The long-awaited announcement that enigmatic outfielder Milton Bradley has signed a three-year contract with the Cubs could come Thursday. 

The Cubs, closing in on their No. 

The Rays, filling their need for a power hitter, have agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with free-agent Pat Burrell. 

The Chicago Cubs and free agent Milton Bradley reached a preliminary agreement Monday on a $30 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. 

TampaBayRays 

Manny and Derek Lowe are available this close to spring training? That bothers Dayn Perry, who tells us where they should go. 

The Hall of Fame ballot 

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What do Manny and Chase Utley have in common? Find out as we look back on baseball's strangest performances of 2008. 

When general manager Jim Hendry called Ryan Dempster, Derrek Lee and Ted Lilly last month to pass on the news about Tribune Co. 

Don't bother complaining to Tom Cavanagh about how silly it is that his new series, "Trust Me," is set in Chicago but wasn't filmed in the Windy City. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

Two main factors played into the recent flurry of moves made by Cubs general manager Jim Hendry: money, and the wish of Hendry and manager Lou Piniella to have more left-handed bats in their lineup.