Maybe Peavy Just Stays Put

What now for Jake Peavy?

Maybe nothing.

Despite a personal appeal from White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, Peavy would not waive his no-trade clause for an agreed-upon deal between the Padres and White Sox that became public Thursday.

"Jake is taking a stance where he is a member of the Padres," agent Barry Axelrod told FanHouse.

"But for the frustration of not competing as a team, it's all positives [in San Diego]. It's going to take a very enticing situation for him to move. Frankly, the Chicago White Sox are not a very enticing situation.

"As of today, San Diego is the right place for him."

The 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner, Peavy has a full no-trade clause. San Diego, trying to slash payroll, would like to shed his contract: $11 million this year, $15 million in 2010, $16 million in 2011, $17 million in 2012 and a $22 million team option for 2013.

Axelrod has said ever since the Padres first approached Peavy last fall that the pitcher has a "strong preference" to stay in the NL. One possible exception is the Los Angeles Angels, because of geography (Peavy is from Alabama but has moved his family to San Diego).

So what's the market? The Cubs and Braves seemed to be in on Peavy over the winter, but after spending on Ryan Dempster and Derek Lowe, respectively, they seem to be tapped out.

The Mets could use a pitcher, but they also seem to be unwilling to add payroll. The Cardinals don't seem to spend much money any more.

Maybe the Angels? The Phillies, whose attendance is up? The Dodgers, who need pitching? (But remember, when the Dodgers added Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake last year, they were not willing to add salary, just trade away prospects, and that won't cut it for the Padres.)

Axelrod seems to resent that Peavy was put in the situation of having to say no when San Diego knew he wouldn't say yes.

"Jake hates it that it's perceived that he turned down the Chicago White Sox," Axelrod said. "We have very strong respect for [Sox owner Jerry] Reinsdorf, for Williams, for [manager Ozzie] Guillen – the whole organization.

"To be put in the position where he has to say, 'This isn't the right thing for me right now,' and have it perceived as a sub or a veto, that's uncomfortable."

Axelrod revealed that Williams made a "very impressive presentation" directly to Peavy.

"That made it more difficult [for Peavy] that I ever thought it would be," Axelrod said.

"The only thing I can say is, on this day, he is not willing to accept a trade like that," Axelrod said. "Things do change every day."