Bradley's signing showcases Cubs' problems

“You understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here.”

These were cancerous words spoken by Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley during an interview with the Daily Herald of Illinois two weeks ago.

Bradley was burning off steam from his removal from the lineup during a recent game because of a sore knee. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry suspended Bradley for the rest of the season the day after the interview.

All I can say is: It’s about time.

With the Cubs going ice cold in October after having the second-best record in baseball a year ago, they were in need of a hitter, and possibly in more need of a leader.

Last year was the second time in a row the Cubs were swept in the divisional round of the playoffs after winning the National League Central.

Figuring Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano would again carry the Cubs pitching and outfielder Alfonso Soriano would come through in the lead-off spot, Bradley was signed to a three-year, $30 million contract. The hope – and I emphasize hope – was an increase in the RBI column.

Hendry and manager Lou Piniella, who has never been a saint himself, must have forgotten about the leadership vacancy.

Zambrano, who has been known for his inconsistent play and frequent temper flares over the years, has never been all about the team. Half-hearted efforts after slow starts and the demolition of Gatorade machines were all too common for the Big Z.

The Cubs have had more than enough talent to contend with the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox and the interdivisional rival Cardinals in the post-Sosa years. What they haven’t had is the combination of a vocal player insisting to play through the bumps and bruises.

After more than 100 years of going without a ring, you would figure that Hendry and the rest of the Cubs’ front office would realize the magnitude of the risk, and ultimately how bad of a move this would turn out to be, before Bradley signed on the dotted line.

When I hear the words “Milton Bradley,”  I don’t think of the board game. I think of the head case that tore his ACL while arguing with an umpire.

I think of an arrogant outfielder who threw the ball into the stands, thinking he made the third out when it was actually the second.

Last week in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Bradley’s mother said that there have been things taking his mind off of baseball since his arrival in Chicago, like his young son facing racism at school.

While that’s unacceptable and inhumane no matter the situation, Bradley has no room to go off on the organization that gave him a chance, and a heavy paycheck – after seven other teams had enough.

As good of a hitter as Bradley might be, the question is whether or not the organization and, possibly more important, the yearning Cubs nation will have him back.

He’s the new Dennis Rodman of Chicago, minus the wedding dress and few world championship rings. The only difference is the players that surrounded Rodman had the class of which the Cubs are in dire need, and one was a guy named Michael Jordan.

Should Hendry do what seems inevitable and bid Bradley farewell on the north side of Chicago, the hunt will again begin for the missing piece to the 102-year puzzle.