Talks of Jacque Jones leaving Chicago are on fire of late.  It’s been no secret the Cubs have had Jones in the front of the garage sale with a “Best Offer Accepted” tag around his neck. The 32 year old lefty outfielder is coming off his best year since 2002, still he’s found himself in Lou’s doghouse.  And it’s evident by now that if you are NOT with Lou then you are out of here.

UPDATE:  The Jones plus cash (~2 million) for a High A pitcher (reportedly LHP Graham Taylor) from Florida has fell through due to the Marlins wanting an additional million (on top of the multiple of millions we had already agreed to) without giving up more talent.  Jones is still sitting in the front of the sale, we’re trying to give him away and are willing to pay for his disposal but we won’t an arm and a leg.

Since the Cubs added Floyd as a free agent, it’s been rumored that Jacque was the odd man out.  Jones had made some remarks on Cubs fan and brass, that were not taken to kindly during the offseason.  Jones has been offered all around the league since then with no good offers.  But after the Barrett deal, it’s obvious the Cubs are willing to pull the trigger and eat a contract with little return, just to rid themselves of a player.  Personally, I think it’s a piss poor philosophy but in this regard, it might help the club, unlike the Barrett deal.

Pie has long been the Cubs crown jewel and he has Lou and Cubs’ brass that he’s MLB ready.  That puts a multitude of outfielders vying for one spot.  And Floyd has carried the hot stick leaving Jones as a very expensive 4th/5th outfielder.  Entering this season, Jones has 9 million due over the next two seasons.  Jim will undoubtly eat a good portion of the 2007 salary but taking on a 2008 portion is nearly out of the question with the team sale up in the air.  That’s why an exhange of salary dumps is looking quite likely. 

The Cubs want Jacque Jones out of the NL Central, Jacque wants to play everyday so he’s willing to go anywhere that needs a lefty bat.  Even if that means the Cubs end up eating a good chunk of Jones’ 2007 salary and still getting little in return.

On a side note, soon-to-be free agent Cesar Izturis is also being shopped around with Hendry looking for no return.  Lou has fallen in love with Theriot as his everyday SS, or at least being in his lineup everyday.  Piniella loves having the “gritty” pair of Fontenot and Theriot starting everyday.