PADRES: Peavy wants to stay, but willing to depart

Padres meet with ace's agent, discuss trade concerns

By DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Thursday, October 30, 2008 12:12 AM PDT ∞

Barry Axelrod, Jake Peavy's agent, had a meeting with the Padres this week. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

SAN DIEGO ---- Jake Peavy's agent told the Padres earlier this week that his client prefers to remain with the team, though the ace right-hander remains willing to accommodate the club if it wants to trade him, agent Barry Axelrod said Wednesday.

Axelrod met with Padres general manager Kevin Towers and CEO Sandy Alderson earlier this week to exchange ideas and concerns.

"He doesn't want to leave," Axelrod said. "It's not easy at all. The bottom line is (this process) is not easy for Jake or easy for the Padres. There's not ill will. It's a tough situation for the Padres, and it makes it tough for Jake and his family. It's a choice between two bad options."

It seems, though, that a trade may be Peavy's only option since the Padres have declared they would seek to improve the 2009 club through trades rather than through the free agent market.

Even so, Towers said nothing is imminent with the general managers meetings in Dana Point set to begin Monday.

"It's the first time in his tenure we decided to probe what we could extract for him," Towers said. "It's not a given he's going to be moved. I think he enjoys being a Padre. Was there frustration last year? Absolutely there was, with all of us. ... This is the only organization he's ever known. I'm sure there's a sense of loyalty there. It didn't surprise me to hear (he wants to stay)."

Axelrod said he wouldn't be surprised to see Peavy dealt or start Opening Day for the Padres. But for the sake of Peavy and his family, he'd like to see an end result sooner rather than later.

Axelrod said Peavy has not set a deadline for a deal, nor has he discussed one.

"We're never in control of timetables," Axelrod said. "But at some point, say Feb. 15, we'll say 'Jake's not going to accept a trade.' That's the only control we have. We've never talked about it. It could be next week that Jake says 'I'm tired of this speculation' or he might never say it. ...

"I have no idea (if a deal will happen.) One minute there's no way it could happen, and the next it could happen at any time."

The no-trade clause in his contract also gives Peavy the flexibility to look at any and all options before making a final decision. Axelrod likened the situation to that of a free agent because, ultimately, Peavy has final approval over his destination.

"It's a rarity where you get to a point where you have a choice," Axelrod said.

"As any given situation arises, we can take a look at all of the factors.

"He will have a true choice."

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.