Cubs agree with OF Bradley on three-year deal

Jan 8, 2009 - 11:09 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Cubs have found a left-handed bat to augment their lineup.

The Cubs on Thursday agreed to terms with outfielder Milton Bradley on a three-year contract.

Terms were not disclosed, but multiple media outlets have the deal worth $30 million.

Although Bradley has had a history of anger issues, he enjoyed a solid season with the Texas Rangers last season, leading the American League with a .436 on-base percentage. He batted .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI.

"I want to be a Chicago Cub if you want me," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Bradley told him after their first meeting back in November.

The addition of Bradley provides diversity to Chicago's predominantly right-handed lineup, which features Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and reigning National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto.

The Cubs, who recently traded versatile utility man Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians, hope Bradley can duplicate his 2007-08 season when he hit .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI in 126 games with Texas.

The often temperamental slugger is sure he is the right man for the job.

"I'm a guy who can make a difference," said Bradley, who will wear No. 21 with the Cubs - Sammy Sosa's old number.

"It's just a number," a smiling Bradley responded when asked about the choice of number.

The 30-year Bradley is a career .280 hitter with 103 homers and 399 RBI in parts of nine major league seasons.