Bradley making necessary adjustments

NEW YORK -- There might not be anything more to Jackie Bradley Jr.'s recent surge at the plate than the fact that he is gaining experience. Last year all of his weaknesses seemed to be exposed in his first stint in the Majors.

Entering Thursday's game against the Yankees, Bradley was hitting .400; he went 0-for-2 in a 4-1 loss, lowering his average to .364.

"More than anything, he's understood where the strike zone ends, particularly in to him on the plate, in off the plate," said manager John Farrell. "He's not expanded the strike zone in as much. Last year, early on in the season, he was pitched in more than he ever had in his pro career. More than anything, [it's] a normal transition to the big leagues and facing big league pitching nightly."

Grady Sizemore knows what it's like to be a highly touted young center fielder. What impresses him most about Bradley?

"Just an overall player," said Sizemore. "He's done really well. He's come up big for us early on, made good plays in the field and had good at-bats. He's done everything we've asked him of and more. He's been kind of a jump-starter for this offense and has made good plays on defense. He can play anywhere -- left, center, right -- and has a good arm. He can do it all."