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Tidbits on Big Unit, Peavy

Email|Link|Comments (9) Posted by Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff November 12, 2008 05:41 PM

A couple of quick updates on a pair of notable pitchers . . .

Looks like a big meeting in Arizona tonight between the Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson could go far in determining whether the Big Unit, a free agent, remains in Arizona, as is his preference, or has to seek employment elsewhere.

Until now the Diamondbacks, who are watching the bottom line, have been hinting they may elect to pass on Johnson, but the pressure to keep him around so he can earn his 300th career win as a Diamondback might push them to bring him back.

Johnson, 45, is three wins shy of 300 and is also aiming for 5,000 strikeouts, but has told people he wants to win one more World Series. Johnson has 4,789 strikeouts, so he'd likely have to pitch two years to reach that milestone.

Johnson went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 2008, making 30 starts and pitching 184 innings. He has been plagued by back problems but seems to be healthy again.

If the Cubs are hot after San Diego's Jake Peavy, Lou Piniella doesn't know it.

"First of all, I think it's only talk," said Piniella earlier today while accepting the NL manager of the year award. "I haven't talked to (GM) Jim Hendry too much about our situation. We had a nice conversation two weeks ago at the organizational meetings. There were no specifics. At the time we hadn't talked about Peavy. I've really learned about Peavy on ESPN. Obviously, a very good pitcher, a top of the rotation pitcher. As far as myself I haven't had substantiative talks with Jim about it."

It's clear Piniella doesn't feel the Cubs need more pitching, but rather they need hitting. He said again that he felt he needed a lefthanded hitter and more athleticism in the lineup, pointing out that the Dodgers did not use one lefthanded pitcher against them this year and in the playoffs.

The Atlanta Braves still appear to be the leader for Peavy.

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9 comments so far...

IMO the Unit is washed up

Posted by Dave November 12, 08 07:03 PM

AND WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE RED SOX ???

Posted by JOE ANDERSON November 12, 08 07:06 PM

I had that feeling all along and was shocked the Cubs were even in the Peavy talks to begin with. This is good news as a Braves fan because there really isn't another place that fits with Peavy besides Atlanta now. Towers had better make his damn mind up or he's really going to get shafted in the long run. That is if he's serious about trading Peavy, which obviously he is. Escobar can go, and I have a feeling the Braves have already about had it with his attitude anyways.

Towers- Escobar, Hernandez, Morton, Locke_ take it or leave it!

Posted by Brian November 12, 08 07:19 PM

The braves should not trade away yunel escobar at all. They should go ahead and send Hanson, Flowers, and either Jo Jo Reyes or Charlie Morton for Peavy. If the Padres don't like that offer o well!!!!!!

Posted by Michael montgomery November 12, 08 07:24 PM

Escobar is as good as it's going to get for Atlanta at SS. With the free agent pitchers out there Atlanta can grab a real good starter or ever two without giving up prospects. I say Towers should shoot for a package of......

Escobar, Morton, Francouer and Hernandez for Peavy and one AA prospect
(Sorry Atlanta Fans!)

Posted by Matt K. November 12, 08 08:14 PM

Michael, I take it that you've had one too many, or you're just trying to be funny.
Trade Hanson? This guy can be as good as Peavy one day, so why would you trade that when Wren has already offered more than enough to land Peavy without Hanson in the picture. As I said, Escobar has tested the patience of Cox with the attitude, so you better believe he will be in the package! He is a great player, but we're talking a true ace here in Peavy!

And yes, the Padres would have already dealt the Braves Peavy for that offer you mentioned.

Posted by Brian November 12, 08 09:47 PM

Hey Joe Anderson, there are other things that are newsworthy besides the Red Sox. Hard to believe, I know.

Posted by denver_soxfan November 13, 08 09:19 AM

Why would the Padres take an offer without a major league ready player coming back in return?? Of the 3 players you mentioned, only Flowers is a decent player. And he is a catcher that is projected more as a first baseman, a rare position that the Padres are already loaded at with Gonzales and Kyle Blanks.
Escobar has to be part of the deal. If the Braves pull him out Towers should tell them "Oh well" and shop Peavy elsewhere. The Dodgers and Cubs are also in the running, and I think the Angels could be a darkhorse and come out of nowhere to offer Brandon Wood and a couple pitching prospects.

Posted by Trader Rob November 13, 08 11:56 AM

I miss having the Unit shoving NY media out of the way. Ahhhhh the good ol'days!

Hey! get out of his face!

Posted by Moon Unit November 13, 08 01:09 PM