Aug 09 2009
Analysis Of The Jake Peavy Trade
At this year’s trading deadline, one of San Diego’s few remaining salary burdens was (finally) traded away to the Chicago White Sox, a team which he had previously rejected in accordance with his no-trade clause. Still dealing with a lingering foot injury, one which may preclude him from actually being of any assistance to his new team, Jake Peavy was less than agreeable in previous trade attempts initiated by GM Kevin Towers, and in his current condition his new team would probably be more than happy to get even a handful of starts from him, preferably around September. The Pads, however, did not walk away from this deal empty-handed. If the prospects received from Chicago can fulfill their considerable promise, this deal could solidify San Diego’s pitching staff for a number of years to come. As bad as things have been for them this year, any help has got to be appreciated.
A quick look at the players Chicago sent to San Diego for RHP Jake Peavy:
Clayton Richard, LHP
DOB: 09-12-83
B-T: L-L
HT: 6’5” WT: 240
Drafted: 2005, 8th rd.
Comparable to Mark Buehrle…FB at 88-92, good sink and a bit of run, change and slurve, all for strikes…Changeup is fringe-average, but shows promise…Projects as a #3 starter who can eat a lot of innings, induce a good number of ground balls…Would be a strong middle reliever, but is probably wasted in the ‘pen, even with shaky secondary pitches.
Aaron Poreda, RHP
DOB: 10-01-86
B-T: L-L
HT: 6’6” WT: 240
Drafted: 2007, 1st rd.
Bigtime FB sits in the mid-90’s, approaches triple digits…Physically imposing and easy velocity, but has little else, and has had to work hard on developing secondary pitches…Slider is fair, but still better than changeup…Projects as an All-Star closer, at this point, but could be ace starter if he can get at least one other consistently average pitch…Fastball can straighten out, but let’s face it; at that velocity, it’s still no day at the beach.
Dexter Carter, RHP
DOB: 2-5-87
B-T: R-R
HT: 6’6” WT: 195
Drafted: 2008, 13th rd.
Another pitching prospect the size of a small forward; see a pattern, here?…At 195, has a lot of room to fill out…Fastball sits at 92-93 with life, can dial it up to 95-96…Excellent curve that he throws for strikes…Keeps the ball down well, drives to the plate, has worked hard on his mechanics since being drafted…Has perhaps more upside than the other three prospects which the Padres received in the Peavy trade; a half-way decent change could give him a ceiling as a #1 starter.
Adam Russell, RHP
DOB: 4-14-83
B-T: R-R
HT: 6’4” WT: 250
Drafted: 2004, 6th rd.
Yes, another hulking pitcher from the White Sox system, though this one’s more linebacker than small forward…Comes right at you with a FB peaking in the mid-90’s and average-plus curve, but his mechanics have historically been all over the place…Looks like a classic short man, at this point, especially since he’s not been able to get a steady third pitch going…Will have to work at being consistent in his delivery before he can be trusted with more than short stints.
