Jake Peavy To Make Red Sox Debut On Saturday

The Red Sox had themselves one hell of a trade on Monday night and the product of that trade– Jake Peavy— is set to debut Saturday. Trading just Jose Iglesias, who had become a fan favorite due to his acrobatic defensive plays and exuberant attitude but had struggled recently, and three minor league wild cards, the Red Sox netted Jake Peavy. Peavy’s star has faded since he won the Cy Young Award with the Padres back in 2007. However, that has more to do with his health than his actual skill level, which is still high as Peavy was an All-Star last season.

Aug 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) prior to a game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Like many his last several seasons, Peavy has been plagued with injuries in 2013. When healthy, however, he has been absolutely solid for the White Sox; he has posted just a 4.28 ERA (two points better than league average), but his 3.47 SIERA and 3.67 xFIP suggest that his ERA should be considerably lower. His 8.55 K/9 and 1.91 BB/9 are both spectacular, and his 4.47 K/BB ratio would rank 12th in baseball if he qualified.

Add his general skill and success as a pitcher to his personality, and you have a man made for Boston baseball. Peavy is renowned across the league as a fiery competitor and has said all the right things since being traded to the Red Sox.

"“I couldn’t have asked for anything more to come to a team who is now in first place with a realistic chance this year of being a world champion, which is why we all play the game. To have a chance to compete in the postseason. It would be a dream come true. That’s something I know a lot of other guys expect, and I expect to do it and be a contributing factor here going forward.”"

I, for one, am excited to see Peavy pitch for the Red Sox. He has the potential to be a guy that really puts the Red Sox over the top down the stretch. He has the competitive fire that one needs to succeed in Boston and at 32 years old, he still has the stuff to succeed in the AL East. Hopefully Peavy can be that acquisition that puts the Red Sox over the top and then come back in 2014 and be just as good.