Baseball - 3rd "major" trade of the season

Being in Chicago, I guess I should comment on this "who cares" type of trade since it involves the Cubs.

Cubs receive - (2B) Omar Infante
Tigers receive - (CF) Jacque Jones


Here's my take on this trade:

Cubs - The Cubs just wanted to get rid of Jacque Jones after trying for nearly a year+. It was primarily to give Felix Pie a chance to take over at CF. Pie is an uber-prospect and his abilities on the field are incredible. This guy is the Corey Patterson that is unselfish (about batting leadoff and doing whatever he can to get on base) and can do it all...a true 5 tool prospect. I'm not surprised by this move and the kind of caliber they received in return. Do I really need to comment on Infante?

** (out of 5) because they got rid of a high(er) priced contract, but more importantly, they are now convinced that Pie is their future at CF.

Tigers - The Tigers receive Jacque Jones as a rental. As many baseball fans already know, Cameron Maybin is also an uber-prospect, check that, Maybin might just well be in the top 3 (if not the best) for top minor league prospects for 2008. Maybin needs more grooming at the AAA level so he will certainly go back to AAA while the Tigers place Jacque Jones in the OF as a decoy.

* 1/2 (out of 5) because they got a legit OF to take over while Maybin gets more training at the AAA level before taking the spot permanently by mid-2008.

This is about as even a trade as you can get, but there's no such thing as an even trade. Cubs come out on top based on the immediate impact this will have for them.