Yankees, Hawkins reach deal

Moving to shore up their weak middle relief, the New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement on a $3.75-million, one-year contract with right-hander LaTroy Hawkins.

Hawkins’ deal is subject to his passing a physical, a baseball official familiar with the negotiations said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been finalized.

The right-hander, who will be 35 on Dec. 21, was 2-5 with a 3.42 earned-run average last season for the Colorado Rockies. He made $3.25 million and Colorado declined a $3.75-million option, choosing to pay a $250,000 buyout.

New York’s middle relievers struggled last season, with Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino pitching inconsistently for long stretches and the Yankees converting Joba Chamberlain, a starter in the minors, into a reliever for the final two months of the season.

Chamberlain became Mariano Rivera’s primary setup man, but New York plans on including Chamberlain in its starting rotation next year.

Outfielder Milton Bradley and the Texas Rangers reached a preliminary agreement Sunday on a $5-million, one-year contract.

Bradley, who also had considered re-signing with the San Diego Padres, could play outfield or be a designated hitter with the Rangers. His deal also contains performance bonuses.

Bradley tore the anterior cruciate ligament and damaged cartilage in his right knee when Padres Manager Bud Black spun him to the ground while trying to keep him from going after umpire Mike Winters during a confrontation Sept. 23.

San Diego and Bradley, who has a history of losing his temper, claimed Winters baited the player into the confrontation and directed an obscenity at him. Winters was suspended for the final five days of the regular season.

Bradley finished the year hitting .306 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 61 games with Oakland and San Diego.