C.C. Sabathia's pending massive payday on the free-agent market could embolden Jake Peavy to seek...

C.C. Sabathia's pending massive payday on the free-agent market could embolden Jake Peavy to seek extra money if the Padres try to trade Peavy to a team he doesn't prefer.

That's how Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod drew it up yesterday.

"It's not that far of a stretch to say this is a free-agent situation," Axelrod said, "and if there is a guy like Sabathia out there, we would have to look at what any given team is going to pay Sabathia, because he and Jake won the Cy Young award in the same year, and we're going to put Jake on the same plane as this guy."

Sabathia's free agency could set up a big payday for Padres ace
via The San Diego Union-Tribune
Seriously, prospects and more money! Can we start the "add arms by signing free agents and only free agents" movement. Look, I know it says he'll only demand more money to the teams he doesn't prefer, but really? He will have leverage.

over 3 years ago gondeee 4 comments 0 recs |

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Well, Peavy is probably underpaid...

but I don’t want my team providing him with the remedy to that situation!

To be honest, I don’t really think giving pitchers contracts of five or more years is a good idea with the exception of extreme cases like Maddux, Clemens, Glavine, or other guys who combine a minimal injury history, smooth mechanics, and dominance. I would imagine that Peavy wants not just more money but probably a few more years if he can get them. But that’s just my speculation, for what little it’s worth.

by BraveBronco0121 on Oct 28, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

Why I HATE sound bites

This is pretty disingenuous here, gondeee. Barry Axelrod said all of that, it’s true. But he also said the following:

“If it is someplace where Jake is being asked to make massive change and someplace he may not really want to go, it may take more enticement to get him to agree.”

That certainly gives the situation a different tone. Rather than sounding like an all-out ultimatum for a new contract, it now sounds like “I’ll go somewhere I don’t want to go, so long as you pay me big money.” That’s pretty predictable, and I truly think Peavy wants to come to Atlanta. I don’t think these comments change anything from the Braves’ perspective, as it really doesn’t seem like he’ll demand additional money from his preferred destination. This is just him trying to steer trade talks.

by tgthree on Oct 28, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

I can actually see this helping the Braves

This statement will do nothing but discourage teams not on “the list.” The Braves are his prefered team, so this really doesn’t negatively affect them at all, it may actually help them by taking a few teams out of the running, thus making their offers seem more desirable.

by 10-4 on Oct 29, 2008 8:40 AM EDT reply actions

This is not a factor

Like 10-4 said, it could help the Bravos. Look at the discount Peavy gave to San Diego to stay there, and then think about his desire to pitch in Atlanta. He will not ask for his contract to be reworked if he goes to the Braves. If anything, it does what 10-4 said, and pushes some people out of the discussion.

by TheSportsIdiot on Oct 29, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions