Report: Milton Bradley Finally Headed to the Chicago Cubs

In what has seemed an inevitability for the past two weeks, sources have told ESPN Radio's Bruce Levine that Milton Bradley has signed a three-year, $30 millon contract to patrol right field in the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs.

The upsides are quite easy to see for the Cubs and Bradley. For the Cubs, they have gained a switch-hitter to break up an incredibly right-handed middle of the batting order. He'll likely slide into the No. 5-hole behind Aramis Ramirez and in front of reigning rookie of the year Geovany Soto. Bradley has always had star potential, but it has been derailed due to injuries and attitude problems for the most part.

Last season he played in just 126 games, but that was the second highest of his career. When he played, however, he was a monster. He led the American League in OPS and on-base percentage. He hit 22 home runs in 414 at-bats. If he's in good shape and finally starting to mature as he heads into his early 30s, things will out just fine.

Of course, the downsides are the injury history and the fear that his fiery attitude might clash with unruly fans, Lou Pinella, Carlos Zambrano, or others in the clubhouse. Personally, I think the everyday lineup could use a little fire. Most of the guys -- other than Big Z, of course -- on the team are laid back and calm types.

As for the fans, it all depends on the start of the season. Jacque Jones' career as a Cub was killed because of his slow start. Kosuke Fukudome, on the other hand, was given a four-month free pass due to a hot start, which included opening day dramatics.

As a Cubs fan, I'm definitely on board with the signing, as there was a giant void in the offense following the Mark DeRosa trade. Bradley will fill that void more than adequately while providing an emotional spark to the offense.

Now, if only Jim Hendry could swindle the Padres for a certain ace ...