milton Bradley is crazy.
-They'd take on too much salary up front. This trade would add about $15 million to their payroll in 2010 and $7 million to their payroll in 2011.
So I'll ask again: would you make this deal? Does this make sense...?
Thoughts?
