MVN: Most Valuable Network

The Chicago Cubs signed OF/DH Milton Bradley to a three-year, $30 million deal this week.  The switch-hitting Bradley is expected to play RF for the Cubs, with Kosuke Fukudome shifting to CF.

Bradley spent 2008 with the Texas Rangers, and led the American League in on-base percentage at .436.  He also set career highs with 22 HR and 77 RBI as well as total bases with 233.  Bradley also tied his career high with a .321 batting average.  He should fit well into was is a pretty good Cubs lineup.

The issues with Bradley start with his personality.  The Cubs will be his fourth team in as many seasons, so it seems he tends to wear out his welcome.  He has had on-field issues with fans and umpires during his career.

The second, and bigger in my opinion, issue with Bradley is health.  He never spent any time on the DL last season, but did battle some nagging injuries after spending 239 days on the disabled list from 2005-2007.  Also, over the past two seasons he has played just 58 (2007) and 20 (2008) games in the outfield and he has only played more than 100 games in the outfield once in his career.  In the National League, he will not have the DH spot to give him playing time and preserve his health.

Bradley would seem likely to bat fifth in the Cubs' lineup behind LF Alfonso Soriano, CF Fukudome, 1B Derek Lee and 3B Aramis Ramirez.  That situation, provided everyone stays healthy, should provide him with plenty of opportunities to produce.  If he can stay healthy and get 400 or more at-bats, Bradley should be able to hit around 20 HRs, drive in 80 and hit around .290.  But do be cautious on draft day due to the uncertainty about whether playing in the field every day will limit his effectiveness at the plate.