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Perez Close to Returning; Bradley Signs

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Times Staff Writer

Left-handed pitcher Odalis Perez moved closer to re-joining the Dodgers, agreeing in principle Tuesday to a three-year contract worth $22 million to $24 million, according to a source.

Perez, a free agent, probably would not be signed until the trade of Shawn Green to the Arizona Diamondbacks is completed. Green, who has until Thursday to waive his no-trade clause, met with Arizona officials Tuesday but did not come close to an agreement on a contract extension, a source said.

If Green decides to remain a Dodger, the Diamondbacks would try to restructure their deal that would send Randy Johnson to the New York Yankees by asking for a player other than Dioner Navarro, who is set to go to the Dodgers for Green.

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By trading Green, the Dodgers would gain $8 million in payroll, part of which could go to Perez, who was 7-6 with a 3.25 earned-run average in 31 starts last season and 34-28 over three seasons. Perez must be re-signed by Saturday, the deadline for free agents who rejected arbitration.

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Outfielder Milton Bradley signed a one-year, $2.5-million contract, sidestepping a potentially contentious arbitration process.

Bradley, 26, is coming off his most productive season, but repeated anger problems have caused Dodger officials concern.

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In his first season with the Dodgers, Bradley batted .267 with 19 home runs and 67 runs batted in. He played center field the first half of the season and moved to right field after Steve Finley was acquired.

Bradley made $1.73 million last season, his fifth in the major leagues. His deal next season includes incentives that could push the value over $3 million.

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