Why can't they all be like this?

23 year old Friars pitcher Jake Peavy gets his first start of the '05 season tonight against the Pirates at Petco Park. Last year, the youngster from Semmes, AL (pop. 1200) distinguished himself by becoming the youngest pitcher to win the NL ERA crown since Dwight Gooden and toured Japan with a group of American All-Stars. But it's not just his 94-MPH fastball and gutsy mound presence which sets this young man apart.

Today's San Diego Union Tribune has a nice profile piece on Peavy which startlingly revealed this gem:

His agent at the time, Scott Boras, is known to wring every last penny out of a franchise for any player, much less one with Peavy's numbers. Peavy decided to change to Barry Axelrod, who had closer ties with the Padres. "I like Mr. Boras and I knew he'd do a great job for me," Peavy said. "But money is not why I'm pitching. I changed because of my values and beliefs. I didn't want the Padres thinking I was upset or . . . you know what I mean."

After reading the entire article, you'll likely find yourself wondering why we continue to fawn over prima donna's like Barry Bonds and Kobe Bryant while players like Peavy toil in relative obscurity.

Update: Peavy was dominant in 6+ IP giving up no runs and ringing up 10 punch-outs. He left in the middle of a 0-0 game which was won by SD when X Nady walked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th, handing the Friars a 1-0 victory.