The Padres are listening to offers regarding right-handed ace Jake Peavy, although the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner can veto any trade.
Peavy, 27, has told the Padres he wants to remain in the National League (for one, he loves to hit) and if he is traded would prefer to go to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis or Houston. Why would the Padres want to trade Peavy and risk a fan mutiny?
Well, they owe him $43 million over the next three years at a time when owner John Moores, who is in the middle of a divorce, has hinted the payroll will be reduced next year.
And trading Peavy might give the Padres several players needed to reverse the 99-loss season of 2008.
Plus, there are some in the Padres family who believe Peavy's violent pitching motion will ultimately lead to injury.
But mostly, this is a question of finances and future. With the Padres expected to cut their payroll budget to around $55 million in 2009, Peavy's $11 million (and $15 million in 2010, $17 million in 2011 and $21 million in 2012) would chew up a large percentage of what is available.
And the Padres need help in a number of areas, although general manager Kevin Towers said pitching would be the primary target of any deal involving Peavy. The Padres desperately need help in their rotation, bullpen and middle infield.
