Jackie Bradley Jr. sounds unfazed by Grady Sizemore’s resurgence with the Boston Red Sox.
While Sizemore’s solid spring training could result in the 31-year-old landing the Red Sox’s starting center field job to begin the 2014 season, Bradley isn’t too concerned about Boston’s looming decision. Bradley, who turns 24 next month, instead said he is focused on becoming a better player so he’ll be ready for the long haul when called upon.
“I’m not sure what they’re going to do,” Bradley told ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes before Wednesday’s spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “Whatever they do, I’m confident, knowing I have peace in whatever happens.
“It’s my personality. You can’t really control those decisions. I’m just going to stay at peace, keep playing, keep getting better. I’m a long ways away from getting to where I want to be. Just keep working.”
Manager John Farrell recently said the Red Sox projected Bradley as their starting center fielder at the beginning of spring training and that nothing has radically changed that thought. Sizemore’s impressive — and somewhat shocking — progress ultimately is going to test the Red Sox’s hand, though, and it’s increasingly likely the veteran will be Boston’s Opening Day center fielder if things continue on the current path.
So how is Bradley so calm, cool and collected throughout the ongoing competition?
“I would say it’s more a peace of perspective,” Bradley told Edes. “Just a perspective on life that I carry (beyond) baseball. Just being thankful for a lot of opportunities that I’ve been able to achieve, overcoming obstacles. I feel like it’s all a blessing. I feel like whenever the time, it’ll be there.
“When everything starts clicking,” Bradley added, “I know it’s going to be a fun ride.”
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