The only team that could have blocked the Cubs would have been the Pirates, since they're the only NL team with a worse record. So, if the Cubs put in a claim on Jones, they are the one team that the Braves can deal with if they want to trade Jones before the season is out. Complicating matters, the Cubs can only trade players that have cleared waivers - does anyone know if this also applies to minor league players? For example, could Felix Pie be traded to the Braves, or would he also have to get through waivers?

And I don't see the Pirates making that waiver claim.  In contrast, although I doubt that they made the claim (after all we have Pierre), the Cubs would, frankly, have been stupid NOT to make a claim.   The current CF is a free agent at the end of the year.   The Cubs need a player that can provide power (and where they have an open position).   Jones can provide power AND they have the open position.  Jones is also young enough to have future value.  (He's younger than Lee). Looking at all of the possible options, this is at least as good as any major offseason move -- even if it ultimately costs the Cubs Pie and Marmol or Pie and Prior or Prior and Marshall.  And there is no worry about an out of control off season bidding war for Soriano and C Lee.

A lineup with Jones can have a high OBP guy like a cheap Murton in the corner.

but i doubt the pirates would claim him, given his big salary, and the fact that it wouldn't help them to block him from another team.

they said there were multiple claims on him. Given that, we can assume the winning team was an NL team, since they have first preference.

The following teams COULD have made the claim:

Chicago, though i really doubt it. I think it would be a great move to claim him and try to work a deal (much smarter than giving Carlos Lee a long deal). Since i no longer think Hendry is smart, i doubt its us.

The Mets, Cardinals, Padres, DBacks and Cinci are unlikely, as they all have good CF production, and none have someone in front of them (ie better record) that they would want to block by claiming Jones.

The Astros are a possibility, as they have a hole in CF and were reportedly trying to get him before the deadline, but they probably don't want to take on salary, and they don't have a lot of talent that would 1. slip though waivers and 2. Atlanta would want. So i doubt it's them. They also don't really have anyone to block by claiming him.

The Dodgers are probably the most likely. The don't have much in CF now, and they have been extremely aggressive this year, perhaps aware that the NL is very weak right now, so it would be a good year to load up for a run. Doesn't mean they will be able to come to a deal, but i think they are the most liekly.

Philly is out as they have removed themselves from competition this year. Milwaukee is out, somewhat for the same reason, but also because they have an overcrowded OF to begin with, and an expensive short-term OF doesn't really fit their philosophy. San Fran already has an expensive CF in Finley, and they can't really see themselves as a contender.

Colorado is a possibility. They are not getting much out of CF, and Jones would be a monster in coors.

Florida is a long shot, even though there was talk of them trying to take on salary in case mlb makes a minimum salary. If that happens, they could just sign Soriano in the off-season and not give a division rival a bunch of talent.

So my order of likelihood is:

1. Dodgers
   
2. Astros
   
3. Colorado
   
4. Cubs

like that. Its not funny.

From a economic standpoint his makes much more sense than trying to sign CLee or Soriano.  I think it'd be easier for the Trib to pony up for 1 year of 14M for a player that can have a big impact than trying to sign the other two and being handcuffed by their contracts.  
There isn't much risk here and Hendry doesn't like big risks. Plus he brings the combo of offense and defense which the Cubs love.  
I suppose we'll find out by tomorrow afternoon.

I think A Jones would also have the right to demand a trade since being traded in the middle of a multi-year deal.  However, Boras is his agent and that is one of the positive Hendry has - a great relationship with Boras.

is a better match.

I was going to say that it didn't happen.

Never mind.

"likes to run into walls......"

Z in a 1 for 1?

Neither would I, I'd want more than that guy.

to bring Gallagher up right now. He was just moved up to double-A not too long ago, and although he hasn't struggled per se, his walk rate was up considerably, especially right when he started pitching there, which leads me to believe he is still too early in development and needs time to improve both mentally and physically before his "cup of coffee" in the big leagues (although from what I read, he is very poised and has that fearless "bulldog" mentality we all love).

He has struggled in triple A, but both his ERA and WHIP were impeccable in double A.

Does anyone have a scouting report on him? It seems that Wells isn't very highly touted, but I really don't know what he has to offer.

Ronny Cedeno will either be operating at Triple A, serving as an utility infielder with the Cubs or playing for another organization altogether in 2007.  Don't worry about him being in the everyday lineup next season.  He won't be.