Cubs/Phillies/Padres Three-Way in the Works

[cubbyfanforever]

LAS VEGAS -- The continued effort between San Diego and the Cubs to figure out a way to send ace Jake Peavy to Chicago has resulted in their engaging the Philadelphia Phillies as a potential third team to help facilitate a deal, CBSSports.com has learned.

The potential trade remains complicated, and multiple sources cautioned that it might not get done with the Phillies. But those sources agreed Monday that the Padres and Cubs continue attempting to figure out a way to get it done, and the Padres' preference, as stated by general manager Kevin Towers earlier Monday, is to deal sooner rather than later.

Current talks center around the Cubs sending third-base prospect Josh Vitters, right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart and possibly veteran Jason Marquis, to the Padres in exchange for Peavy.

Any Phillies' involvement could wind up sending left-hander J.A. Happ, 26, the Phillies' third-round pick in the 2004 draft, to San Diego. The Padres and Phillies also have discussed catcher Chris Coste, according to sources.

The Padres currently are thin behind the plate and, as of now, would open the season with Nick Hundley catching.

The Padres are not exactly enamored at the prospect of obtaining Marquis but, then again, it appears, neither is anybody else. Sources say one of the hurdles the Padres and Cubs are attempting to clear is that in order to add Peavy's contract -- he's due $63 million over the next four years -- Chicago would have to clear some salary.

Marquis is due $9.875 million in 2009, the final year of his contract. Chicago is shopping Marquis and hopes to trade him, sources said, to clear room for Peavy. If the Cubs cannot, the Padres likely would take him and pay between $4 and $5 million of his salary, with the Cubs taking care of the rest.

What the Cubs would like to do is find a club that would relieve them of all of Marquis' salary, but right now that appears to be the impossible dream.

Other names that have been discussed between the Cubs and Padres include infielder Ronny Cedeno and pitcher Angel Guzman. The Cubs are leaning against dealing left-hander Sean Marshall, sources said.

It is not clear who would be going back to the Phillies -- and one source cautioned late Monday afternoon that Philadelphia's involvement in the talks well could be fleeting -- but they are known to have interest in Cubs infielder Mark De Rosa. The Phillies also are hoping to add an established veteran starting pitcher as protection in case negotiations with Jamie Moyer break down beyond repair.

The Padres and Cubs also have engaged Baltimore in the talks. In that scenario, sources say, the Cubs would send outfielder Felix Pie to the Orioles for pitcher Garrett Olson, then send Olson, VItters and a package of others that could include Hart and Cedeno to the Padres.

[cubbyfanforever]

Padres GM Kevin Towers said there's essentially a Jake Peavy deal in place if the Cubs are willing to sign off on it.

"There's a package there that will satisfy us ... there's a deal in the way of names," said Towers, who carefully stated that no deal, even in principle, has been reached. Towers has been in contact with the Phillies and Orioles and may have agreements with both of them in what would be a three- or four-team Peavy deal. Towers did say there might be some "haggling" over the players the Padres would get in return from the Cubs. If the Orioles are involved, it's very likely that they'd get Felix Pie from the Cubs and send Garrett Olson to San Diego......................... 9:00pm: MLB.com's Corey Brock says the legwork on this trade "has essentially been completed." No deal has been reached, but Towers says he's facilitated a three or possibly four-team deal. The third and possibly fourth teams (Orioles, Phillies) have agreed to players. There could be some haggling remaining on players sent from the Cubs to Padres.

[ryno4ever]

but they are known to have interest in Cubs infielder Mark De Rosa

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[thisistheday]

Who wouldn't have interest in Mark DeRosa? He can do anything. He's a dream.

Were he actually to be dealt... I would be shocked. SHOCKED.

[ryno4ever]

I would be heartbroken! ;)

[VanMan]

DeRo in the deal? Who would be the Cubs' 2B/supersub?

[LeeEila's/rant]

Stupid deal . It will not fix a damn thing from last year and if they trade DeRosa we will be worse !!

[KingKong10]

agreed - we need DeRosa more than we need another starter

but seeing DeRosa mentioned makes me think there is a deal for Brian Roberts in the works....

interesting to think we could add Peavy, Abreau and Roberts to a team that won 97 games.

[TheBenjamin]

DeRo in the deal? Who would be the Cubs' 2B/supersub?


fontenot at 2b

[Jimmy Nordon]

Orlando Hudson at 2b.

[Bockstock]

For once I'll agree with Benjamin, Fontenot would be fine at 2b.

Could we knock off the Roberts talk?? It's getting nauseating.

[JC4CubsWin]

Mike Fontenot can do the job at 2nd. Don't start with the B Roberts talk. I don't want to hear his name mentioned unless it is to announce his signing a contract. Last off-season was just too much. I was "Roberts-OUT" by the start of spring training. Andy McPhail just kept playing us along.

[ryno4ever]

I think we nicknamed Roberts as "he-who's-name-shall-not-be-mentioned" on here last winter.... perhaps, we need to rename Peavy that!

[TrueBlueCubFan]

FYI, Dero's is in the last year of his deal. Trading him for a top of the line SP, like Peavy, is not that bad of idea. You have to give up quality to get quality. Let's not forget, this isn't fantasy baseball.

[Bockstock]

This is getting interesting. apparently some other teams have contacted Hendry about DeRosa, and Marquis value gets higher with every SP taken off the market.

[TheBenjamin]

The twins are the latest team to ask about him

[cubbie_kern]

I hope they don't trade Dero, even though Font will do just fine at 2b

[TheBenjamin]

well, if we go with a three team trade, and stick with the Os we wont.

[thisistheday]

From MLB's hotstove blog:

The Twins are reportedly trying to become the third team in the Padres-Cubs talks regarding Jake Peavy, and have come up with a package of young players in hopes of luring Mark DeRosa from Chicago. But a Cubs source said Wednesday the versatile DeRosa is staying put and not going to be dealt.

The Cubs, Philies and Padres are still talking about a potential deal, but there is no timetable. There also is no pressure on the Cubs to get something done.

[LeeEila's/rant]

FYI, Dero's is in the last year of his deal. Trading him for a top of the line SP, like Peavy, is not that bad of idea. You have to give up quality to get quality. Let's not forget, this isn't fantasy baseball.

There is more intrest in DeRo than Peavy so his value is higher . Why package all our prospects and Derosa for someone who we really don't need.

Spend our resources on a left handed hitter. Peavy would be great but not a pressing need. We won the division with our pitching and lost the playoffs with our bats .

[Bims]

There is more intrest in DeRo than Peavy so his value is higher . Why package all our prospects and Derosa for someone who we really don't need.

Spend our resources on a left handed hitter. Peavy would be great but not a pressing need. We won the division with our pitching and lost the playoffs with our bats . DeRosa's value isn't even close to Peavy's. ..... Why would we want Peavy? Because anytime you have a chance to get a 27 year old former CY Young winner, you go for it. I don't care how good you think your pitching is!

[Jimmy Nordon]

Bims Towers knows what he is doing and is looking to drive up the price with other teams. Dont think he wants to deal him to the cubs.

[AceCubbie]

Normally, you don't trade for luxury. But we're talking about Jake Peavy here. You make that deal.

[ryno4ever]

the pressure is on tower's right now from the owners of the Padres. He HAS to unload Peavy, there is not an option to or not.... he has been told he has to get rid of that payroll. The cards are totally in Hendry's hands right now, and he knows the longer he waits, the more desperate Towers is going to get, within reason...

[Bockstock]

I like DeRosa, but if the Cubs being hesitant about trading him is holding up the deall...
Well that's really dumb

[LeeEila's/rant]

DeRosa's value isn't even close to Peavy's. ..... Why would we want Peavy? Because anytime you have a chance to get a 27 year old former CY Young winner, you go for it. I don't care how good you think your pitching is!

You argue like an adolescent . You just take a knee- jerk reaction to whatever anyone posts.

We have a limited budget and limited trade assets . If you have a need to fill you should spend your money to fulfill that need. If there is such interest in DeRosa we can trade him and get more from him than we can in a package for Peavy.

The producer sets the price , the market sets the value .

If Peavy can only go to one buyer than his market value of him is less that of the percieved value. Why spend your most valuable asset on a luxury when you can spend it on a need ? We could trade DeRosa to a number of teams and recieve in return everything from pitching prospects to left handed hitters . What can SD get for Peavy ? NOTHING , if the Cubs say no . So if we get Peavy we can't deal him we just have one option , pitch him and pay him , a lot ! If we trade Derosa for prospects or hitters we can trade them , play them , or sell them and have money left over for free agent players.

Getting Peavy puts more limitations on us than if we don't.

This is the real world not kids trading cards. There are limitations and real needs to fill.

[Bims]

You argue like an adolescent . You just take a knee- jerk reaction to whatever anyone posts.

We have a limited budget and limited trade assets . If you have a need to fill you should spend your money to fulfill that need. If there is such interest in DeRosa we can trade him and get more from him than we can in a package for Peavy.

The producer sets the price , the market sets the value .

If Peavy can only go to one buyer than his market value of him is less that of the percieved value. Why spend your most valuable asset on a luxury when you can spend it on a need ? We could trade DeRosa to a number of teams and recieve in return everything from pitching prospects to left handed hitters . What can SD get for Peavy ? NOTHING , if the Cubs say no . So if we get Peavy we can't deal him we just have one option , pitch him and pay him , a lot ! If we trade Derosa for prospects or hitters we can trade them , play them , or sell them and have money left over for free agent players.

Getting Peavy puts more limitations on us than if we don't.

This is the real world not kids trading cards. There are limitations and real needs to fill.
I guess I argue like an adolescent because you disagree with me. That's a very adult way to look at things. ..... Two things: 1) I don't care how you cut it. Mark DeRosa's trade value isn't even close to that of Jake Peavy's. That's the most empty, clueless statement i've ever heard. The fact that you try and defend it makes it even worse. ..... It's silly to think that it's the Cubs or bust for Peavy. I love how we believe everything a GM tells us all of the sudden. The Astros, Brewers, and Angels have all be rumored to be in contact with the Padres about Peavy. There was also talk that the Yankees are the team Peavy now wants to go to since they signed Sabathia. Yankees officials even sat down with Padres people about it. Though it lools like they are going to sign Burnet, rather then give up young talent to get Peavy.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Update: according to Bruce Miles (Daily Herald), Peavy to the Cubs deal, is dead.

[KingKong10]

i agree you trade for a guy like Peavy but you can't give them a guy like DeRosa the Cubs are saying is a CLUBHOUSE LEADER.

chemistry/leadership is a huge part of baseball. if the word is that DeRosa is a key to the current chemistry of a club (a club that just made the post season in back to back seasons for the first time in FOREVER!!!) you have to put him on an untouchable list (heck, i'd even say extend him for a few years and give him security he'll be here to lead for a few more years).


look at the White Sox (and i'm duckign as i say this) but they trade Rowand after they win the WS. he was a huge part of their chemistry. Sox should have been playoff teams in '06 and '07 but IMO they took the heart out of that squad when they ditched Rowand.

Look at LA when they added Manny. he took over as a leader and lead a sub .500 team to the NLCS.

Look at the knock on Milton Bradley - he has the stats/talent but he's labeled erratic and not a 'leader'.

this in not the NBA where you have to match salaries to make a trade work. if SD has to dump salary you tell them you'll take Peavy but DeRo is not going to be part of the deal.

offer them stuff like Pie, Fontenot, Cedeno (they need a cheap young SS like Ronny since they just traded Greene) and prospects and maybe try to finagle Fukudome or marquis in there somehow by picking up a chunk of salary.

[Bims]

i agree you trade for a guy like Peavy but you can't give them a guy like DeRosa the Cubs are saying is a CLUBHOUSE LEADER.

chemistry/leadership is a huge part of baseball. if the word is that DeRosa is a key to the current chemistry of a club (a club that just made the post season in back to back seasons for the first time in FOREVER!!!) you have to put him on an untouchable list (heck, i'd even say extend him for a few years and give him security he'll be here to lead for a few more years).


look at the White Sox (and i'm duckign as i say this) but they trade Rowand after they win the WS. he was a huge part of their chemistry. Sox should have been playoff teams in '06 and '07 but IMO they took the heart out of that squad when they ditched Rowand.

Look at LA when they added Manny. he took over as a leader and lead a sub .500 team to the NLCS.

Look at the knock on Milton Bradley - he has the stats/talent but he's labeled erratic and not a 'leader'.

this in not the NBA where you have to match salaries to make a trade work. if SD has to dump salary you tell them you'll take Peavy but DeRo is not going to be part of the deal.

offer them stuff like Pie, Fontenot, Cedeno (they need a cheap young SS like Ronny since they just traded Greene) and prospects and maybe try to finagle Fukudome or marquis in there somehow by picking up a chunk of salary. The difference is the White Sox won the world series. The Cubs got swept in the 1st round for the second season in a row. Kerry Wood is about as good a clubhouse guy as they get. The Cubs had no problem letting him go. ..... To say a team has a good clubhouse is nice for the papers. But does it really translate to winning? Where have the Cubs clubhouse guys been the last two postseasons? What the Cubs need is a guy with some edge. Is Milton Bradley that guy? Maybe.

[Bims]

The Angels are believed to have already put a package together for Peavy.

[Bockstock]

look at the White Sox (and i'm duckign as i say this) but they trade Rowand after they win the WS. he was a huge part of their chemistry. Sox should have been playoff teams in '06 and '07 but IMO they took the heart out of that squad when they ditched Rowand.



How did the Phillies win the World Series after they got rid of Clubhouse Leader Rowand??

It's unfathomable.

[Pizza_the_Hut]

look at the White Sox (and i'm duckign as i say this) but they trade Rowand after they win the WS. he was a huge part of their chemistry. Sox should have been playoff teams in '06 and '07 but IMO they took the heart out of that squad when they ditched Rowand.

The loss of Rowand didn't make the team ERA jump up a full run in 2006.

I think chemistry is sometimes overrated in sports. You put 25 good ballplayers on the field that know how to win, it doesn't matter if they like each other or not.

[Bockstock]

I didn't mean to be condescending in my post, but I agree with Pizza. This is baseball, not Patton's Third Army.