NEW YORK -- Reliever Chad Bradford agreed to a one-year,
$1.4 million contract with the New York Mets on Wednesday following
a season marked by back surgery and his trade from Oakland to
Boston.
The 31-year-old right-hander did not allow a run in 23 of his 31
appearances. He appeared in 21 games for Boston following his
midseason trade. Bradford became a free agent when Boston failed to
offer a contract by the Dec. 20 deadline.
"Chad is a veteran guy who has had success in the postseason,"
Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "He brings valuable
experience to our bullpen."
Bradford, 6-foot-5, was 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 21 games with the
Red Sox. He had lower back surgery in March and began last season
on Oakland's disabled list. He was dealt to Boston for outfielder
Jay Payton on July 13.
Bradford also pitched with the Chicago White Sox for parts of
1998, 1999 and 2000. In all, he has a 23-16 record and seven saves
with a 3.49 ERA. He appeared in at least 68 games each season from
2002-04.
In eight postseason appearances with the White Sox (2000) and
the Athletics (2001-03), he has not allowed a run in 8 1/3 innings.
"New York is a great situation for me," Bradford said. "I
worked with [Mets pitching coach] Rick Peterson in Oakland and I
know what he can do. With all the offseason additions, I'm sure the
Mets will be contending for a playoff spot, and I want to do all I
can to help."