Updating the Peavy News

Since this seems to be the big news for the Braves so far this off-season, I figured I’d give a little update. According to Foxsports.com, the package the Braves are offering would include Yunel Escobar, Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes and a third player most likely a top level prospect like Jordan Schafer or Gorkys Hernandez. I would hate to see Escobar go, but would be happy to send either Morton or Reyes to get Peavy. The Braves are in dire need for a front line starter and based on last season, I don’t see either Morton or Reyes heading in that direction. Like I said previously, I would much rather get rid of Kelly Johnson over Escobar, but the Padres don’t seem willing to take Kelly Johnson as a centerpiece.

The only other team that is also a major player in the Peavy sweepstakes according to the same article is the Cubs who would have a devastating rotation even if they don’t re-sign Ryan Dempster. With the addition of Peavy, they’d have Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly taking the mound. Add Dempster and it’s practically ridiculous.

In other trade news, the AJC is reporting the Braves may strike a deal for Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick was a lightning bolt for the team hitting .299 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs in 2008. He’d obviously provide the outfield bat the Braves are looking for. However, according to the article, the Cardinals want Yunel Escobar and depending on how the Peavy trade works out, the Braves you know cannot to trade Escobar to both teams and do not want to trade both Escobar and Kelly Johnson in the same off season.

Judging by the articles I've read, it's an either or situation, which is fine by me. The Braves have $40 million to spend this off season, right? Why trade away the farm for two players when they have more than enough to attract a star pitcher or a power hitting outfielder. I’d almost rather see them trade for Ludwick and pick up a Ryan Dempster or a Derek Lowe and see how Tommy Hanson turns out. If you throw out 2009 (because frankly, it would be an uphill battle even if the Braves acquired Peavy) and consider that by 2010, Tim Hudson would be back at full strength, Hanson could have at least a half a season under his belt, Jair Jurrjens would have two full seasons under his plus the newly acquired number one starter and the rotation would really have taken form. Frankly, looking over the list of current free agent filings, the outfield position is a lot less appetizing (at best a Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn) than the possible pitchers (Ryan Dempster/Derek Lowe/Ben Sheets/Brad Penny/CC Sabathia/A.J. Burnett...)

UPDATE: Oh and I almost forgot...there's this Japanese right handed pitcher Junichi Tazawa. He's described as a 22 year old amateur pitcher who is trying to make the jump to the Majors. Apparently the Braves, Red Sox, Mariners, Phillies and now Tigers are interested.
(Photo: Nam Y. Huh/AP)