But for many fans, just moving Jones represents a major gamble. He could turn into a superstar for the next decade while the club has the rights to Bedard for just two years -- pending talks of an extension. Bavasi was ready to take that risk if it means Bedard can help this club return to the postseason for the first time since 2001.
Bavasi has done this kind of deal in the past. When he was general manager with the Anaheim Angels in 1995, he made a trading deadline deal with the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Jim Abbott.