Cubs and Rays Reportedly Discussing Bradley for Burrell Swap

According to mlbtraderumors.com, the Cubs and Rays are discussing a possible Milton Bradley for Pat Burrell trade.  This is a trade that might actually make sense for both teams.

While I have my doubts that Bradley can avoid being a distraction on any team trying to win a pennant, he hit extremely well in the AL in 2008, and Tampa is a small market where Bradley might potentially have fewer opportunities to put his foot in his mouth with the press.  The Rays were reportedly interested in Bradley before he signed with the Cubs last off-season.

For the Cubs, the deal would be a no-brainer.  They’d be rid of Bradley and would acquire Pat Burrell, a proven National League hitter and a proven winner (with the Phillies last year).  Burrell will be 33 next year, but he’s only a one-year contract risk.

Also, even at 33, I would think that Burrell is a good risk for a bounce-back year in 2010, particularly hitting in Wrigley. Burrell’s 2003 season was nearly as bad as his 2009, and he came back from that first lost season, so I wouldn’t put it past him to have one more strong season left.

The only problem with Burrell returning to the NL is that his outfield defense is terrible.  If Burrell can play some 1B, he could get some opportunities there, given that Derreck Lee will be 34 next year and may have trouble staying healthy.

The big stumbling block in a Bradley-for-Burrell trade will be how much money the Cubs send with Bradley.  Bradley has $21 million owed to him for the next two seasons, while Burrell is owed only $7 million for 2010.  If I were the Rays, I would want at least $10 million to come from the Cubs.  Unless you get him at a bargain price, there’s no reason to take on the headache that is Milton Bradley.

If I were the Cubs, I’d give up $3 million in 2010 and $7 million in 2011, just to be rid of Bradley.  To me, that’s a no-brainer.