At the end of the 2008 season, an argument could have been made that San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy might have been the best pitcher in the game.
If nothing else, he was certainly top 10 along with names like Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Johan Santana, and Brandon Webb.
The San Diego Padres were in dire need of a rebuild (one that they are now seeing the rewards starting for) and Jake Peavy was the most obvious trade chip that could land them a good amount of young talent they desperately needed.