Wherein I Make a Case for Erik Bedard in 4/4 Timing

This isn't a devil's advocate screed, but I want to write something about Erik Bedard being a better target than Jake Peavy if the Brewers do indeed make a move. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Peavy on the Brewers, but Bedard may be a more realistic player, here's why in eight parts:

01 Salary commitments (assuming acquisition 7/1; from Cot's)

Bedard: Signed through 2009; $3.875mm liability
Peavy: Signed through 2012; $56.5mm liability

I realize that the Brewers' competitive window ends in 2011-12 with the departure of Fielder and others, but that's a lot of salary and years to take on for a small market team. If only something could be done with Suppan's contract…

02 Fewer commitments and a lesser perceived value = less needs to be given up.

Any Peavy trade would require one or two of the top 10 prospects in the organization. I'm thinking that Escobar really is untouchable, which would leave Gamel and/or one of the young pitchers (Jeffres?). The Padres want good young pitching, so unless the Brewers are going to get applied credit for Inman/Thatcher, the match isn't quite there. The Mariners will take any prospect. The price for Bedard would increase dramatically if Peavy is traded before him.

03 No trade contract

Bedard does not have a no-trade contract. Peavy does, and he's finicky.

04 AL to NL (aka inflated numbers)

In limited innings against the National League, Bedard has a 1.94 ERA in almost 93 innings, 10.6 K/IP, and a 1.07 WHIP. Peavy's been seen for eight seasons in the NL, so Bedard's numbers will likely improve.

05 Injury Perception / Age

If Bedard is traded, he's clearly going to have a physical, but whatever issues he had last season he appears to be over them. Bedard is also two years older than Peavy, so he's more of a risk, therefore of lesser value to suitors.

06 Lefty

Duh. If Bedard is acquired, I think Parra would be sent to the bullpen to solve his struggles. R/L duo of Gallardo and Bedard? Gangsta.

07 Canadian

One of two virtues Doug Melvin actively seeks in ballplayers: 1) former Texas Ranger 2) Canadian.

08 Jack Zduriencik

This point along with point #1 are the most important. Often front office personnel move from team to team, deals are struck with those you are familiar with, and by all accounts Melvin and Zduriencik are on friendly terms. Zduriencik would be imminently familiar with the players available in the Brewers organization, so a deal could be done quickly. And don't think favoritism and sentimentality don't play a part in this, remember how many former Rangers have passed through the Brewers since Melvin has been at the helm.

A similar post could also be made about Peavy being a better pick up for the Brewers, but the stars have aligned pretty well for a Bedard move. Time will tell.