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Jacques Jones for Omar Infante?
An MLBTR reader passed on this tidbit he heard on ESPN 1000's coverage of the GM meetings. The rumor would be the Cubs sending Jacques Jones to Detroit for Omar Infante. The report mentioned both sides are staying in touch on the matter. It's not major news, but if it's whispered...
Infante's listed as an infielder, spending most of his time at 2B. He made $1.3MM in 2007 and he'll be 27 next season. The Tigers have a bit of a logjam in their infield as is and despite being regarded as a utility-guy, Infante has potential starter value that the Tigers could shop. Jones, the established outfielder, makes $5MM in his final contract year next season and will be 32. Trading Jones would open up the Cubs OF for Kosuke Fukudome, should they pursue him.
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I disagree. I think if the Cubs sign a 2B, or trade for one, its because they want to move Derosa to RF and keep Fontenot at second...
Posted by: GmblngPtchr20 | November 10, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I'd be shocked if the Cubs went into next season with Fontenot as their starter. He's a backup, plain and simple. Infante has reasonable value because he's versatile, but i think he would join the Cubs as a utility player. They should keep DeRosa at second and add a good rightfielder (who could play center) and go with Pie in center. Then if that doesnt work out again they could move Pie or just bench him and then move the rightfielder to center, Derosa to right field and put in Infante at 2b.
Posted by: scribbletone | November 10, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Don't the Cubs have a lot of utility type infielders? First Kaz Matsui now Omar Infante, doesn't make any sense.
Posted by: zs190 | November 10, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I heard the same report. Bruce Levine reported this to Chet Coppock. I do agree, we are getting too many of these type of guys. I agree scribbletone, Fontenot is just a backup - if that. Would not surprise me if he did not make the club. I still think reporters are just throwing stuff on the wall to see if anything sticks. I do however think the Cubs must be pretty pissed off at Eric Patterson for the late show stuff he pulled when he was called up.
Posted by: cubbyrick | November 10, 2007 at 12:40 PM
This deal really makes sense for both teams I think.
The Tigers need a LHB. Jones is a great platoon player. Although the '07 doesn't show the splits, his career OPS+ vs LHP is 63, and 110 vs RHP. Thames has 113 career OPS+ vs LHP. That could be a nice platoon on the cheap.
I've always liked Infante and think he could be a league average 2B. He's still only 25 and has been buried behind Guillen and Polanco (and now Renteria). A change of scenery could be a big benefit for him. Whether or not Derosa or Infante starts doesn't matter much. Both will play quite a bit I think. Especially with Derosa's versatility to fill in for pretty much any injured/struggling starter.
Posted by: kab21 | November 10, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Interesting perspective kab21. Do you think Infante can play above-average defense at SS? I think the Matsui/Infante rumors reflect the Cubs trying to find another SS option to throw in the mix. As much fun as Theriot is, he's not an everyday player.
Posted by: DGU | November 10, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Maybe Theriot is going to be part of a deal? Part of a package for Tejada? Furcal? and then move Sori to the 2 hole? Obviously more pcs will be needed but Theriot is a decent player and at the very least will help you more than hurt you at ss. Heres even a more twisted one - Theriot/Blanco/Ohman for Pierre + cash. Derosa/Pie to start in rf then if pie takes off then Derosa goes back to 2B
Posted by: touchmymonkey | November 10, 2007 at 01:39 PM
A legitimate Jacque Jones rumor? No way.
Posted by: ArodSucksAtLife | November 10, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I agree...this sounds way too realistic. Someone needs to throw out something like a Jaque Jones for Furcal trade....just so it sounds more like the good ol' days.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | November 10, 2007 at 02:57 PM
i was pretty happy with the cubs offense last year. does anyone else think a trade for bedard could go down? he would be a great addition, especially after seeing the cubs pitching in the playoffs.
Posted by: integr96 | November 10, 2007 at 03:01 PM
A trade for Bedard? I would imagine we would have to clear the farm...maybe something starting with Pie and Rich Hill...whom I don't want to give up. I don't see it happening. I love Bedard though...but I just don't think the Cubs would be willing to give up what it would take to get him.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | November 10, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Tough to say whether or not Infante would be above average defensively right away. He's played 20-30 games/season at SS, but I don't remember any games that I saw him at SS while I was in Detroit.
One thing to note is that the Tigers didn't think highly enough of him to make him their SS and traded for Renteria.
I wish the Twins could get him to play 2B. He's a solid player that shouldn't hurt you batting or fielding. And he should be relatively cheap to acquire.
Posted by: kab21 | November 10, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Aduncaroo, I agree. Even though adding Bedard would likely make the Cubs NL Central champs and World Series contenders, it would take a bounty that could compromise their future. Likely it would take something like Felix Pie, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher, Sam Fuld and Eric Patterson. Thats probably what the O's would expect from the Cubbies, and i dont think Hendry is up for that
Posted by: scribbletone | November 10, 2007 at 04:08 PM
The Cubs need to keep DeRosa at 2nd. He's much more valuable there than in right, and he's a much better player that all these mediocre middle IFs (Matsui, Infante) about which rumors are flying. I don't understand what Hendry is thinking. If there is any truth to these rumors, I have no idea what Hendry is thinking, but I think it's stupid.
Posted by: RiotOfRespect | November 10, 2007 at 04:48 PM
San Diego needs a CF and Jacques Jones is a native son... anybody think that there are some possibilities there? maybe for some bullpen help?
Posted by: jodroke | November 10, 2007 at 04:52 PM
kab21 -
I'm legitimately curious why you think Infante will end up being good at the plate when his stats so far spell "Futility Infielder." Don't read this as sarcastic, because I don't know anything about Infante and really am curious to hear from someone who knows more directly.
As for jodroke's hope that JJ could go to SD - I think there is a definite possibility of that. The Cubs will trade JJ for the best offer. What in addition to Jones and Cedeno would you need to give up Khalil Greene? Otherwise, what reliever are you offering? I'm guessing it's not Olise Claiborne Meredith.
Posted by: DGU | November 10, 2007 at 05:26 PM
It isn't so much a hope as a curiosity... I would imagine that the padres need greene's 25 homers too badly to trade them for Jones' 5, but I would think that a 27 yr old reliever with major league success like Kevin Cameron (RH) or Justin Hampson (LH) could be enough to pull Jones away as a salary dump-type deal...
Posted by: jodroke | November 10, 2007 at 05:36 PM
The Cubs were probably considering this trade just to gauge the value of Jones on the market. I realize Jones had a bad first-half last season but I would think is market value is greater than a utility infielder.
Posted by: WolvCub 17 | November 10, 2007 at 05:52 PM
It's easy to overlook Kansas City, but I've heard that they are pumping an additional $20-25 million into the payroll. They will try hard to pull down a big name or two.
Posted by: coryjwilson | November 10, 2007 at 09:32 PM
scribbletone:
What future? The Cubs have no future, 100 years without a championship, the future is NOW. Are you kidding me? If you can get Bedard for Pie, Hill, Fuld, Gallagher, and Patterson, DO IT!!! Of all those, only Rich Hill is a major-leaguer. Basically you are replacing Rich Hill with Erik Bedard, and you have a good chance of going to the World Series. DO IT!! If you want a future, extend Bedard.
Posted by: Cubs World Champs please B4 I die | November 11, 2007 at 02:35 AM
Aduncaroo:
You too! I love Rich Hill, but one day he is good Rich Hill, next day he is bad Rich Hill. Bedard is your number one, with Zambrano number 1-A: World Series chance. I don't know how old you are, but I have been a die-Hard since 1984, 24 seasons of heartbreak, approaching middle age, and millions of Cub Fans died waiting over the last HUNDRED Years. Pie is a .212 hitter at the moment, he may never be anything. Rich Hill is a number three starter at best. Agree?
Posted by: Cubs World Champs please B4 I die | November 11, 2007 at 02:45 AM
I see your point, but no, I don't agree. Hill can be better than a #3. Last year was his first full season and he put up the numbers of a solid 3. I think he will get better...but maybe thats just me. He is cheap for years to come. Gallagher and Hill are the two I worry about...they are probably the 2 most promising in the system. I don't know...I see your point, but with the cubs payroll and backloaded contracts, they wouldn't be able to keep Bedard.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | November 11, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Guy with long Cubs name:
One thing not to forget about Berdard - he does have injury issues and was shut down at the end of this year. I'd trade for Bedard, but not the whole package you would offer. Personally, I think Pie will get it turned around. His minor league numbers are too good (an important difference between him and Corey Patterson). You have to give these young players (Pie and Hill) a chance to establish themselves.
Posted by: DGU | November 11, 2007 at 02:12 PM
honestly i dont see how jacque jones is that much better than what the tigers have already, timo perez. the tigers would be better off throwing in another infield prospect along with infante and trade for pitching.
Posted by: cfrezz | November 11, 2007 at 07:19 PM
I see Infante as someone that had a nice season at age 22 or so (1st full season). And the next year he struggles and gets benched. He's obviously not as good as Polanco and Guillen so he rots on the bench for 2 years. He's still only 25 and I think he will be a nice surprise for a team that picks him up.
Maybe he fizzles out and stays a futility IF'er, but I think he just needs a change of scenery.
Posted by: kab21 | November 11, 2007 at 08:37 PM
Felix Pie = Corey Patterson 2.0
And wears number 20! C'MON!
Posted by: Clags | November 12, 2007 at 02:29 PM