Cubs likely to deal Garza

[ThomasTomasz]

Cubs star right-hander Matt Garza, who separated himself as the top available starting pitcher with a string of impressive recent outings, has received notice that he will likely be traded after contract talks didn't produce an extension. Garza is drawing interest from the Rangers, Indians, Red Sox and Cardinals, among others.

Texas and Cleveland seem to be clear players while Boston's interest might depend somewhat on when star Clay Buchholz returns from injury, which is unclear. Others believe St. Louis is a stealth player in the derby for the red-hot right-hander.

Just about every contender has checked in on Garza at some point, as he is the lone No. 1 or 2 type pitcher on the block. He is particularly appealing since he is battled-tested in the AL East, from back in his Rays days.

The Cubs, clearly convinced he is past the elbow issue that sidelined him the last few months of last season and the beginning of this year, broached the possibility of an extension, as reported here first, but sources suggest there was a difference of opinion over the AAV (average annual value) on the deal, not surprising in that star players rarely sign within three months of free agency. Garza has raised his stock both in terms of his eventual salary and also the trade market, going 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA over his past six starts.

Texas is getting strong performances in its rotation lately from Martin Perez to go along with Derek Holland, and it is expected that Yu Darvish and Alexi Ogando will be back soon. But there's still uncertainty regarding the timing of the returns of Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison, leaving Texas dependent lately on several young starters. The Rangers have used 23 pitchers overall and have seven hurlers on the disabled list.

The Indians are satisfied with their depth but seek to add a top-of-the-rotation starter, a tall order in this market, especially since Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo isn't pitching to his past performance. The Red Sox are said to be concentrating on the pen even after adding lefty Matt Thornton, but Buchholz's health could determine their eventual focus.

St. Louis wouldn't seem to have a major need in the rotation, but Garza would upgrade any team, even better ones. Toronto has been speculated as a possible suitor, but there is little to no evidence they are actively involved, at least not at the moment.

The Orioles, never really in the Garza derby, were obviously out once they settled for the Cubs' Scott Feldman. The Padres, Giants and Rockies looked like early possibilities, but San Francisco and Colorado might be evaluating whether to buy and San Diego looks like a probable seller.

The Diamondbacks are looking at starters, but reports have suggested they might prefer pitchers under team control through 2014, at least. The Dodgers appear to be focusing on bullpen help after adding Ricky Nolasco early, but they should probably never be counted out of anything considering their aggressive style

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/j...y-be-dealt-texas-tribe-bosox-cards-etc-in-mix

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

"The lone #1 or #2 type pitcher on the block"

I know he's having the best season of his career, but people still think this?

 

[ThomasTomasz]

"The lone #1 or #2 type pitcher on the block"

I know he's having the best season of his career, but people still think this?

He's having a pretty good contract year, but I agree with you. I've also maintained since the time TB started shopping him that Garza was overrated.

 

[Slateman]

Realistically, who's buying?

Diamondbacks
A's? (thinking if Colon get's suspended)
Rangers?
Blue Jays?
Cardinals maybe?

Who else would be willing to give up a decent prospect haul to land Garza for half a season?

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Realistically, who's buying?

Diamondbacks
A's? (thinking if Colon get's suspended)
Rangers?
Blue Jays?
Cardinals maybe?

Who else would be willing to give up a decent prospect haul to land Garza for half a season?

Someone will pay top dollar for Garza, I am certain of it. There are just enough teams realistically in it for Garza fer srs that will drive his price up of a high end prospect or package of tier two prospects. St. Louis, Texas, and Arizona all have top farms and are deep enough to be willing to part with some pieces.

 

[Woy]

I doubt St. Louis trades within the division for a pitcher, especially with Chris Carpenter coming back at the end of the month.

 

[Goober]

"The lone #1 or #2 type pitcher on the block"

I know he's having the best season of his career, but people still think this?

I would agree that Garza is nothing more then a middle of the rotation starter, however with several teams in the race with a roster completely void of a 1/2 starter (Orioles, Rockies, etc.), they're going to shape any trade for Garza as acquiring an ace.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I would agree that Garza is nothing more then a middle of the rotation starter, however with several teams in the race with a roster completely void of a 1/2 starter (Orioles, Rockies, etc.), they're going to shape any trade for Garza as acquiring an ace.

For what it's worth, the Orioles are 99% out on Garza after acquiring Feldman (I never say never with them at this point though.) I think they used up the best piece they had that they were willing to part with in Arrieta.

 

[Villain]

I would hate to give up much in the terms of prospects for Garza. If the Dodgers were to get involved and give up anything more than say, Chris Reed + MLYNOF + take on salary, then I'd see that as a failure.

I don't think they'll be the ones that trade with Chicago, though, despite the fact that most Dodger blogs are talking about it.