Do you think there is a chance the Braves can still acquire Jake Peavy?
-- Matt I., Waverly, Va.

There are a number of seemingly valid ways to explain why the Braves weren't able to land Peavy before ending active negotiations. Peavy's full no-trade clause has limited the number of potential suitors as the Padres have attempted to appease his wish to stay in the National League. Consequently, they've found themselves with little leverage while attempting to deal an ace who was supposed to be their organization's cornerstone.

Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod, has said that the pitcher has only provided San Diego a wish list, one that shouldn't be viewed as exclusive or all-inclusive. In doing so, he at least provided the Padres an opportunity to gain leverage they haven't previously had, while basically finding the Cubs and Braves as the only potential suitors.

Still, even if the Angels or the Yankees seriously get into the mix, it seems hard to believe the Padres will find a package better than the ones the Braves offered. With Yunel Escobar, San Diego would have gained a potential All-Star and Gold Glove shortstop who won't be arbitration-eligible until after the 2010 season. With Gorkys Hernandez, it would have gained a 21-year-old center fielder whose five-tool talents make him one of the game's top outfield prospects.

With CEO Sandy Alderson, general manager Kevin Towers and special assistant Paul DePodesta, the Padres essentially have three general managers who are attempting to come to a consensus while dealing with more than these Peavy negotiations. Last week's decision by San Diego to pull its contractual offer from franchise icon Trevor Hoffman certainly created a stressful situation in the club's front office.

Consequently, the Braves were forced to wait and possibly miss other opportunities to improve their team. They had some interest in Nick Swisher and might have been able to land him before the Yankees did last week. But to get Swisher, who could have filled their need for a left fielder, Atlanta would have likely had to trade some of the players it was offering to San Diego.

When Friday arrived with the opportunity for all Major League teams to begin active pursuits of free agents, Braves GM Frank Wren knew it would be negligent to continue keeping his roster-reconstruction attempts in neutral, while waiting for one pitcher whose acquisition would have significantly decreased the depth of young talent that currently exists in the Atlanta organization.

Given their financial situation, there seems to be little reason to wonder if the Padres will eventually trade Peavy. When it comes time to do so, they'll likely once again approach the Braves, who could potentially end up landing this coveted ace without having to provide the same level of compensation they were offering the past few weeks.

Do you see the Braves making a trade for Matt Cain?
-- Patrick F., Ottawa, Ontario

There were a few reports that speculated that the Braves would attempt to land Cain if they weren't able to acquire Peavy. But there is absolutely no indication that this could prove to be true.

Giants GM Brian Sabean has said that Cain is "untouchable," and through multiple inquiries, the Braves have determined this is seemingly true. With Cain and NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, San Francisco has a special duo to anchor its rotation for many years to come.

Why hasn't Ben Sheets' name been thrown around as a possible candidate to fill Atlanta's need for a starting pitcher?
-- Tony F., Sebring, Fla.

Even before he experienced right elbow soreness at the end of the 2008 season, Sheets was regarded as a health risk. The fact that he pitched just 10 1/3 innings after Sept. 6 and didn't pitch in the playoffs because of a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow has understandably scared many teams away.

Based purely on talent, Sheets would certainly be more attractive than Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster. While throwing a career-high 237 innings in 2004, Sheets recorded 264 strikeouts and issued just 32 walks. But the only subsequent season he's thrown more than 160 innings came this year, when he completed 198 2/3 innings, with 158 strikeouts and 47 walks.

When healthy, Sheets is as good as any pitcher in the game. But he hasn't been healthy enough to be regarded as anything other than a high-risk gamble on this year's free-agent market.

With all of the talk of acquiring starting pitching and a power-hitting outfielder, I'm curious what the Braves have in store regarding a backup catcher.
-- Rob P., Fayetteville, N.C.

While finding a backup catcher might not be near the top of the priority list, it's certainly a necessity for the Braves. Clint Sammons isn't ready to serve as a big league backup and there currently aren't any other attractive options available in Atlanta's Minor League system.

Michael Barrett, an Atlanta native, has expressed an interest in serving as Brian McCann's backup. But before thinking about playing in his hometown, Barrett, who has battled multiple injuries over the past couple of years, will look elsewhere for opportunities to compete for a starting job.

The Braves may show some interest in Paul Bako, a career backup who was a well-respected clubhouse figure while playing in Atlanta in 2001. Bako was behind the plate for five of the six shutouts thrown by Reds pitchers this season.

Any word on what Braves players will be participating in the 2009 World Baseball Classic?
-- Mike N., Roswell, Ga.

Chipper Jones is looking forward to another opportunity to play for a United States team that could also have Mike Gonzalez in its bullpen and McCann as one of its catchers.

Having experienced a heavy workload this season and looking forward to duplicating his rookie success, Jair Jurrjens hasn't decided if he'll pitch for the Netherlands. As for Martin Prado, he's not sure he'd choose to play for Venezuela. At the end of the season, he said it might be in his best interest to stay in Spring Training with the Braves.

Jorge Campillo plans to play for Mexico, and if he's healthy, Manny Acosta plans to be part of Panama's pitching staff.