Cubs Agree To Deal With Milton Bradley

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 6, 2009 4:00PM

The Cubs on Monday announced that they had reached an agreement with outfielder Milton Bradley on a three year, $30 million deal. Did the Cubs make a bold move toward addressing the need for an upgrade in right field and a left-handed bat (Bradley's a switch hitter)? Or will the team be "Sorry"? We haven't a "Clue."

Bradley had a career year with the Texas Rangers in 2008, batting .321 with 22 homers and 77 RBIs. His .436 on-base percentage led the American League. But $30 million is a lot to "Risk" on a guy with a lot of baggage, too. The Cubs will be his seventh team in ten seasons. Trouble has followed him around the league. Clearly he wears out his welcome, and when he does at Wrigley will the Cubs be able to move him?

Even if Bradley can stay out of "Trouble" here in Chicago, can he really produce at the level the Cubs likely expect for 10 mil a year? He's only played 100 or more games in the outfield once in his career [Ed.'s Note: Not to mention he's only reached 400 ABs twice in nine seasons - M.G.]-- he spent most of last year at DH. That kind of cash is a boatload for a guy who hasn't proven he is any more durable than he is volatile. But with the team's imminent sale and a new owner to pick up the tab, we guess the Cubs are spending "Monopoly" money anyway.

AP Photo