The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with outfielder Milton Bradley on a three year deal said to be worth $30-million.
Bradley led the American League in on-base percentage last season with the Texas Rangers. His presence in the Chicago lineup is expected to balance the overload of right-hand hitters. Bradley hit .321 with 22 homers for Texas.
The two biggest issues with the 30-year old switch hitter are his temper and the injury bug. His 126 games played in 2008, is his second highest total in his eight-year career. He's only ever cracked the 100 games played level in three seasons. When he's on, he can really hit - which makes him the ultimate risk/reward free agent.
Last week, the Cubs dealt Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians for a package of minor league pitchers and were close to finalizing a deal with Colorado which would see pitcher Jason Marquis go west in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino. The Cubs are expected to see a payroll savings of about $5-million as a result of those deals.