Rays' Joe Maddon is high on Milton Bradley
LAS VEGAS -- Milton Bradley, the mercurial outfielder who played with the Dodgers in 2004 and 2005, could be headed to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Rays, in search of a corner outfielder or designated hitter, have met with Bradley and Jason Giambi here at the winter meetings.
Bradley led the American League in OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) last season with the Texas Rangers. Next year he could be playing for his fifth team in five seasons. He has played more than 126 games just once in that span, but Rays Manager Joe Maddon said he dined with Bradley here and came away impressed.
"The one thing that came across more than anything: He wants to win," Maddon said.
In 11 postseason games, Bradley is batting .310, with four home runs and eight runs batted in.
-- Bill Shaikin
Photo: The Rangers' Milton Bradley, left, is congratulated by Texas Rangers third base coach Matt Walbeck following an Aug. 20 home run against the Detroit Tigers. Credit: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
