While the Twins were losing free-agent right fielder Jacque Jones to the Chicago Cubs, they were gaining right fielder Jason Kubel.

 

After nearly 13 months of tedious rehabilitation following left knee reconstruction, Kubel this week received final medical clearance to begin spring training on time and to play full speed without any physical limitations. Until this week, Kubel had been required to use a brace for strenuous workouts. No more.

 

With Jones gone, Kubel is expected to compete with Lew Ford and Michael Cuddyer for the right-field job. Spring training begins Feb. 20 in Fort Myers, Fla.

 

Composite totals for Kubel's last season in organized baseball, 2004, included 24 home runs, 127 runs batted in, 44 doubles, four triples and a .347 batting average. The left-handed slugger hit six home runs in 37 games at Class AA New Britain, 16 homers in 90 games at Class AAA Rochester and two homers for the Twins. He missed the 2005 season after injuring his knee in the Arizona Fall League.

 

-- General manager Terry Ryan said allowing Jones to sign with the Cubs wasn't a matter of payroll. The Twins offered Jones salary arbitration, which, had he accepted, could have meant a one-year contract for about$7 million. The Cubs offered $16 million for three years.

 

"It wasn't affordability as much as I just thought a one-year deal was the appropriate amount of years," Ryan said Wednesday. "He'll do fine with the Cubs; he's a good player and a good man. He's got power."