Another Prime Arm Comes to Chicago

Apparently Chicagoland has become a prime landing spot for strong armed right handers from the west coast. First the big Jay Cutler deal and now a similar deal lands Jake Peavy on the White Sox DL. Dan Bernstein said it best this afternoon when he told callers to tell him how to feel. Deadline deals are supposed to renew hope of a division title and a run toward the world title. This transaction looks eerily similar to the Cutler deal as the rewards may take some time to present themselves.

Peavy isn't schedule to pitch until late August. First off, you can throw that crap out the window. He wasn't scheduled to pitch until late August for the Padres who are slightly above the Nationals on the MLB food chain. He hurt his ankle rounding the bases, which he won't do for at least another 3+ seasons. The question remains that if Peavy isn't available for three weeks, will it still matter? I say that the answer is yes. Minnesota only has 3 games left at home against the Sox and even after the latest disaster, the Twinkies find themselves looking up at the pale hose after tonight's loss. The Tigers really made a nice move getting Washburn in the midst of his best year since the early part of this decade. They'll likely continue to play inconsistent baseball much like the White Sox. After this homestand with the Yanks and Angels, the Sox follow with home/road duels with the Indians, Royals, Orioles, Mariners, and A's. During this stretch they have three off days. These off days are critical to allow the southsiders to avoid the dreaded imaginary fifth starter now that Colon is on the DL and Richard takes up residence in San Diego. While none of this really matters now that Victor Martinez is a member of the Red Sox, it should make for an exciting finish if Peavy can return to form before the end of the year.

Either way, my reaction to this deal nearly mirrors my Jay Cutler reaction. The benefits of this deal will be reaped down the road. When the Sox hit spring training in 2010, they'll do so with a rotation of Buehrle, Peavy, Danks, and Floyd. Good luck against that AL Central especially when the Twinks move into their new outdoor stadium. On a side note, I'd like to congratulate the Tigres for dropping a gimme tonight in Cleveland in extras. God love the AL Central.