Jake Peavy Could Block Deal to Braves

Some reports have surfaced that the Braves have pried the "front-runner" label from the Cubs in the Jake Peavy sweepstakes, because of organizational depth when it comes to minor league progress. Peavy has a full no-trade clause, and the Braves are among the teams he said he'd be open to joining.

Late last night, however, details emerged that there could be a potential snag in those talks. You see, Peavy wishes to play for a winning team. One of the players who is being discussed as part of the deal is the Braves young shortstop, Yunel Escobar. Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod, has stated Peavy would likely invoke his no-trade clause if Escobar is included in the deal.

"Escobar's a pretty good player," Axelrod said. "To be honest, Jake and I have said, 'If that kind of trade gets made, who plays short for them?'"

Another interesting layer is that the Padres are looking to move Khalil Greene. What if Greene is included? He's a serious downgrade from Escobar, but he's been Peavy's teammate for a while ... maybe that would help push the deal through? Then the question would become, do the Braves even want Greene?

Stay tuned.