Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed volatile outfielder Milton Bradley to a three-year contract. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the deal is believed to be worth $30 million and should be finalized this week.
Apparently the Cubs are trying to move right-hander Jason Marquis to Colorado for right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino to free up money for Bradley. That deal could be announced as early as Tuesday.
Bradley batted .321 with 22 homers and 77 RBI in 126 games for the Texas Rangers last season, while making the All-Star team for the first time in his nine-year career. However, he played only 165 innings in the field, serving primarily as the Rangers designated hitter.
Since he is a Type B free agent, the Rangers will be rewarded with a supplemental first-round pick in the June 2009 draft.
The 30-year-old Bradley broke into the majors in 2000 with the Montreal Expos. He is a career .280 hitter with 103 home runs and 399 RBI in 817 games for the Expos, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and Rangers.
Of course, though, Bradley comes with some baggage. He had an altercation with Cleveland skipper Eric Wedge which led to his trade from the team to the Dodgers in 2004. In 2005, he accused Dodgers' teammate Jeff Kent of being racist. Bradley then tore his ACL in 2007, while being restrained by Padres manager Bud Black during an altercation with first base umpire Mike Winters.
Just last season Bradley attempted to confront Kansas City Royals television announcer Ryan Lefebvre in the press box following a game due to what he believed were unfair comments made on the air.
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Injuries have also been a concern for Bradley, who has topped 400 at-bats just twice in his career.
