With the Angels making another quick playoff exit, I am yet again drawing up possible trade scenarios in October, while the hated Red Sox are still competing for another World Series title. While I typically find most trade possibilities to be a little ridiculous (Alfonso Soriano for Howie Kendrick or Chone Figgins for Paul Konerko), the fact that the Padres’ Jake Peavy is on the trading block makes for a very interesting scenario for Arte Moreno and company. Last week, the Padres opened bidding on Peavy, and with a no-trade clause, the former Cy Young award winner will be able to veto any trade. With that said, it looks as if most of his approved destinations are in the National League with the Angels being the lone exception.

Axelrod made one concrete stipulation to any trade scenarios: “Jake would only approve a trade to a team with a solid chance of winning and a winning tradition. Those teams in the National League may be in locations that are more acceptable, or would be.”

He said “the ability or opportunity to win is very important to Jake, and hopefully some sort of coincidence with his and his family’s lifestyle.”

Among the cities Axelrod mentioned were Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Peavy and his wife Katie have three boys, one an infant, and this year moved into a home north of San Diego. Because of Peavy’s intention to keep his family in San Diego for at least part of the year, Axelrod acknowledged that the Anaheim Angels are one AL club that would draw extra consideration.

While the Angels have already been rumored to be clearing payroll space to bid on Milwaukee’s C.C. Sabathia, Peavy’s sudden availability is an enormous opportunity to pick up an ace at a substantial discount in comparison to Sabthia or another big name pitcher. By treading Peavy to the Halos, San Diego The doesn’t have to worry about trading in-division or even in-league. As a result, a deal might require fewer prospects and major league ready talent. For the Angels, they wouldn’t have to bid against the Yankees or Red Sox, who are both expected to offer huge deals for Sabathia.

If the Angels’ front office is interested in adding another quality arm to the Coun, then Peavy appears to be much more plausible than Sabathia at this point.

Related posts

• The Angels Have Won The West (2)
• Series Report Card: Angels v. Mariners (0)
• Saunders Sharp: Angels 10, Mariners 0 (0)
• Santana Dominant in Shutout: Angels 6, Rays 0 (0)
• Post-Game Report: Twins vs. Angels (8/21/08) (1)