Vested Interest

Hooray! Milton Bradley is now vested according to MLB Trade Rumors:

Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley made a pinch-hit plate appearance in the 11th inning against the Phillies tonight, marking his 75th game played in 2009. The significance? The games played milestone caused his 2011 option, worth $12MM, to vest.

Bradley's Cubs career has been a disappointment so far. His .372 OBP is fine, but he's slugging only .369 and showing nothing as a left-handed hitter. He's also been a negative on defense, based on UZR/150 (though we're only working with 527 innings).

Don't worry though, the Cubs are aware they need another left-handed bat. Problem is, he's going to have to play either SS, 2B or catcher because everyone else is pretty much locked in.