Last winter Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand signed mega-contracts totaling $150 million.  This winter Milton Bradley, who led the AL in OBP last season, and Pat Burrell, who has averaged over 30 HR and .500 SLG the past four seasons, combined could not muster $50 million.  We are seeing the economic crisis in action.  As these players went, so, likely, will Adam Dunn, Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu.  With those players so cheap, can Boras get Manny a significant upgrade over the two-years $40 million he scoffed at in Boston?

Milton Bradley (Chicago Cubs): After an impressive season in Texas, Bradley signed a three-year $30 million deal, which, in this financial environment, is a substantial, long-term commitment. Unlike Raul Ibanez with the Phillies, Bradley has the potential to live up to his contract.

Bradley can be a fantastic hitter.  He batted .321/.436/.563 in Texas last season with 22 HR in 126 games.  He’s shown patches of similar productivity, notably with San Diego in 2007 and with Cleveland in 2003.  Switch-hitting, he gives the club a left-handed bat to mix in with Soriano, Lee and Ramirez.  He also adds versatility to the Cubs’ outfield, allowing Fukudome to move to Center and Reed Johnson to spell both players.

Getting Milton Bradley could be successful, but Cub fans, as always, should be cautious.

Bradley has never been healthy.  In nine seasons he has played more than 100 games three times, only appearing in the field more than 100 times in 2004.  Unable to DH in Chicago, the Cubs should be ecstatic if they get 120 games from him.

Second, though this stereotype applies far too loosely to black men, Bradley has a temper.  He has thrown a bottle at a fan, has blown out his knee confronting an umpire and has hunted down a television announcer for a mean spirited remark.  He may be a wonderful guy 99% of the time.  However, if you would fear for your child’s safety in that one moment of madness, you would not trust him completely in your clubhouse.

Pat Burrell (Tampa Bay Rays): Pat Burrell has faced a career of scrutiny in Philadelphia.  Since Tampa has a dome and no fans, the only heat he will feel during his two-year $16 million deal will be from the obnoxious song at Tropicana Field.  The man deserves his escape.

Philadelphia fans (shocking for them) obsessed over what Pat Burrell isn’t.  Pat Burrell is a guy who posts a .370-.400 OBP, a .500 SLG and 30 HR every season.  Playing DH in the American League, he’s no longer a defensive liability.  He’s also not a bandbox product, hitting far better on the road last season.  Pat Burrell makes an already potent lineup better.

Burrell’s patience and production arrives to the Devil Rays at a manageable discount and with a short-term commitment.  If problems arise he’s easily movable in 2010.  It’s a fantastic signing.

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