Despite a history of injuries that has kept the switch-hitting All-Star out of at least 61 games in all but two of his big-league seasons, the Cubs and Bradley say they're confident a 2007 injury to his right knee is completely healed and he's ready to be an every-day outfielder.

But it's his history of temper flare-ups -- involving fans, media and even the police in Cleveland during a traffic stop -- that has received the most attention, including a lot of it during the news conference Thursday.

Despite the fact he's joining his seventh team in 10 seasons after signing a three-year, $30 million deal, both sides seemed confident he won't have similar problems in Chicago -- even as he's about to face the most scrutinizing Baseball market of his career with a fan base known for its own anger issues.

Asked about the challenges of playing at Wrigley Field, Bradley responded about the overall challenges his new gig might present.

''It's definitely a challenge, but at this point in my career and life, I'm ready to accept that. I've matured,'' said Bradley, who voluntarily went through anger-management therapy after the 2004 season. ''Will I make mistakes? It's a possibility. I don't expect to make as big of mistakes as I've made in the past. But this is a new chapter. I can turn the page. I can close a lot of that book that's been written and start a new one.''

Performing in the middle of the Cubs' lineup the way he did for the Texas Rangers last season might take care of most of that process. Coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament -- probably earlier than ideal -- Bradley spent most of the season as a designated hitter and led the American League with a .436 on-base percentage and .999 OPS. He hit .321 with career highs of 22 home runs and 77 RBI in 126 games.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said reports from trainer Mark O'Neal, who put Bradley through two days of rigorous tests, and a review of medical records lead him to believe the knee is ''100 percent now.''

If not, the Cubs are protected in the final year of the deal. The contract pays $5 million in base salary in 2009 and $9 million in 2010 -- with a $4 million signing bonus split over the two seasons -- with $12 million due in 2011. But a multilayered set of clauses turns the final year into a team option (with a $2 million buyout) if Bradley's health becomes a serious problem this season.

As for the other stuff, Hendry -- who tried to trade for Bradley before the 2006 season -- said he believes in the man as much as the player.

''The perception of him not being a positive in the clubhouse couldn't have been farther from the truth,'' Hendry said, referring to a lengthy list of conversations he had with people who have worked with Bradley. ''He's a real solid guy, and he understands his past is his past.''

Said Bradley: ''I don't feel like everybody's against me anymore. I really felt in the past like I had to watch my back about everyone and everything. But I learned that you've got to trust somebody at some point.''