Talks held on bringing Expos' Bradley to Orioles

Left fielder/leadoff hitter is sought in return

The Orioles and Montreal Expos have held preliminary discussions about a deal that would bring the Orioles center fielder Milton Bradley. The Expos, in turn, are seeking a left fielder/leadoff hitter, a definition that fits the Orioles' Delino DeShields.

The Expos dispatched a scout to the Orioles' three-game series in Detroit and are believed to be ready to move on a deal given their surprising standing within the National League East.

One potential hurdle to a deal would be DeShields' salary. On the final year of a three-year, $13 million contract, DeShields' $4.33 million salary would likely necessitate the Orioles' assuming part of it.

Bradley represents a true center fielder the Orioles hoped they had found in Melvin Mora. However, Mora has struggled offensively this season while given an opportunity to play every day.- Joe Strauss