Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy is one of the top starters still available on the trade market, and rumors continue to swirl about his possible destination:
Jake Peavy rumor roundup: 10 scouts on hand to watch start
Taking a look at the latest news surrounding one of the top starting pitchers left on the trade market.
David Banks
Scouts for 10 teams on hand to watch Peavy
Peavy pitched against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, and scouts from 10 teams were on hand to watch his start, reports Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Scouts for some of the teams may have been on hand to watch Alex Rios, but Peavy is the top trade chip.
The right-hander pitched well against the Tigers, allowing four runs on four hits over seven innings, with the last of each of those coming likely because manager Robin Ventura left him in for an inning too long. Peavy struck out seven and only walked two in the White Sox 7-4 victory, putting to rest any concerns about his recovery from a broken rib.
Red Sox discussing swap for Middlebrooks
The Boston Red Sox have discussed a possible trade that would send third baseman Will Middlebrooks to Chicago, according to Merkin.
Middlebrooks struggled for Boston this season, hitting .192/.228/.389. The third baseman struck out 60 times in just 216 plate appearances, but has improved his contact rate since the Red Sox optioned him to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Boston has a number of options remaining at third base if the team decides to move Middlebrooks. Jose Iglesias has been a pleasant surprise this season, as he enters Friday hitting .343/.391/.428. If Iglesias starts to struggle, top propsect Xander Bogaerts could move from short to third, while Garin Cecchini waits in Double-A.
Mariners, Braves join potential suitors
The Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals have been linked to Peavy for a while now, but the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners both sent scouts to watch Peavy on Thursday, and may make a run for the starter as well.
Atlanta appeared to have a full pitching rotation, but injuries to Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm have them looking for another starter even with the impending return of Brandon Beachy from the DL. The Braves, however, are short on position player prospects, which may impede a deal with the White Sox.
The Mariners are 49-53 on the season, but have had scouts watching Peavy and are behaving the way a “buyer” would before the trade deadline, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
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