Braves Getting Serious About Peavy
It’s Monday, the World Series has the Rays in it… if you can believe that. And I could become a much happier Braves fan.
The rumors have been abounding about Jake Peavy and the Braves this week and it’s looking more and more like reality than a far fetched nicety. Now, you can call me “Johnny Come Lately” if you want and I know you’ve had enough, but I’m glad to hear that at the very least the Braves are proudly being aggressive enough to go after a pitcher that’s making even the Yankees drool.
Acquiring Jake Peavy.
No, It’s not official so don’t start doing all kinds of links in’s to this post saying “Peavy is a Brave I heard it here”…. Actually… yeah do that. I’d love it.
But at this point a trade to get one of the most sought after pitchers in baseball could go the Braves’ way as early as this week. Though there’s always the chance it’ll be as late December. I know… nice and vague, right?
The word is that the Braves are hanging in as front runners for the Peavy sweepstakes with their offer and could snag this year’s Johan Santana to bolster a starting rotation that is in much need of youth and standout talent.
Who would we get?
A 27 year old with an 82-62 record and 3.25 ERA in 199 games and he has recorded 1,256 strikeouts in 1,261 innings is quite appealing to say the least. Winning the Cy Young award in 2007, Peavy had a pretty good 2008 as well. Despite a less than exceptional win/loss record (he played for the last place Padres give him a break), Jake recorded 166 K’s, had a 2.85 ERA with a 1.180 WHIP giving up only 59 walks in 173.7 IP. He’s got a no trade clause so no matter how good the offer may be, it’s up to Jake. He could come to the Atlanta Braves, the team he grew up rooting for near his Alabama home (sound familar?), but is sentimentality and nostalgia something that the Braves can wave in Peavy’s face to lure him to the Ted? He’s under contract for 4 more years so this would lock up a great pitcher for pretty good stretch.
Who would they get?
Forgive me for further perpetuating rumors… but Yunel Escobar, Tyler Flowers, Kelly Johnson, Charlie Morton are all names that have been mentioned. In all likelihood we would have to part ways with at least one of our middle infielders to get Peavy. If you want my guess, you’d better start saying goodye to Esco now before he’s west coast bound.
Things are pretty tight lipped at the moment but the hot stove is already heating up all we’ve got to go by are the “sources” and rumors. However, be of good cheer, Braves fans. It looks like this trade may go our way and we’ll have something to celebrate from our couches in Atlanta after all.
What are the odds?
The Angels, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, have all thrown their hats into this circle but the Braves are still reportedly the front runner to win Jake Peavy. They’d have to throw in prospects of course (groan… Mark Teixeira…groan) and though Peavy is the one on the table this always makes me a little apprehensive since this isn’t exactly the place where we’ve got a whole lot to spend.
But I will say this in closing. Whether this deal goes through or not, you’ve got to feel good about the direction we’re headed with this if you’re a Braves fan. If Jake Peavy is one of the names the Braves are getting serious about then that says to me that Frank Wren is looking to make this team a contender again in 2009. However, whether it’s Derek Lowe, AJ Burnette, Brad Penny or even Peavy, the void must be filled by someone that can carry this team and possibly be an ace. If it’s a Peavy that fills it, then I’ll be thrilled
As long as we don’t give up the whole farm to get him.
Keep Choppin’
About
the Author: JB is an Atlanta native, avid scorekeeper, and
of course a baseball enthusiast. He doesn't mind if you don't love
the Braves. As long as you love baseball, you're welcome at The
Launching Pad.
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