FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's likely that no player in the Red Sox organization who was closer to Mookie Betts than Jackie Bradley Jr.
The two were drafted in the same year, were minor league roommates for a time and played together at nearly every level of the minor leagues before patrolling the Red Sox outfield side-by-side.
Bradley was the one Red Sox player who never referred to Betts by his given nickname; it was always "Markus,'' when Bradley spoke of him.
"We're pretty close,'' admitted Bradley. "We're like brothers.''
Throughout their time together with the Sox, Bradley found himself the subject of trade rumors on a nearly annual basis. When the Sox searched for a replacement for David Ortiz, Bradley was mentioned in a deal for the White Sox' Jose Abreu. When they needed starting pitching, Bradley was again mentioned. And when the Sox publicly announced their intention to trim payroll last fall, Bradley's name surfaced again as someone who could either be non-tendered or dealt in a cost-cutting move.
And now, ironically, Bradley remains with the Sox while his close friend is now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bradley smiled for several seconds while considering that paradox before finally saying: "I don't know how to answer that. It is what it is.''
Bradley has been in touch with Betts recently as the trade drama unfolded before finally becoming official Tuesday night.
"I personally don't know what he's feeling inside,'' Bradley. "I mean, I've talked to him and things like that. But I think he's just ready for his journey. It will be a great one for him.''
Inside the clubhouse, the Sox are trying to process what's taken place, but also readying for the upcoming season.
"It's time to move forward,'' said Bradley Jr. "It's one of those things where it's part of the business and you kind of go with the flow. (Betts and David Price were) great teammates, great players. They formed a lot of great bonds with us and they will be missed in that regard. They're awesome.
We have no other choice (than to move forward). We're confident in what we have here and we'll continue to work.''
_____________________
___________________