Peavy likely pitching last games with White Sox
Veteran pitcher Jake Peavy made his 30th start of the season on Friday, continuing to show some
inconsistencies as of late, as the Angels beat him 6-2 in Anaheim.
As it lines up right now, Peavy will make two more regular-season starts for the Sox, with the hope of
pitching into the postseason. But it is now looking like they will be the final two regular-season starts
that Peavy will make in a Sox uniform.
The right-hander had been informed that the team was not picking up the $22 million club option for next
season, and while it wasn't surprised by it at all, it again gave him something to think about moving
forward into the offseason.
"I get it," Peavy said. "But (the contract) is not in the forefront of my mind at all. There's nothing
that I'm worried about other than trying to get this team in the playoffs. I wouldn't even know where to
start with finances and how any of that works out. This will be my first time in this position, but I've
made it clear that I'd like to be here in Chicago, for what it's worth."
He made that clear at the All-Star break as well, insisting back then that he would have no problem with
the Sox turning down the option, and then sitting down with them on a new deal to stay on the South Side.
That stance has changed slightly, especially because Peavy finally feels healthy since arriving in Chicago
late in the 2009 season, and now at age 31, Peavy also knows this could be his last big deal, so shopping
the free-agent market is privately pulling him more toward not making any sort of quick decision with the
Sox.
Peavy was outspoken about the handling of injured pitcher -- and good friend -- John Danks, and even his
injury problems have raised questions about how the Sox have managed him the past few seasons.
Peavy has also insisted that he wants to win, so he would have to see the direction the Sox are going,
as well. A.J. Pierzynski is a free agent after this season, along with Kevin Youkilis, Francisco Liriano
and Brett Myers possibly all walking as well.
General manager Ken Williams doesn't like to talk contracts during the season, but went on local radio
last week, and said Peavy coming back would depend on finances.
"Yes. The only question is whether we can afford him or not, what he's looking for," Williams responded
when asked if he wanted Peavy back. "We'll take a look at that at the end of the season and make our
determination then."
After the loss to the Angels in which Peavy allowed five runs on eight hits in five innings of work, the
right-hander was 11-12 with a 3.40 ERA.
