[mikev]

Bradford Traded Days After World Series?

Rumors leaked out of the clubhouse post World Series celebration are reporting that the World Champion Crusaders have traded infielder Jeff Bradford to the Moscow Enforcers.

When contacted for a comment, Crusaders GM Mike Voelker confirmed the report.

"Man, you guys work fast these days," said Voelker. "Used to be that it would be a week or so of downtime, but now with all this instant access through the web, you guys know about deals before I do half the time."

Bradford is headed to Moscow in exchange for infielder Alfredo Meran and minor leaguer Jayden Pendle. Meran hit .289 for the Enforcers in 2020, and the 38 year old hasn't really shown any signs of slowing down. Signed through the 2021 season, it's unclear whether the team views him as simply a stopgap for the year while they pursue another option for the long term.

Various media outlets have suggested that the move is simply a dump, and that Bradford's extension demands were more than the team was willing to (or possibly able to) offer the infielder, who was one of the team's best hitters (.322/.390/.451) after being picked up from Paris last year. They say the trade is nothing more than getting "something" for a guy who would walk after the season anyway, and at best be more than a compensation draft pick.

"I like the guys we picked up." Voelker commented. "Meran's a proven talent, as is Jeff. Sure, there were salary issues we looked at, and Jeff was great about it. I tried to find somewhere that fit for him as well, and I think the Pendle kid has a good shot at being a solid big league arm."

Pendle, 20, features a fastball that can touch 94, a very good curveball, and a change up that needs some work. In Double A Leningrad, he appeared in 58 games, with a 7-2 record and 20 saves in 69 innings, and 2.35 ERA/1.26 WHIP. He walked too many guys, but his control is a ways away still as he's only 20. If he gets that situated, he could find himself pitching in the big leagues as soon as next season.

For Bradford, a short but very sweet era as a California Crusader is now at an end. Will the same be said for Meran?