Trade Market for Peavy Getting Smaller, Not Bigger

Padres General Manager Kevin Towers just confirmed the team is involved in active trade talks with only one team regarding ace right-hander Jake Peavy. That team, of course, is the Chicago Cubs. Towers also acknowledged the increasing possibility the team might have to hang onto Peavy, whose $11 million salary in 2009 could represent a quarter of the team's total payroll.

Despite recent reports that the Los Angeles Angels are now involved, Towers said he has not gotten any indication from Peavy's camp that the pitcher -- who has full no-trade privileges -- is interested in going to an American League team.

"He hasn't expressed any interest in any AL clubs," Towers said. "I think there's a comfort level for him in the NL."

Towers said he has spoken casually with Cubs counterpart Jim Hendry, and expects to have a more in-depth conversation about Peavy soon.

"I think [Hendry] is working on some other things, as well," Towers said.

Meantime, Hendry said he has been assured by his bosses that the Cubs' operation will not be affected by the Tribune Corporation's decision today to file for bankruptcy. The franchise is in the process of being sold.

"I was assured this weekend that we're totally separate," Hendry said. "I don't see it affecting us at all. I haven't heard anything about any budget cuts, no cutting payroll, no cutbacks."