Jake Peavy's name has been in trade talks all winter.  (AP)

San Diego Padres CEO Sandy Alderson has heard recent scuttlebutt about the Cubs maybe getting back into the game for star pitcher Jake Peavy. Yet, Alderson continues to paint a pessimistic picture about the possibility of trading Peavy.

"At some point here the window (for a trade) will close and we've got to say, 'Pack it up,''' Alderson said. "At this point, the likelihood is that he'll be with us on Opening Day.''

While Alderson said he read about speculation regarding the Cubs' continuing interest in adding a pitcher (the Chicago Sun-Times suggested as much), he said he didn't believe there'd been any new contact with the Cubs, who might consider a free agent such as Derek Lowe instead. The Padres talked a lot to the Braves and Cubs about Peavy, who included those two teams on a list of five he might consider going to. Peavy has a full no-trade clause.

Alderson maintained they were never that close to making a trade with the Braves, and that in the case of the Cubs, there was never even an opportunity to say yes or no to a particular trade. However, several names of young Cubs were discussed when the sides were talking in December.

Alderson also said he didn't believe the likely sale of the team has changed their position on Peavy at all.

Jeff Moorad, who just stepped down as Diamondbacks CEO, is the likely buyer of the Padres. As for whether he himself is likely to remain with the Padres, Alderson said he would wait to comment until the process is further along.