Jake Peavy has just vetoed a trade to the Chicago White Sox.  Why?  Let me start by saying he is an established veteran pitcher, who has earned the right to have a no-trade clause in his contract. Great speculation has been made as to why he has refused a trade to the White Sox. Some of the more popular possibilities include:

• Not wanting to uproot his family
• Being comfortable in southern California
• His desire to try and help his current team (the Padres)
• Wanting to stay in the National League
• Having no interest in playing in/for Chicago

While any of these reasons may seem like a plausible decision, some more valid than others.  Let’s see if we can get to the root of this speculation and shed some light on his actual motivation.

Not wanting to uproot his family:  FALSE

For Peavy to believe that he is going to remain a Padre is wishful thinking. The Padres are the ones actively trying to move him. Plus, there is an unofficial list of teams that he would like to go to.  It’s difficult to believe that he wouldn’t be prepared to uproot his family if the right offer came along.

Being comfortable in southern California: Most likely TRUE

It has been speculated that he enjoys life in sunny southern Cali, and his family is comfortable there too.  Translation: He would like to be traded to a team in Southern California, such as the league-leading Dodgers. He may even consider the Angels, provided he is willing to move over to the American League, but more on that later.

His desire to try and help his current team: FALSE

Even during their current nine game winning streak, the Padres are only one game .500, and remain 7.5 games out of first place. Their flight to the playoffs left long ago and is ran out of fuel before it got to the San Diego Zoo. In addition, the Padres are currently trying to cut their payroll. Staying is only complicating this situation, and it is obvious the Padres will eventually find a suitable trade partner. They have slowly and steadily been lowering his trade price tag in hopes to accelerate the deal.

Wanting to stay in the National League: TRUE

This seems to be the leading candidate in the poll of why Peavy rejected this trade. The real question is “Why?”  Is it because he likes to step to the plate and get his at-bats?  Obviously not. He is hitless on the year and has a batting average of .178 for his career. Does he feel more comfortable with his knowledge of the hitters, having already proven his abilities by earning an NL Cy Young award?  Can it be that he is not a fan of the difference in rules between the two leagues? More to the point, and to put it bluntly, he doesn’t want to have to face the designated hitter each day he toes the rubber. Possibly because he has been known to be A LOT less effective beyond the seventh inning, where he will be more often lifted for a pinch hitter due to common circumstances of the National League. I feel it is more likely that he would rather not face a hitter that is only paid to swing the bat, as opposed to facing a pitcher at the plate twice a game and then a player coming off the bench after that pitcher has been pinch hit for.

Having no interest in playing in/for Chicago:  Possible

The White Sox do have a very outspoken manager in Ozzie Guillen. The White Sox have had their struggles so far this season. They also have very young and inexperienced players at some key positions, and seem to have some problems with their rotation. On the other hand, he could help the White Sox rotation a lot by adding himself atop that group, as well as adding veteran leadership. By trying to acquire a player of Peavy’s stature, it proves that the White Sox are trying to make a run at the playoffs, and should make them even more appealing. The White Sox did actually win the division last year, as opposed to the Padres who spent the same year trying to rebuild. If there is disinterest in moving to White Sox, it’s more likely on a personal, rather than professional level. The Chicago Cubs were interested in acquiring Peavey this offseason, and there were no such talks of Peavy rejecting the trade. Peavy therefore cannot be too afraid of the Windy City. The Cubs could still be future players in the Peavy sweepstakes and would probably be on the short list of teams that Peavy would play for.

After breaking down the possible options of why Jake Peavy activated his no trade clause, I think I see things a little more clearly. Maybe, just maybe, Peavy fears his numbers and production will fade as he goes up against the high priced talent of the designated hitter. Each time he goes out and tries to earn his paycheck, Peavy will have to decide if he is truly a top talent who can not only compete, but shut down the best in the game. If so, it is time to rest the no trade clause and let the best step to the plate.

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