Peavy To The Southside: What Are "They" Saying As The Trade Deadline Passes?

Former Pale Hose hurler, Jack McDowell, writes a Sox blog and it's pretty solid. He's opinionated yet informed and very involved in discussion with his commenters. Here's Black Jack's initial response to the Trade Deadline deal:

I don't understand why the White Sox would trade away two quality lefthanders and two other prospects at this time for this guy. Add to this the fact that Peavy recently had a strained ligament in his throwing elbow. I'm not guaranteeing a breakdown, but I've noticed over the years that strains seem to quickly lead to Tommy John surgery even after the initial healing of the strain.

I love Peavy, great arm, great pitcher, great guy. But he's NOT an American League #1 pitcher. WOW. [Black Jack on the White Sox]

I like the way that sounds for the Padres. Jake has an ailment of some sort each year and I'd hate to see a guy commanding 25 % of the payroll spending time on the DL. 4 for 1---Two quality left handers.

Possibly the most important aspect of this trade (IMO) was brought to light this afternoon by former Padre beat writer Tom Krasovic:

The Padres say the trade will help their chances of signing several draft picks, including Donavan Tate, whose adviser, agent Scott Boras, is seeking $6 million and perhaps more if the money is spread up to five years. For what it's worth, the Padres regard as first-round talents all of three of their unsigned players taken in the top four rounds. Doesn't do much good to draft them and not sign them.

What's more, by my math, the Padres had spent less than half of the $3 million that their CEO at the time, Sandy Alderson, said in January was budgeted for international signings this year. Presumably, some of the Peavy savings could help them meet their planned spending there, too.

With Adrian Gonzalez eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, the chance of retaining him may have improved today with the Peavy trade. Moorad has said the club will listen to serious inquiries on Gonzalez in the off season, yet even if the Gonzalez talks rekindle, which I expect they will, clearing the $17 million due Peavy in 2012 gives the Padres more leeway to offer big bucks to Gonzalez. [InsideThePadres]

This economic relief will be crucial for the Padres. If they fail to sign Tate and the other dynamic talent taken in June the Padres are doomed.......it also opens up money for Adrian Gonzalez. Check out Tom Krasovic's blog.....he knows the Padres even if your only real concern, on this July 31st, 2009 AD, is the San Diego Chargers.

How about White Sox fans? Do they feel they got the better end of it? From Luol's Dong:

Now, if you're even close to a regular Dong reader, you already know why I don't like Peavy. I wrote that bit in reference to him coming to the Cubs - all of those negatives are amplified and then some when you talk about putting him on the White Sox. Not only does the ERA get the usual "moved from NL to AL" boost, but you've got the California "whoa dude chill out" personality of Peavy mixing with the "HEY KID! $%!& YOU TRY $%#&ING HARDER!" of Ozzie. I don't expect it to end well.

There's also the fact that we traded just about every pitching prospect we have to get him. Seriously. Poreda, Richard, Carter and Russell all went away, leaving the next viable AAA starters of Carlos Torres, Kelvin Jimenez...Jeff Marquez...and Freddy Garcia. Notice the drop-off there from "might be useful in the future" to "it's only an acid enema." This is not the way to grow youth.

But hey - I can't bitch about having him now that we do, so WELCOME TO CHICAGO, JAKE PEAVY. I invite you to try our luxurious medical suites, hospital food, and reclining beds as you ride the disabled list to success.

Side note: Watch Clayton Richard completely dominate for the rest of the season in the NL. Book it. [Luol's Dong]

I disagree with the assertion that Jake Peavy has a "California 'whoa dude chill out' personality" and that it could cause his failures in Chicago. If anything it will be arm ailments that do him in. I love the Clayton Richard projection, though.

This is a fantastic trade. Jake Peavy gave us a great tenure and while his post-season performances left something to be desired I'll fondly remember his time in San Diego. When I go out to the park I'll proudly wear my 1984 retro Peavy jersey.

But we must face a grim reality as fans of the San Diego Padres. The economic constraints of this organization will not allow us to keep players for the duration of their careers. The only way the Padres can become a viable entity is to develop young talent, control young talent, and then trade that mature developed talent for a surplus of youth. It is our cycle of rebirth, the Padres' Samsara.

DO NOT GET ATTACHED TO THESE PLAYERS.

They must go to replenish our team and provide opportunity for future success. Be a Buddhist in your support of the Padres or any team for that matter.....attachment leads to suffering.....detach yourselves, Padre fans, and accept that these teams must be ephemeral to ensure future success. So while Kras' points out that there is now money available for a possible Adrian Gonzalez I am instead preparing myself for the inevitability that he will be dealt to the Red Sox in the off season and I will be the holder of another Padre jersey whose name sake is off playing in another city. It is OK......

As a fan I have converted to Buddhism. So too should you.