Padres seeking to deal Ace Peavy, Braves and Cubs likely suitors

In a sleazy situation worthy of a made for TV movie, the San Diego Padres are being forced to gut their payroll as their owner, John Moores, seeks to conserve capital as he goes through a messy and expensive divorce.  The Padres are hoping they can eventually cut their 2007 payroll of $74 million in half.  On Monday they rescinded an option offer to closer Trevor Hoffman, and on Tuesday reports surfaced that trade talks for their ace starter Jake Peavy are progressing.

So far the two most realistic options for moving Peavy have been proffered by the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.  The Braves are trying to rebuild after a horrible 2007 season that saw their pitching staff decimated by injuries and the team finish nowhere near their traditional spot at the top of the division.   The Braves have offered shortstop Yunel Escobar and outfield prospect Gorkys Hernandez, plus a minor league pitching prospect.  The deal is reportedly being held up by the Padres’ efforts to get another young pitcher out of Atlanta.

The Cubs, meanwhile, aren’t in quite as good of a position as Atlanta.  All they really have to offer in a deal is 2007 top draft pick Josh Vitters and reports indicate that they’re looking to draw a third team into the deal.  Since Chicago isn’t deep in pitching as it is they’re not in a position to meet the Padres’ goal of getting some talented young arms in any deal for Peavy.  So far there’s been no clear candidate to emerge as a potential third team in the Peavy-to-Cubs scenario.

Peavy was the 2007 Cy Young winner, but suffered through a down year in 2008 going 10-11 with a 2.85 ERA.  He has a full no trade clause, but has indicated to the Padres that he would accept a move to either Chicago or Atlanta.