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Bradford Finally Arrives After Whirlwind Week

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 10, 2008

SEATTLE - When Chad Bradford walked into the visitors' clubhouse at Safeco Field around 5 p.m. Saturday, he really was just happy to be there. Consider the newest Ray's last four days:

Wednesday, he was on a cross-country flight from Anaheim to Baltimore with the Orioles after wrapping up a series against the Angels.

Thursday, he flew from Baltimore to Jackson, Miss., to squeeze in some time with his family on an off day. Before he reached his home from the airport, he got a call from Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail telling him he had been traded to Tampa Bay.

Friday, he flew from Jackson back to Baltimore to collect his belongings.

Saturday, he went cross country again, flying all day to join the Rays in the same clubhouse he had dressed in last weekend as the Orioles visited the Mariners.

"It's been a few days in the air now," Bradford said. "I'm just excited about being here."

The 33-year-old arrived just in time to squeeze in a quick meeting with Manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey before the Rays took the field for batting practice. They discussed how the reliever might be used, though Maddon later said it probably will be something he'll have to get a feel for over time.

"I told him we've had a very good year out of the bullpen and we're really happy to have him - we've just got to figure out the right way to utilize him," Maddon said. "It's a nice weapon to have."

Bradford figures to see most of his action against right-handed hitters, though Maddon said he won't be afraid to use the veteran against a lefty. The submariner's primary value will be in getting groundballs, which he has done more frequently than any other major-league pitcher this season. And home runs shouldn't be a problem; Bradford has surrendered only five of them in 1901/3 innings since 2005.

Bradford said he was caught off-guard by the trade, but he wasn't complaining. After reaching the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons, he went from last place in the AL East to first by moving from Baltimore to Tampa Bay.

"Being on a first-place team's unbelievable," he said. "All of a sudden, one day you're not and one day you are. It kind of lights a fire under you and gets you ready to get out there and get after it."

EYES ON TUESDAY: The banged-up left side of the Rays' infield is hoping to reunite Tuesday in Oakland. SS Jason Bartlett (bruised right index finger) and 3B Evan Longoria (bruised right wrist) took it easy Saturday, with Bartlett getting a start at DH but not attempting to throw and Longoria taking the day off altogether.

While Bartlett still can't throw without pain, swinging a bat is the problem for Longoria. Both are hoping that by taking advantage of Monday's off day they'll be at full strength for the start of the A's series.

"I think that's the realistic goal right now," Bartlett said.

Longoria held out the possibility of returning for today's series finale, "but if it's still there lingering a little bit, I'm not going to push it."

PRICE PROMOTED: David Price is taking his unbeaten professional record to Triple-A.

Last year's top draft pick was informed following Montgomery's game Saturday night that he's headed up to Durham and will make his first Triple-A start Wednesday against Norfolk.

Price is 11-0 with a 1.87 ERA in 15 starts between Montgomery and Vero Beach.

NOTEWORTHY: C Shawn Riggans, who hasn't started since Aug. 2, is expected to be in the lineup today. ... The Palma Ceia team that will participate in the Junior League Softball World Series beginning today in Kirkland, Wash., attended Saturday's game.

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