Burrell to Rays, Bradley to Cubs in a pair of Monday signings

A pair of free agent outfielders finalized deals on Monday, with Pat Burrell signing with the Rays and Milton Bradley with the Cubs.  Burrell signed a two-year, $16M deal while Bradley signed for three years and $30M.  Here’s my take on both signings.

The Rays went into this offseason looking for a big bat to use at OF and DH, and in my opinion they got a steal in Burrell.  He’s consistent, reaching 400 AB and 20 homers in all but one season (2000, his first).  He’s driven in 100 runs twice, and always displays a good on base percentage (save for an off-year in 2003).  The Phillies offered him a two-year $22M contract extension in October, which he turned down – he’ll now make significantly less than that.  Interesting fact: Pat Burrell will now become the first player since Tom Brunansky to win the World Series, only to play for the Series loser the following year. 

I’ve already outlined the Cubs probable acquisition of Milton Bradley, but here’s a bit more – even if he misses some time, which given his injury history is all but certain, the Cubs will still gain the increase in production they desire.  Combine that with the fact that Kosuke Fukudome is likely to improve as he continues to adjust to major league pitching, and I like this signing for Chicago even more.

As is often the case with free agency, it takes a signing or two to get the ball rolling.  I would look for other teams to begin filling their OF/DH holes with free agent bats, and there are some good veterans still available – namely Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Garret Anderson, Ken Griffey, Jr., and of course, Manny Ramirez.  I look for each to be snatched up quickly following these two moves.