Peavy Talk

[Clapp]

DeLuca
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->''There's one ballclub we are talking to, so we'll see what's there,'' Towers said. ''We should have a pretty good picture of where we're at certainly by Thursday.''

Since the general managers meetings last month, Towers and Cubs GM Jim Hendry have engaged in steady discussions centering on Peavy. One source close to Hendry characterized the Cubs as ''very close'' to closing the deal.

Sources say Towers has been trying to get creative to expedite a deal, arranging various scenarios involving one or two other teams to complete the package. The Padres would like to get five players in return for Peavy.
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Cubs and Baltimore Orioles sources confirmed that one element of the deal is virtually set, with the Cubs sending outfield prospect Felix Pie to the Orioles for pitcher Garrett Olson, who would be shipped to San Diego in the Peavy swap. A second team, believed to be the Philadelphia Phillies, also could help beef up the package of prospects. The Phils reportedly have interest in Cubs utilityman Mark DeRosa.
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Hendry has not been as willing to discuss the negotiations as Towers -- and the Padres GM's frankness has irked the Cubs -- but sources say the Cubs would first like to land the left-handed bat they need and clear salary space by dealing right-hander Jason Marquis before closing the Peavy deal. Marquis is set to earn $9.875 million in 2009, but a source said the Cubs might eat $4 million or more of that salary.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link(Sun-Times)