12-10-2008, 12:38 AM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The Padres and Cubs were scheduled to hold another session of talks later Tuesday evening, according to San Diego general manager Kevin Towers, who said he "feels probably better today at this time than yesterday at this time" regarding the progress of the trade talks.
"We've made some progress," Towers said. "We're just not there yet."
He described the Cubs as having some work to do. Though he wasn't specific, sources with knowledge of the talks say the Cubs must move payroll to take on the $63 million Peavy is owed over the next four years.
Specifically, they're attempting to move pitcher Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary owed for 2009.
Though Towers said the Padres and Cubs haven't completely settled on the pieces Chicago would send to San Diego, there is general agreement. Third base prospect Josh Vitters certainly would be in the package, which also is expected to include right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart and possibly pitcher Angel Guzman. Shortstop Ronny Cedeno is also a possibility.
A third team almost certainly would need to be involved, and possibly, according to Towers, a fourth club.
Philadelphia, which could end up acquiring infielder Mark DeRosa from the Cubs and sending pitcher J.A. Happ or catcher Chris Coste to the Padres, remains one possibility.
Baltimore, which would sent pitcher Garret Olson to the Cubs for outfielder Felix Pie -- and then the Cubs would pass Olson along to the Padres -- remains another possibility.
The Cubs were said to have been approached by another club -- or more -- Tuesday involving players that could be in the Peavy deal. That could mean either Marquis or DeRosa, or both.
Another twist, that likely will mean more delays if this deal is to be completed: The Padres are looking to pick one player -- and perhaps more -- in Thursday morning's Rule 5 draft and, as a result, they may need to clear some space on their 40-man roster to make room for some of the players in a potential Peavy trade.
That presents a scenario in which the Cubs and Padres could agree to a deal in a day or two but delay announcing it until Friday, Saturday or later.
Towers said he believes Hendry has the power to move now in personnel decisions despite the Cubs' impending sale.
"My impression is he has the ability to move if he is comfortable with what he's giving up," Towers said.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link.
"We've made some progress," Towers said. "We're just not there yet."
He described the Cubs as having some work to do. Though he wasn't specific, sources with knowledge of the talks say the Cubs must move payroll to take on the $63 million Peavy is owed over the next four years.
Specifically, they're attempting to move pitcher Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary owed for 2009.
Though Towers said the Padres and Cubs haven't completely settled on the pieces Chicago would send to San Diego, there is general agreement. Third base prospect Josh Vitters certainly would be in the package, which also is expected to include right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart and possibly pitcher Angel Guzman. Shortstop Ronny Cedeno is also a possibility.
A third team almost certainly would need to be involved, and possibly, according to Towers, a fourth club.
Philadelphia, which could end up acquiring infielder Mark DeRosa from the Cubs and sending pitcher J.A. Happ or catcher Chris Coste to the Padres, remains one possibility.
Baltimore, which would sent pitcher Garret Olson to the Cubs for outfielder Felix Pie -- and then the Cubs would pass Olson along to the Padres -- remains another possibility.
The Cubs were said to have been approached by another club -- or more -- Tuesday involving players that could be in the Peavy deal. That could mean either Marquis or DeRosa, or both.
Another twist, that likely will mean more delays if this deal is to be completed: The Padres are looking to pick one player -- and perhaps more -- in Thursday morning's Rule 5 draft and, as a result, they may need to clear some space on their 40-man roster to make room for some of the players in a potential Peavy trade.
That presents a scenario in which the Cubs and Padres could agree to a deal in a day or two but delay announcing it until Friday, Saturday or later.
Towers said he believes Hendry has the power to move now in personnel decisions despite the Cubs' impending sale.
"My impression is he has the ability to move if he is comfortable with what he's giving up," Towers said.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Link.