Peavy Wins First Cy Young Award

Published: Friday, November 16, 2007 11:57 AM PST

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Randy Jones won the Cy Young Award in 1976 but began to experience arm trouble that ended his career shortly thereafter.

Gaylord Perry put together one final big year in the twilight of his career to win the 1978 Cy Young.

Mark Davis won the 1989 Cy Young, but his career turned out to be a flash in the pan when he left the Padres to sign with the Kansas City Royals.

A second Cy Young proved elusive for all three, but now the Padres' fourth Cy Young Award winner could become the franchise's first multiple-Cy Young winner.

Peavy, 19-6 in 2007, won the Cy Young for the National League with all 32 first-place votes for him.

"I want to be a Padre for my career," Peavy said. "Am I hopeful that will happen? I don't know. I know we've had some very vague discussions. I don't know how serious the team is. We will see if that's what those guys have in mind."

Peavy, 26, will make $6.5 million in 2008, and the club has an option that will pay him $11 million in 2009. But if a contract extension agreement isn't reached before the 2008 seasons, Peavy said he doesn't want negotiations to become a distraction for him or the team during the season.

If he puts up a season similar to 2007, his value will go up. His rising value while the remaining days on his contract decline doesn't portend well for his future in San Diego.

Still, I'm guessing Peavy will sign an extension at some point.

His San Diego-based agent, Barry Axlerod, and Padres general manager Kevin Towers have a good working relationship. He genuinely wants to say in San Diego and he says breaking the bank isn't his goal.

"I know what I can get on the open market, but if I get to the open market, it won't be about the money," Peavy said. "This team has given me financial security for this Alabama boy's life. I'm very comfortable to be where I'm at."

From the middle of the season on, when his Cy Young candidacy became legitimate, he talked about wanting to win the award for the franchise and the city. He repeated that sentiment yesterday.

"To bring it home to this city and this organization is special," Peavy said. "I'm humbled by the experience and the award."

Cy Young Footnote: Two San Diegans received votes in balloting that was a landslide win for Peavy with 160 points.

Cincinnati's Aaron Harang (Patrick Henry High and San Diego State) was fourth with 10 points. He had one second-place vote and seven third-place votes. Harang was 16-6 with a 3.73 ERA while pitching in small ballpark for a bad team (72-90).

Philadelphia's Cole Hamels was sixth with two points for two third-place votes. Hamels was 15-5 with a 3.39 while also pitching in small ballpark but for the National League East champions.

It makes you wonder if anybody had all three San Diegans on their ballot.

-- TOM SHANAHAN

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