DALLAS - Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker met with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley on Tuesday, a prelude to a possible trade.

“We have a support staff here I think that can make a difference,” Baker said at baseball’s winter meetings.

Bradley had a season-ending knee injury Aug. 23, a month after hurting his finger. He missed 87 games and had off-the-field problems, including a public feud with teammate Jeff Kent.

Baker said he went through general manager Jim Hendry and received permission from Los Angeles to meet with Bradley.

“It was a very good meeting,” Baker said. “We covered some good areas, we covered some problematic areas, and we realize the possible risk and I explained that to him as well.”

Baker also spoke with Dodgers coach Manny Mota about Bradley.

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“He said, ‘Hey, man, there’s a good chance he can relate to you and perform. There’s a bunch of talent that’s left there, he’s only 27, 28 years old,”’ Baker said.

Bradley was traded from Cleveland to Los Angeles in 2004 after a dispute with Indians manager Eric Wedge. The outfielder was suspended twice that season for a total of nine games following on-field tantrums.

Bradley hit .290 last season with 13 homers and 38 RBIs. He accused Kent of a lack of leadership and an inability to deal with black players, a charge Kent denied and said he took offense to.

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“Everybody talks about a fresh start, but it seems like whatever reputation you have follows you to the next job, the next place, which really isn’t a fresh start,” Baker said. “I certainly don’t condone the things that have happened and transpired in the past but everybody deserves a fresh start.”