Jake Peavy Is Missing Link to Atlanta Braves' World Series Dreams

If there is one thing that's still magical about the game of baseball, it's that things can change at a moment's notice. One swing of the bat can send someone into major league folklore. One pitch or defensive lapse can turn a superstar into a goat for the rest of his days.

However, in the case of Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves, one routine ground ball can change not only a season, but a career.

Hudson, a three-time All-Star who has been in the majors for over a decade, is facing what could be a career-ending injury after brutally fracturing his ankle yesterday.

While thoughts are obviously with Hudson, the Braves organization is going to need to move forward on its quest to win World Series No. 4.

With Hudson gone, what was already an issue now becomes a necessity, as the Braves will need to look to find starting pitching to replace the production of the 8-7 Hudson.

Enter Jake Peavy.

Peavy is currently being shopped by the lowly White Sox and could be exactly what the Braves need to get them to the World Series.

The former Cy Young winner has had an extremely productive season, as he currently sees his record stand at 8-4 for a White Sox team that is currently 19 games under .500.

The Braves have a need for starting pitching, and Peavy is exactly the type of player who could step in to plug the now massive hole at the top of the Atlanta rotation.

Reports are already coming out linking Peavy to Atlanta, although the Braves have been down this road before, when a 2008 courtship of Peavy ended in failure.

Peavy can be expected to replace the experience that was lost by Hudson's injury, as the Braves now have only one starter over the age of 25. Although Peavy has only featured in two postseason games, he still is an 11-year veteran with experience pitching in the National League.

At the end of the day, as evidenced by last year's San Francisco Giants, hitting is always nice, but it's pitching that wins championships. The Braves should be able to maintain their NL East lead with or without the star righty, but if the Braves are serious about a championship run, a move for Peavy could be exactly what the team needs.