too bad for chad

Chad Bradford, the submarining right-hander, will be out for 3-4 months following elbow surgery, the Tampa Bay Rays announced today. What a tough break for the former Byram High, Hinds Community College and Southern Miss standout. He posted a 1.42 ERA in 21 appearances as a set-up reliever for the Rays last season as they won the American League East title and went on to the World Series. Tampa Bay has a well-stocked bullpen but will miss Bradford, who is so adept at getting ground balls. With any luck, Bradford will be back on the mound by mid-June, at least, leaving him plenty of time to contribute to what should be another big season in Tampa Bay.