Football
18y

Boras the X-factor with Jones

Andruw Jones is not happy with the Braves, in the aftermath of word that he was claimed by a team and could -- conceivably -- be traded by 1 p.m. today. I think this quote from John Schuerholz is telling: "Andruw and I have always had a good relationship. He should know that we would talk if a trade was imminent. But I can't talk about waivers, and I won't." That tells me Jones won't be traded. Schuerholz is a straight shooter and if he had something to tell Jones, he would tell him.

However, there is an X-factor in this situation: Jones' agent is Scott Boras, who will use Jones' trade veto power as a tool or a weapon in negotiations. Once Jones becomes a 10-and-5 man -- and from the Braves' point of view, that is today, effectively, because if they don't trade him today without getting his approval then they never will be able to -- Boras will steer Jones. Chances are that the Braves already know whether they will trade Jones before his contract runs out next fall, writes Mark Bradley.

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