Harden or Marshall along with Samardzija is a pretty high price to pay for Peavy. I would rather see Marquis gone and especially hate to see Samardzija gone. He's the one with the most upside future. As classy an act as Wood is, I would hate to see him gone as well, but fully understand it's a business and Hendry may have to cut the string.

I really dont think peavy is an upgrade from harden. Taking the injuries into account and the fact that they only have him under one more year of contract, i still think harden is a better pitcher. Besides I would rather keep the farm system in tact and hold on to harden for the year. Trading harden for peavy doesnt do much for upgrading the rotation.

Thanks Neil...I was actually going to post that in the Community spot.

You did a great job of explaining it.

I have to admit, I don't really see a point in trading three great arms: Marshall, Harden, AND Samardzija for one arm, but that's just me.

I'd say Marshall and MAYBE Samardzija, though I'd prefer someone else, because power arms are tough to find, especially with his potential and early success in the majors.

Does this really solve our postseason hitting woes for the past two postseasons?

I know you dont give up the chance to get a Jake Peavy especially since Towers seems inclined to help us out a little bit.

But at the end of the day our pitching has been great the past two years and our seasons ended because we didnt hit.

I'd really prefer to find ourselves a lefty power bat first..

all things considered, I would rather use the trading chips on a leadoff or other star hitter. I think the rotation is good enough.

I agree with Paul and Matt, it would be nice to add Peavy especially considering the injury risks to Harden and big Z, but it wasn't our pitching the failed us this post season, it was defense and hitting. They couldn't get anything going to pressure their pitchers or change momentum at all. If we are going to get Peavy, find out a way to do it without giving up Samardzija or the Padres can keep him. personally, i would rather have Brian Roberts over Peavy anyway, especially if they resign Dempster. (but not for what demp is looking for or he can walk too.)

I would look at a Peavy deal that includes Harden but I would keep Marshall and Samardzija. Adding Hart and Ceda plus Cedeno would be OK.

I'm hoping that 4 and $50 works for Dempster. He might get 5 and $70 from the Yanks but I would let him go for the two top draft picks--if it came to that.

Aaron asked on the previous post my take on relievers Krod, Brandon Lyon, Gagne and Turnbow. IMO, Gagne is done, Lyon had a 2nd half ERA over 8, KRod is too expensive for a violent thrower with an awful lot of appearances the last few years and the hard throwing Turnbow is like the not-so-hard throwing Hill--good when they can consistently throw strikes.

Those 4 were asked about if we lose Wood and have to shore up our relief corps. I would either try to get the lefty free agent, Fuentes or do a trade. One might be trading for the Mariners young Brandon Morrow (3-4, 3.34, 40 H in 64 IP, 34 W and 75 SO's. Maybe we get J.J. Putz who pitched well the 2nd half (4-2, 2.96) and who is 32. If we don't need Hoffpauir, we might package him with Marquis, and Fox for Morrow or Putz, the versatile LHP Jared Washburn and a good prospect. The Mariners need power bats. Marquis' and Washburn's one year remaining contracts offset each othr.

Bruce Levine reported on Thursday night that Peavy will be traded to the Cubs or the Braves by Monday.

Will have full report up later tonight.

Also, check out Aaron's Community Blog post

http://chicagocubsonline.com/community_blog/2008/11/fukudome-on-his-way-out.php

He beat me to it this time.....good stuff as well as surprising about Fukudome.

I've been a full supporter of the Peavy trade...BUT I say back out of it if we are giving up the Shark and Harden as well. No way. The original Pie, Marshall or Hill, and Cedeno package along with maybe a low minor leaguer is more than sufficient.

I'm not sure what the Braves would gain by saying on their site tonight at 9:37 p.m. that they are confident they will trade for Peavy--if it weren't likely. Reportedly, Yunel Escobar SS, who did well this past season for the Braves (.288-10-60, OBP .366) is the key along with some young pitchers. I think an Of like Josh Anderson could be in the deal too.

JH's golf and bowling outings with Towers could get us Greene for Marshall and Fontenot--and maybe Chris Young too for Hart, Ceda and Castillo.

Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates....oh wait...wrong quote....Mama always said not to count your chickens before they are hatched! Good thing about the Braves is they are also trying to acquire a power hitting outfielder and are trying to trade with the Cardinals who would want Escobar in their deal....