News that Milton Bradley has agreed to terms with the Chicago Cubs didn’t send shockwaves through the Texas Rangers’ offices on a chilly Monday.

Bradley, who became an All-Star for the first time last year with the Rangers, was seeking a multiyear contract in free agency. The Rangers, weary of Bradley’s injury history, were willing to guarantee only this season.

So, the outfielder bolted to the National League Central on Monday for a contract reportedly worth $30 million over three years. But the Rangers had prepared for life without Bradley, and Nelson Cruz will be a major player in filling the void.

"Cruz will get the opportunity to show he’s capable of helping the club win,"GM Jon Daniels said.

That’s quite a leap for a player who didn’t make the Opening Day roster in 2008 but became a big contributor over the final five weeks of a 79-83 season.

Cruz was the MVP of the Pacific Coast League, and the Rangers are hoping that the 28-year-old is a late bloomer who can provide 25 homers and be a constant presence in the lineup.

Bradley, who hit .321 with 22 homers and led the American League with a .436 on-base percentage in his only season with the Rangers, played in 126 games and had 414 at-bats despite having surgery to repair an ACL in September 2007.

He missed multiple games in June, August and September with quadriceps and wrist injuries.

Cruz didn’t miss a start in right field after being recalled from Triple A Oklahoma City on Aug. 25. He hit .330 in 31 games with seven homers and an impressive .421 OBP.

Add in a healthy Hank Blalock, who was the club’s top player in September (.337, 8 HR, 23 RBI), and the Rangers have the ingredients to replace Bradley’s production.

— Jeff Wilson

Twins owner dies

Carl Pohlad, a billionaire banker whose Minnesota Twins won two World Series titles during nearly his nearly quarter-century as owner, died Monday, a baseball official said. He was 93.

Burrell to join Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays added a big bat for the middle of their batting order, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract with Pat Burrell.

The 32-year-old spent the past nine seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He hit .250 with 33 homers, 33 doubles and 86 RBI last season.

Briefly

Cardinals:Left-hander Royce Ring agreed to a one-year contract with St. Louis for $475,000. The 28-year-old was 2-1 with an 8.46 ERA in 42 games for the Atlanta Braves last season.

Astros:Outfielder Reggie Abercrombie and reliever Clay Hensley were among five players who agreed to minor league contracts with Houston. Outfielder John Gall, and infielders Mark Saccomanno and Jason Smith also agreed to deals.

Oakland Athletics second baseman Eric Patterson, left, reacts after Kansas City Royals' Jason Smith made it safe to second on a single hit by Jose Guillen during the sixth inning of the second baseball game of a doubleheader on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo. " align="left" border="0">

Kansas City manager Trey Hillman didn't want to bring back Ramon Ramirez. He certainly didn't want closer Joakim Soria pitching again, either. The game rapidly slipping away, Hillman had no choice but to bring in Ramirez and get Soria ready, too. Jose Guillen drove in three runs and Ramirez earned his first career save with Soria standing by, helping the Royals hold off the Oakland Athletics 9-6 on...