Just moments after a potential trade of San Diego Padres all star pitcher Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox was announced, the San Diego Native put his no trade clause into full effect and vetoed the deal. Reportedly the deal would have ended up being a 4 for 1 deal involving two of Chicago’s most prized prospects in Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard. Peavy made the announcement official on Thursday night before the Padres game saying his final decision was based on the desires and subsequent needs of his family.
After the announcement from Peavy was made, Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams also released a statement stating that the all star was simply not ready to move teams just yet. Williams wanted to clarify that Peavy’s decision had nothing to do with the team’s poor performance so far on the season and everything to do with simply being caught off guard by the move. There is also some hope from the tame that Peavy and his agent, Barry Axelrod will be willing to work on a move to the Sox later on in the season or next year. The two sides met and discussed the White Sox’ desire to win another World Series and they feel that Peavy puts them that much closer to sealing the deal.
Aside from the issues surrounding Peavy’s family, a few media reports were stating that he made his decision begins he wants to remain in the pitcher friendly NL and stay away from the hitter friendly U.S Cellular Field in Chicago. Former teammates and friends of the pitcher denied those rumors outright. Scott Linebrink who currently plays for the White Sox stated that he discussed the matter with Peavy and that the decision was made up entirely with his family in mind and not wanting to uproot them and move them out of the San Diego area so quickly, and near the end of the school year. Former Team USA member Matt Thornton thinks that Peavy’s hard slider and sinker style would make him a perfect fit in the park.
With this apparent trade falling through the rumors that have followed the Padres and Peavy will continue to swirl until he is dealt, which will no doubt happen at some point this season. The Cubs have been supremely interested since the middle of last summer but if Peavy wasn’t interested in going to the White Sox why would he go to the Cubs? The only difference is that he would remain in the NL. If this decision really was all about his family then there really shouldn’t be any chance that will accept a move to the Cubs. I guess we will all have to wait and see what happens as the Peavy Saga continues.
Drill Down:
Jake Peavy,
Aaron Poreda,
Clayton Richard,
White Sox,
Barry Axelrod
