With the trade of Jason Marquis and the signing of Milton Bradley to be announced as soon as Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, the Cubs' off-season agenda appears to be fulfilled, right?
Not necessarily. If the Cubs' hierarchy has one thing on its mind with the franchise on the market, it's winning one World Series in its second century of trying. So don't count out general manager Jim Hendry going after more pitching, perhaps that much-discussed deal for 2007 Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy of San Diego. With the deal for free-agent Bradley in place for $30 million over three years, pending a physical examination this week, plus the trade of second baseman Mark DeRosa and the signing of free agent Aaron Miles, the Cubs appear to have satisfied the lineup needs of manager Lou Piniella. That would be:
*Becoming more left-handed, as Bradley and Miles are switch-hitters.
*Developing more versatility, as Kosuke Fukudome can platoon in center and play right, and Miles can fill in at shortstop.
*Acquiring more speed, with Miles and outfielder Joey Gathright.
But pitching remains a key spot where the Cubs can still improve. And sources say they are actively seeking more live arms, whether it be Peavy or another starter to replace the innings of Marquis.
Marquis' departure could become official Tuesday, with former White Sox reliever Luis Vizcaino coming in return from Colorado. That would seem to settle the bullpen, although a left-hander would be desirable if Sean Marshall moves into the rotation. But Piniella prefers Marshall in his role of last season, as a swingman starter and reliever.
The trade of Marquis frees up money to sign veteran outfielder Bradley, who has had his share of trouble over the years with fans and umpires, going through five teams in the last five seasons.
But he batted .321 with 22 homers for Texas last season while leading the American League with a .436 on-base percentage. Bradley, 30, could be a middle-of-the-order force for the Cubs, but he played only 20 games in the outfield last season and has played more than 100 games in the field just once in his career. That means Fukudome could find plenty of time back at his old position.
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No stranger to controversy
The Cubs will be the seventh team for Milton Bradley, who has a history of behavioral issues during nine seasons in the majors.
2004
Dugout confrontation with Indians manager Eric Wedge in spring training before getting traded to the Dodgers.
\ 2004
Slammed a plastic bottle at the feet of a fan in the right-field seats at Dodger Stadium after someone threw it onto the field. Bradley drew a five-game suspension. Also received four-game suspension for tossing a bag of balls onto the field after an ejection.
2005
Feuded with infielder Jeff Kent, accusing him of being a racist, and prompted Dodgers to trade him that winter.
\ 2007
Bitter public disagreement with A's general manager Billy Beane. After trade to Padres and in thick of pennant race, tore ACL in his right knee when he was spun to the ground by Padres manager Bud Black, who was trying to keep him from umpire Mike Winters. Bradley claimed he had been baited by Winters, who was suspended for the final five days of the regular season.
\ 2008
According to Dallas Morning News, Bradley attempted to confront Royals television announcer Ryan Lefebvre in the press box after a game due to what he believed were unfair comments made on the air. Texas manager Ron Washington and GM Jon Daniels chased after him and stopped Bradley before he got to Lefebvre.
dvandyck@tribune.com
Got an opinion? Hey, Missy!
Do you think Milton Bradley is worth the money -- or the potential off-the-field problems? Tell Melissa Isaacson what you think at heymissy@tribune.com
