Milton asks for, and gets, help...

TED S. WARREN / AP

After an "incident" during Tuesday's game (supposedly he dressed and left the field before the game was over) that no one is willing to confirm, Milton Bradley returned to the field the next day and asked to speak with Don and Jack.  He asked for help with some personal and emotional issues.  And the team is obliging.  Yesterday, after the press conference, no one was really sure of the ramifications ... except for the fact that they were only carrying 24 players.  Today, we heard that Milton has been placed on the "restricted list".  He can't be with the team for a minimum of 5 days (not workouts, no batting practice, not team meetings, no traveling with the team).  He also started his counseling today.  Michael Saunders has been called up to take his place on the roster ... timeline indefinite.

While we don't know the specifics (and maybe never will) of Milton's problems, I appreciate the team's willingness to help and support him. I hope that their compassion as people and their resources as an organization are able to make a difference in Milton's life. Of course the best outcome is for Milton to get better "for his own self" which, in turn, will help the team.

But, even as rosy as I am, in the back of my mind and bottom of my heart, I realize that there may come a time where the team has given all they have to give and it isn't enough. IF that happens, I hope MB will understand and continue to seek the help he needs and, that the organization will be better for having tried and the team will move forward - focusing on improving every aspect of their game, focusing on fun, focusing on winning.

Some other thoughts and reports...

Shannon's blog

He will have the help of his organization from Jack Z on down. Mike Sweeney who was with Bradley when he addressed the students at Lakeridge Elementary School earlier today as the Mariners conducted their annual Dream Team Assemblies expressed concern for Bradley after batting practice.

"The highlight was to hear Milton's heart. He opened up and showed all of the pain he has been going through. If you don't have compassion and love for Milton Bradley when you see who he truly is I don't think you have a heart."

I have been a little concerned that I have not seen the same togetherness in the clubhouse that I saw last year. Perhaps dealing with Milton's situation will help bring this clubhouse closer together.

"We're a family.", Sweeney said. "He's no different. He's probably had more emotional ups and downs than anyone else in the clubhouse but our job as a unit is to wrap our arms around him and support him and hope and pray this is going to be a turning point for his career. I've seen a similar circumstance with Zack Greinke in KC and hopefully Milton can get the same kind of help Zack has received in the past and similar results first and foremost as a man would be great. If it works out on the field even better."

Sweeney says that Don Wakamatsu is up for the task.

"He's taken on a brotherly role, a fatherly role. Counselor, sports psychologist, hitting coach, he does it all. Milton said to me I have never had a manager like Don. To hear the pain he is going though yet in the same breath to hear him praise his manager for the compassion and love he has shown is a neat thing."

Jerry Brewer | Seattle Times

It appears he's willing, finally. With Bradley, you never know. But let's go back to his speech to the kids because it revealed so much.

"I've played for eight teams, but this is finally the best stop I've had," he said of Seattle.

A few minutes later, he stopped himself from crying and said, "I kind of get a little emotional right now." It wasn't a ploy. This was genuine — and poignant. Every adult in the attendance — teachers, school administrators, media, Ichiro, Wakamatsu, Mike Sweeney, Ken Griffey Jr. and other Mariners employees — knew Bradley was lost in the moment.

"You've got the whole world waiting for you," he told the kids. "I see so much potential in all of you. Someone in here might change the world.

"Motivation, that's what it's all about. Find something internally or externally to keep yourself going."

Bradley should take his own advice.

He sounded like a man who wanted the kids to be better than him. They can be, but his life is far from over. He can set a higher bar.

Get help, Milton.

Real help.