Phils Try to Pry Peavy Out of San Diego: Report

The Phillies are in discussions to possibly trade for Padres ace Jake Peavy, according to reports.

The rumor mill started after Mike Francesa of 660-AM radio in New York reported that the Phils have expressed interest in dealing for Peavy, according to the Beerleaguer.

Peavy, the 2007 National League Cy Young winner, blocked a trade to the Chicago White Sox earlier this week. A big reason was that he wanted to stay in the NL, said Peavy's agent.

The Phillies are in the NL -- check.

It also helps that the Phils can contend for a championship -- maybe Peavy would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to win in the east. But other teams can make the same claim including the Chicago Cubs and (against conventional wisdom) the New York Mets.

There is good reason that teams want Peavy so badly. He is 89-67 with a 3.27 ERA over 208 starts. His biggest boast could be that he has averaged more than a strikeout per inning during his eight-year career.

The guy is a stud -- why would the Pads want to get rid of him?

Money.

Whatever team pries the 28-year-old pitcher out of San Diego must be ready to pay. Peavy is due what's left of $11 million this season and still has $48 million guaranteed through 2012.

The Phillies would need to expand the payroll further to bring Peavy home for the summer.

Will it happen -- will the Phillies pony up not only the money but also a package of young players to bring in a right-handed ace to complement that lefty (Cole Hamels) who they already have?

It's unlikely but Phillies fans can dream.

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