Peavy parts ways with Boras, names Axelrod as new agent

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Monday, February 23, 2004 10:02 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Scott Boras is the most powerful agent in baseball.

But now his empire includes one fewer client.

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy fired Boras ---- who represents such heavy hitters as Alex Rodriguez, Greg Maddux and Ivan Rodriguez ---- as his agent during the offseason.

Peavy cited a "difference in philosophies" as the reason but declined to get into specifics.

" We just didn't really think a lot alike," he said. "I appreciate what they did for me, but it was just time for me to go in another direction.

"They're a great company. I would never have anything negative to say about them. But just not a good fit for me." Peavy, 22, signed with Boras back in 1999 after the Padres drafted him in the 15th round out of St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala.

"They seemed well-qualified and they are well-qualified to do what they do," Peavy said. "They approached me, and I signed with them just based on credentials and the guys' names they already had."

Peavy has replaced Boras with Barry Axelrod, an Encinitas-based agent who also represents Padres first baseman Phil Nevin. Axelrod is negotiating Peavy's 2004 contract, which is renewable because he has fewer than three years of major-league service.

"I've known Barry since I signed (in the minors)," Peavy said. "I just felt comfortable with Barry. It's going to be a good match, I believe."

Numbers game

Consider Sean Burroughs reminded of the guiding principle of the baseball clubhouse: veterans rule.

The Padres' third baseman surrendered the No. 33 jersey he wore last year ---- and his favorite number going back to his prep days in Long Beach ---- to 40-year-old pitcher David Wells without so much as a protest.

"It's out of respect," said Burroughs, who reported to spring training Monday. "He didn't really ask me. It was one of things where I was supposed to accept it. It's not a big deal to me."

Burroughs is now sporting No. 32, digits he says have absolutely no significance.

Will Wells give him something for the favorable swap?

"I haven't seen him yet," Burroughs said. "Maybe we'll talk, have some negotiations here."

Short hops

LHP David Wells, described as "under the weather," was given Monday off. He's expected to return for today's 9 a.m. workout. ... Of the 56 players invited to spring training, 43 have reported. Joining Sean Burroughs in arriving Monday were 1B Phil Nevin and Todd Sears, and OF Xavier Nady. ... The Padres signed three players from a two-day minor-league tryout camp at their spring complex: 1B Cole Hilt, a 2000 graduate of Temecula Valley High, INF Skip Adams and RHP Shane Roelle.