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Piniella says Cubs out of running for Peavy

Manager says team is set with strong starting rotation

Image: Peavy
Paul Connors / AP
San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was 10-11 with a 2.85 ERA last season.
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NBCSports.com news services
updated 11:27 p.m. ET Nov. 25, 2008

The Chicago Cubs are done chasing Jake Peavy, according to comments by manager Lou Piniella made to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The team had reportedly been talking to the San Diego Padres about dealing for their star pitcher, but Piniella was quoted in Tuesday's Sun-Times that his team was already set with fine starting pitchers.

"No," Piniella was quoted as saying in in the paper. "Starting we don't need. We're set. We've got six good starters, and they're all experienced. Getting (Ryan) Dempster back was the key. We're in good shape with our starting pitching. Bullpen-wise, (we're looking for) possibly one more experienced pitcher. We've got a lot of young kids out there."

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The Cubs signed Dempster to a four-year extension, and also have Rich Harden, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Sean Marshall under contract.

Marshall has been used as a starter and reliever, but according to MLB.com, has been mentioned in trade talks that would bring outfielder Mark Teahan to Chicago from the Kansas City Royals.

The Padres, looking to cut costs, have made it clear they intend to trade Peavy this offseason. The right-hander has a 3.25 ERA and 1,256 strikeouts in seven seasons. The Atlanta Braves have long been thought to be the most likely destination for Peavy, but the Braves have balked at San Diego's asking price. The stopped pursuing Peavy on Nov. 14, according to MLB.com.

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