Jake Peavy rumors: Boston considering sending Middlebrooks to White Sox

UPDATE 12:45 AM: The Red Sox have not discussed Middlebrooks' name "in any context" with the White Sox for Peavy, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.com.

ORIGINAL: The Red Sox have discussed sending Will Middlebrooks to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for righty Jake Peavy, according to a report from Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

MLB.com has learned that third baseman Will Middlebrooks, currently playing for Triple-A Pawtucket, has been mentioned in trade discussions with Boston involving right-handed hurler Jake Peavy. Middlebrooks, at 24, would fill a need moving forward as an impact type player to help fill out the White Sox infield.

Strangely enough, it was Middlebrooks' emergence in Boston last year that played a part in Kevin Youkilis becoming available for the White Sox.

Middlebrooks is an example of the type of talent that Chicago White Sox general manager Rich Hahn is looking for in exchange for the 2007 Cy Young award winner. With the trade of Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers, Peavy and Royals starter Ervin Santana are the two best starting pitchers available on the trade market.

Peavy has been connected to the Red Sox and Cardinals, according to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Other teams that might make sense for Peavy are the Oakland Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks (GM Kevin Towers is very close to Peavy from their time in San Diego).

Peavy is currently 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA with 69 strike outs and a 1.16 WHIP in 73.0 innings over 12 starts.

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• White Sox trade rumors: Rangers interested in Rios, De Aza
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