1. St. Louis?  Not going to trade in the division.
   
2. Florida?  They can't afford the contract.
   
3. Philadelphia?  Maybe.  Jon Leiber?  
   
4. Atlanta?  Maybe.  But the contract is too rich.
   
5. LA Dodgers?  Maybe.  Send Matt Kemp this way and we have a deal today.  
   
6. Chicago White Sox?  Doubtful.  At least right now.
   
7. Minnesota?  Thay won't want the contract.
   
8. Texas?  Maybe.  

Why not see what we can get for Murton? That one will go over big!

JJ is one of TWO HR threats from the left side.

Floyd has been on the DL 10 times.

If he goes down (a liklihood) there would be no one else other than Iz-TURD-is and Pie. You see what you have there, particularly with the latter.

I would expect Pie to get sent down before this trade would happen.

We will see as the weeks go by.

More pressing is that Z is STILL NOT SIGNED past this year.

Al met John McDounugh and mum was still the word.

If he doesn't get signed, its gonna be a sad day. Hendry COULD HAVE taken care of this last season but rolled the dice too many times.

 Even though Pie's bat is a detriment to the lineup, his glove is in a less than average OF defense is needed on this team. Especially now that it seems that THeriot will find a way in the lineup everyday, you can afford Pie's weak stick down in the order.

The Cubs have 3 choices:

 * Send Pie down. I don't think that is going to happen.

 * Send Murton down or trade Murton

 * Trade Jones for a 5th starter. Somebody mentioned Lieber earlier and I would like that. I think that's a realistic option.

Plus we'd be turning over RF to Floyd, which is a defensive downgrade from Jones.

Doesn't seem to make much sense trading Jones now.  Why sign Cliff Floyd in the first place if you are looking to get rid of a semi-productive left handed bat who is marginal defensively and has limitations to his game?  Jones may not quite be Floyd's equal offensively but he gives us much more flexibility defensively.

The problem could be solved by letting go of Ward.  That frees up the roster spot.  We don't get anything in return but we also don't weaken the outfield defense, and I doubt any starter we get back would be much more effective than Guzman or someone else who's already in the organization.  

Jones isn't great but he's solid enough.  I love prospects but this team can win now and given the way this team is configured Jones can contribute as much or more than just about anyone we could get back in trade.

So if the Cubs trade Jones he can claim he had a scoop.

We need to hang on to potential trade bait until we see what we need down the road in July and then be able to get it. There's no way to figure who will get hurt or ineffective in the next few weeks, but it's a fair bet somebody will succumb and there will be a gap to fill.

Here's hoping we keep Pie right where he's at. The bat seems to be coming around, the fielding is a revelation, and with two strong arms (Pie and Soriano)in the outfield, this team is much tighter defensively.

Looks like we're getting ready for a fun ride this season. Milwaukee will come back to the pack and we're a good bet to lead that pack into September.

You have to play Soriano.  Period.  That's one outfield spot.  If Pie is going to remain on the big league roster, then you have to play him every day, because he will never improve offensively coming off the bench and he plays a rock- star center field.  That's two outfield spots.  That leaves Murton and Floyd to platoon in right field, and I'm happy with either one of these guys in the lineup.  I realize that Floyd is injury-prone and if he goes down at some point this year as he usually does, he will really miss JJ.  It's risky.  But you can't possibly get at-bats for three additional outfielders if you keep Pie.  

As much as I would hate to see him go, if it came down to trading Murton instead of Jones for a starting pitcher or a left-handed bullpen guy, I would do that also.  

And, it is no coincidence that the Cubs have been playing much improved ball ever since Alfonso Soriano became the permanent left fielder and Felix Pie started patrolling center field.  

Again, if it were up to me, I'd keep Jacque Jones and platoon him with Mark DeRosa in right field.  DeRosa can split time with Ryan Theriot at 2nd base on those days when Theriot isn't playing shortstop or taking a day off.  All three guys get significant playing time.  Cesar Izturis winds up getting decent playing time.  

The answer is Murton. It is a sad thing to see the guy who led this team in OPS and BA last season, riding the pine. Hendry made moves this season that were silly. DeRosa, rather than trusting Theriot. Cliffy, rather than trusting Murton or JJ. Yes we have far too many outfielders, and we will eventually need a 5th starter. Unless we want to be down one infielder, if you can call Cedeno an infielder, you send Big Red to Iowa and let him hit every single day. If/When Floyd gets hurt, he comes up. It is the only way.

With Cliffy in the lineup against power rightys, we are at least competitive

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If we choose Murton over Jones. We will be screwed over by other teams bull pens, and we will see a lot more D Ward off the bench as a lefty. Anyone want that?

The contract won't be an issue because its not overpriced in the current market like it was last year at this time.

You throw in a reliever if you have to, but if you're the GM of the Cubs you should try to make a deal for one of the Braves SS's.

The other option would be to work out a similar deal with the Angels, who also have a ton of organizational SS depth but could use another bat. Jones and a mid-level prospect for Erick Aybar may make sense for both teams.