Bradley impresses!

[AZ Native]

The latest on Bradley

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
There appears to be a difference of opinion between the Diamondbacks and the agent for starting pitcher prospect Archie Bradley.
Jay Franklin, Bradley's agent, believes his client is ready for the majors, but Arizona general manager Kevin Towers disagrees.

"I think it's very apparent what is going on in Arizona," Franklin told FOX Sports Monday night. "Every ballplayer that is playing minor-league baseball works his tail off to get an opportunity to play in the big leagues. Archie Bradley has proven to the Diamondbacks organization that he has deserved that opportunity by keeping his mouth shut and letting his numbers speak for his chance to pitch in the major leagues."

Towers said he has two reasons for not bringing Bradley to the majors. He doesn't want Bradley to face added pressure during the team's poor start, and he feels Bradley has some work left to do after struggling in his final two spring training appearances.

"I would not bring him up in this environment the way we're playing," Towers said. "I know how it would be perceived if he came up: 'Archie is going to save us.' I don't want to do that to a 21-year-old kid.

"In spring training, if he had continued to deal, we would have started (the season) with him. His fastball command was not there in spring training. He'll even admit that. If it gets to the point where we straighten this thing out and it's a more positive environment here and he's throwing the ball well, we'll do it regardless of the (arbitration) clock."

 

[82CardsGrad]

A debate like this is nothing new and not all that surprising... You can absolutely make a case for the position Towers (and perhaps ownership) has taken on Archie. After all, Bradley was not impressive at the end of Spring Training and yes, there could be some added pressure if he is brought up at a time when the team is playing as poorly as it is...

However, the converse to this is that Archie has looked solid for the most part, in his 2 starts at Reno. And, while it's still early in the season, we are off to such a horrendous start that it's hard to believe anyone would really look to Archie as a "savior"... I think we all know this season is over and so, should Bradley get a call up, I think most of us would simply be looking to see him show he's able to perform at a level equal to his talent...
And then of course, there is the financial implication... which, I am certain is truly at the root of this. The team just doesn't want to call him up and lose an additional year of control... JMHO....

 

[TJ]

I have no problem with Bradley not being called up. That extra year of control is far more important than burning one year of his contract to fix an irreparable season.

 

[AZ Native]

NOTE: I typed this a while ago but my internet crashed:

I agree that super 2 is at the heart of this and the agent is doing what agents do. It makes perfect sense to wait until at least that time to bring him up. I believe they will and he will get his feet wet in the majors while preparing himself for next year. I too don't see a situation where he is our "savior" this year.

I remember how impressed you and Chris were with him in early spring training. By the time I saw him he was not looking so good. It is pretty obvious why his agent wants him brought up now, and it is not in his client's best interest. IMO

 

[82CardsGrad]

NOTE: I typed this a while ago but my internet crashed:

I agree that super 2 is at the heart of this and the agent is doing what agents do. It makes perfect sense to wait until at least that time to bring him up. I believe they will and he will get his feet wet in the majors while preparing himself for next year. I too don't see a situation where he is our "savior" this year.

I remember how impressed you and Chris were with him in early spring training. By the time I saw him he was not looking so good. It is pretty obvious why his agent wants him brought up now, and it is not in his client's best interest. IMO

Yep...

 

[Bert]

Oh Bradley's agent can eat it. I rarely pass on an opportunity to give it to Towers but he's right in this instance. Besides the organization decides when a player comes up not the agent (or the player) if I were Archie I would tell my agent to shut up before he gives me a bad reputation. It's not like he's down there throwing no-hitters.

On the other hand, isn't it odd how so many of our players become disgruntled? Makes you wonder about the inner workings of this organization.