Could Jake Peavy become a Brave in the Near Future?

Here’s what I’ve learned thanks to some local papers, the Braves look to be the front runner in the big Peavy sweepstakes. They have two things going for them, young talent and a great location. You see, Peavy has a no trade clause and is said to be interested in only a few teams mainly National League teams with the ability to win like the Astros (who according to the source link have no shot in hell), St. Louis and Atlanta.

Also according to the papers, he won’t come cheap, demanding three high level prospects around the caliber of a Jordan Schafer, Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson. (Take Kelly Johnson, please!! He’s a good player, but when he commits an error, it almost always costs the Braves the win.) Currently it looks like outfielder Jason Heyward, pitchers Tommy Hanson and Julio Teheran, first baseman Freddie Freeman and center fielders Jordan Schafer and Gorkys Hernandez are off the table. But the Padres will want high level pitching along with major league ready players so something's got to give.

The Padres are also trying to package Peavy and SS Khalil Greene together, but to make that deal work; the Braves would have to ship out Escobar and his four years till free agency for Greene’s $6 million+ 2009 salary. And like I said, I’m willing to part with Johnson before Yunel, even if he may or may not have some sort of attitude problem. Maybe he can join Jose Reyes at school for baseball players that act like five year olds. And if by chance the Braves trade Escobar than they would need a SS like Greene in exchange, just as long as he promises to stop his nasty habit of fighting storage chests. It's always going to be a losing battle Khalil, which you may have to pay for in more ways than one.

With this trade looking like it will be done by mid-November, the Braves could have about $20 million (if they add both Padres players) to play around with to fill the other major holes, a second pitcher and corner outfielder with power. (Yeah, and I still back Pat) Thank goodness I’m not a GM, just thinking about these scenarios makes me want to eat my weight in Moon Pies.

News&Notes: Announcer Pete Van Wieren is retiring after 33 years.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)