Jake Peavy might be interested in move to L.A
DODGERS FYI
If Padres are rebuilding, right-hander would consider a trade to Dodgers
A longtime nemesis of the Dodgers has emerged as a candidate to be the top-of-the-rotation arm to replace Derek Lowe if he leaves the club this winter in free agency as expected.
Jake Peavy has told the San Diego Padres that the Dodgers are among the five teams he would consider as potential trade destinations, according to Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod.
Peavy, who has a full no-trade clause in a contract that was extended in December, is owed $11 million in 2009, $15 million in 2010, $16 million in 2011 and $17 million in 2012. He has a $22-million team option for 2013 that could be bought out for $4 million.
Axelrod said Padres General Manager Kevin Towers told him late in the season that the team was looking to rebuild and that could benefit from unloading Peavy's contract. Axelrod said he recently gave Towers a list of teams to which Peavy might consent to being traded. On that list were the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals.
"This isn't Jake asking," Axelrod said. "He wants to stay in San Diego."
Or, if the Padres are dead set on rebuilding, in the National League. Peavy would want to be moved to a contender, according to Axelrod.
Axelrod said he was later asked by Towers if his client would be open to pitching for any American League team. The agent said he the Angels could be a possibility because they are close to his home in the San Diego area.
Peavy, 27, won the Cy Young Award last season, when he was 19-6 with a 2.54 earned-run average. He was 10-11 for a team that lost 99 games this year, but his 2.85 ERA ranked third in the NL and fifth in the majors.
Peavy is 13-1 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 2.32 ERA.
Martin isn't worn down
Russell Martin said he had to get to the postseason to realize he was tired for most of the year.
Martin caught more games this season than any catcher in Dodgers' history, as he was behind the plate for a club-record 149 games in the regular season and another eight in the playoffs.
The two-time All-Star said he felt more energized in the postseason because of the frequent days off.
"I feel like I can play another 150," Martin said. In the regular season, he added, "you don't realize how you feel because you get used to being in that grind."
As in 2007, Martin saw his numbers decline over the second half of the regular season. He hit .297 up to the All-Star break and .270 after.
