Who Has The Pieces To Acquire Jake Peavy?

So, after seeing Peavy nix a deal to the White Sox last week, I have decidd to investigate which teams could pull off a Peavy trade.

A few things to consider:

1. It seams Peavy only wants to go to an NL team.

2. The deal must bring in pitchers, at least 2 who can step right in.

So, let's explore.

Atlanta Braves

They almost made a deal in the off-season, so why not re-explore what could be done here.

I would think that Tommy Hanson is off the table, which is fine, as the Braves have a lot of pitchers.

Kris Medlen is a good starting point, as his value is probably equal to Aaron Poreda (the top prospect in the White Sox deal). Charlie Morton, James Parr, Jo-Jo Reyes, Craig Kimbrel, and Steve Marek are all guys that could be in the deal. All are back-end guys or bull-pen members, so there would need to be another mid-rotation guy in the deal.

Cole Rohrbough of Jeff Locke are the guys I see in the deal.

The Braves are one of the few teams that could trade 4 MLB or near-MLB realy arms and realy not feel it too much.

I think a package of Medlen, Morton, Marek, and Locke is a good package for Peavy.

New York Mets

The Mets have the pieces, but I don't think they could afford to lose the depth.

Joe Niese and Brad Holt (not either, both) would need to be in the deal. Eddie Kunz would be another piece that Pads would want, as they need the bull-pen help. Bobby Parnell or Dillon Gee would be what pushes it over the edge.

The Padres couldn't say no to this deal, bu I don't think the Mets can give that up. Besides, Peavy may not accept a deal to such a large market.

Philadelphia Phillies

I don't think they have the pieces to pull it off, but they definately have the desire.

The deal starts with Carlos Carrasco AND J.A. Happ. 2 more arms, like Joe Savery and Antonio Bastardo would be nice, but I think there needs to be a relief prospect in there. Mike Stutes or Jason Knapp, or BJ Rosenberg could be subbed for Savery or Bastardo.

The deal would gut the Phillies pitching prospects. No way this happens, and Peavy would have to accept pitching in a glorified back yard.

Chicago Cubs

Most people think this is his final destination, but I don't see it. I don't think they have the pieces that they want to move to make the deal.

For starters, I think Jeff Samardzilla needs to be the biggest piece, with 2008 1st rounder Andrew Cashner the other big piece. Jose Ascaino, Randy Wells, and Kevin Hart could all be pieces in the deal.

I don't see the Cubs parting with a pckage like this, but they are one of the few teams I think Peavy will waive his no-trade for.

Cincinnati Reds

This is the team I think should make the splash. Let's see if they have the depth.

Homer Bailey is the beginning of the deal. Since Bailey has lost a lot of stock, the rest of the arms need to be quality as well. Daryl Thompson is a likely piece, as are Josh Roenicke and Ramon Ramirez.

Those 4 arms would probably do it for the Padres, but Kyle Lotzkar could replace one the arms.

I cannot see Peavy accepting a trade here or the Reds willing to gut their pitching depth to do this. But, this is where I want to see Peavy.

Milwaukee Brewers

I don't see how this will be possible unless they trade 2 guys on their current roster, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva. They would also need to include their top pitching prospect, Jeremy Jeffress. Then, a relief throw in with value, like Tim Dillard, RJ Swindle, or Wes Littleton.

The Brewers would be pretty crazy to make a deal like that, but it could be worth the package if Peavy can be what Sabathia was last year.

St. Louis Cardinals

I could see them coming in with a package if Peavy would be willing to go there, which I don't see why he wouldn't (I'd give a leg to play on the same team as Albert Pujols). I don't know who would be the big piece to the Pads in this one, but there are plenty of MLB-ready arms that could help the Padres.

Starters: Jess Todd, Clayton Mortenson, Mitch Boggs, and Mike Parisi.

Now, while there is a big drop off in talent after Mortenson, where the starting isn't as strong, the relief propects are much more impressive.

Chris Perez and Jason Motte could make this deal happen.

I think the Padres would want at least 3 guys would can start, so I don't see a great match.

Let the trade speculation fun begin.