Peavy gone when becomes a FA?

[jacs]

UNION-TRIBUNE

SAN FRANCISCO – Jake Peavy is going nowhere fast. The Padres have locked him up through 2009 at terms that appear more deeply discounted with every sizzling strikeout.

The National League's Southern-fried All-Star starter may continue to pine for sweet home Alabama (and/or major league baseball's nearest outlet, Atlanta) but he will have to do so at a distance of three time zones for at least two more seasons.

Beyond that, it's going to take some gargantuan greenbacks. Big, big bucks.

“My sense is right now, as well as he likes it here, I wouldn't be surprised if after this contract (Peavy tests the market),” Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday afternoon. “I think he's going to go out there and try to get the big payday.”

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports -- Peavy worth his weight in gold – and likely a lot more

[HollywoodLeo]

It's probable, but I'll worry about that when the time comes and enjoy the ride in the meantime.

[padrefanforever]

I think we'll try to lock him up before he hits FA.......but if he's allowed to test.....IMO he's gone......He may very well LOVE it here........but I'm sure he'd LOVE setting up his family for the next 10 generations more

[HollywoodLeo]

From what little I know of Jake from talking to his cousin on another board If Jake leaves I think he'd be one of the few exceptions that'd more do it for getting closer to home than for the money....not that he wouldn't try to get max dollar out of it while he's at it.

But, with that in mind, if he were to leave I'd look for him to sign with Atlanta, Houston, or Texas

Of course, I don't know his cousin all that well and I obviously don't know Jake at all so I'm very open to the possibility that I could be dead wrong here.

[padrefanforever]

Atl I'd agree with.......but I'm not sure Jake would want to pitch in known bandboxes.........Houston and Texas can be death sentences for some pitchers......I think if it were down to Hou, TX & SD.....we'd win out even if he made a little less.......I think he realizes the benefits of pitching in SD and the spacious NLWest......as opposed to the NLCentral.......

Believe me.......nothing would make me happier than to see him locked up for near his career in a Padre uni.........if he has back to back healthy seasons proving the shoulder issue was likely WBC created, I could see a LONG term deal getting done.....even with our FO not usually giving them out.....

[jacs]

It seems as if KT is already giving up but i would also like to see him have back to back good and healthy seasons.

[padrefanforever]

giving up ? how so ? Please explain

[love_that_reefer]

If Zito made $126 million in 2007, imagine what Peavy can make in 2010. lus I think it all depends on how close the Padres come to a WS.

[HollywoodLeo]

Atl I'd agree with.......but I'm not sure Jake would want to pitch in known bandboxes.........Houston and Texas can be death sentences for some pitchers......I think if it were down to Hou, TX & SD.....we'd win out even if he made a little less.......I think he realizes the benefits of pitching in SD and the spacious NLWest......as opposed to the NLCentral.......

Believe me.......nothing would make me happier than to see him locked up for near his career in a Padre uni.........if he has back to back healthy seasons proving the shoulder issue was likely WBC created, I could see a LONG term deal getting done.....even with our FO not usually giving them out.....

When I met Jake in Atlanta he said Minute Maid was his favorite away staidum to pitch in.

[FmrFresnan]

Jake has already said that he is very close friends with Roy Oswalt, so I think Oswalt would push hard for Peavy to sign in Houston.

But Peavy is a Padre 4 life, that's my belief. I think Towers cannot afford to let Peavy test the FA waters, the Padres WILL NOT come out on top, believe that. Losing Peavy will kill this franchise for good.

[HollywoodLeo]

I don't know if I'd go as far as to say that it'd "kill the franchise for good" it's not like it'd be the first time they lost a mega star player.

But it would be a pretty sizeable set back and would probably see some harsh feed back from the fans.

[love_that_reefer]

Yeah in no way would I say it kills the franchise with so many young/good arms in the system.

[FmrFresnan]

We have good young arms in our system?

Wade LeBlanc (AA - San Antonio)

Josh Greer (AA - San Antonio)

Nate Culp (A - Lake Elsinore)

These 3 are the only players that are listed as "top prospects" in the Padres organization. The other 2 being Cesar Carillo and Cesar Ramos. Carillo was shut down for the 2nd straight season with elbow problems and Ramos has a 3.63 ERA in AA San Antonio. If Peavy walks in Free Agency, can any of these fill his role any better than Peavy has?

[HollywoodLeo]

Even if they can't does that neccessarily qualify as the catastrophic "killing of the franchise for good" label you gave it?

[HollywoodLeo]

Since we're on the subject and you left him off your list is it too early to give Latos any love?

Either way, though, it's way too early to ascertain whether or not we have adaquate talent in the minor leagues on their way up to possibly replace Jake or not.

As an example (and don't take this as any sort of prediction) for all we know Nick Schmidt could end up being the #1 minor league prospect by 2009.