Cubs In Hot Pursuit of Peavy, But Who Would They Give Up?

The thought of the name Peavy on the back of a Cubs jersey is a very sexy topic around Chicago as of late.  The Cubs are one of two remaining candidates (Atlanta Braves) to land the former Cy Young Award winner.

If indeed Peavy is traded to the lovable losers, what would the Cubs have to give up?  The Braves clearly have the better prospects, but Peavy's no-trade clause gives him leverage and is essentially pursuing these teams via free agency.

There has been much speculation as to who the Cubs would deal to San Diego, some sources citing a three or four team trade.  However, the Cubs' best shot at landing the right hander is by including star reliever Jeff Samardzija, who also has a no-trade clause.  The Cubs have ruled out any trade involving the former Notre Dame football and baseball star, so the Padres have explored other options.

What San Diego is looking for in the trade is a pitcher who is major league ready, and a solid middle infielder. 

Enter the Cubs' latest proposal:  Young shortstop Ronny Cedeno, lefty pitcher Sean Marshall, righty pitcher Kevin Hart, and possibly top prospect Josh Vitters, a third basemen who was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry has a "win now" mentality in his approach to trades and free agent acquisitions, and none of those players mentioned really help the Cubs "win now". 

Peavy does. 

If the Padres decide they like Vitters enough, expect the Cubs to obtain Peavy by the end of the month.

But what does this trade mean for the Cubs?  Well, essentially it means good riddance to Jason Marquis, who is due $6.375 million this season.  In a normal offseason, the Cubs may get a mid-level prospect for a player of Marquis' age and caliber, but with a lack of pitchers on the market the Cubs may find a steal somewhere out there. 

With the tentative idea of Peavy in and Marquis out, the Cubs gain leverage over free agent Ryan Dempster, who reportedly has been offered a four year deal over $50 million. 

Dempster has indicated he wants to stay with the Cubs, but the 32-year old right hander wants a five year deal, and Hendry is skeptical about giving such a prolific deal to a 32-year old. 

With Dempster expected to return to Chicago, the Cubs would have one of the better pitching staffs this league has ever seen.  Headlined by number one starter Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs rotation would consist of Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Jake Peavy, Rich Harden, and Ted Lilly. 

How about 17 wins from your number five starter? 

The Cubs need to pull the trigger on this trade unless it involves Samardzija.  It would give no excuse to their offense in the 2009 playoffs, and in my mind would propel them to the favorites to win it all next season.