Chicago White Sox a Sleeper for Jake Peavy?

When you consider Peavy's contract, the deal ordinarily would be out of the question. Williams has never been one to assume a large contract without at least splitting the cost with the other franchise (has done so with both Cincinnati for Ken Griffey and Philadelphia for Jim Thome).

But look at how much Peavy will earn in the coming seasons. He's due $8 million in 2009 and then escalating salaries of $15, $16, and $17 million from 2010-12 before a $22 million club option in 2013. Swisher and Vazquez were set to make $16.8 in 2009 and $18.25 million in 2010, both well more than Peavy's contract value for those two seasons.

The White Sox also have moneys coming off their books in the future that could afford them the ability to take on the size of Peavy's contract in 2011 and 2012. Jim Thome's $13 million salary (albeit being split between Philly and the Sox) comes off the books after 2009. Paul Konerko's $12 million annual salary ends after 2010, as does Jose Contreras' $10 million. These contracts expiring, as well as those of Octavio Dotel, Jermaine Dye and AJ Pierzynski, give the White Sox more than enough financial ability to make the move for Peavy.

Kenny Williams made the first splash of the winter when he traded Swisher to New York. He made the first big splash of the winter by moving Vazquez to Atlanta before any of the major free agent arms has signed.

Could he be laying the foundation for a surprise move that could land Peavy in Chicago...but on the South Side?

[Story updated as names in Atlanta trade became final]

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