Brewers give Cameron $7 million deal

Free-agent outfielder Mike Cameron and the Milwaukee Brewers reached a preliminary agreement on a $7 million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2009.

Cameron must pass a physical for the agreement to be completed, a person with knowledge of the deal said Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't final.

Milwaukee hoped to schedule the physical for the early part of next week.

Cameron, who turned 35 earlier this month, is suspended for the first 25 games of next season after testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant. At the time his suspension was issued, Cameron blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement.

In 151 games with the San Diego Padres last season, Cameron batted .242 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs.

When Cameron returns from his suspension, it could allow the Brewers to move last year's center fielder, Bill Hall, to third base and move 2007 NL rookie of the year Ryan Braun to left field, where his defensive liabilities wouldn't be as glaring.

Cameron gets a $1.25 million signing bonus and $5 million next season. Milwaukee has a $10 million option for 2009, with a $750,000 buyout.

In addition, Cameron can earn $750,000 annually in performance bonuses. He would get the full amount for 475 plate appearances next year and for 575 in 2009.

Cameron also receives a limited no-trade clause.

Milwaukee had a void in the outfield after longtime Brewer Geoff Jenkins became a free agent and agreed last month to a $13 million, two-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. In addition, Kevin Mench became a free agent when Milwaukee failed to offer a 2008 contract.

The New York Yankees also were interested in Cameron.

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AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.