It’s getting to the point where every day there seems to be a new team interested in the Chicago Cubs Matt Garza. The New York Yankees are reportedly interested.
Today according to John Morosi said the Tigers are kicking the tires on Garza. He reportedly has been scouted by the Blue Jays, Indians, Reds, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and the Cardinals.
That is a lot of interest. So why hasn’t a deal been done? The the Cubs are reportedly asking for top-tier prospects in exchange for Garza. Not a lot of teams can fill that need. But, be sure a deal will get done.
In addition, Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels are said to be available as well. So teams looking to buy or rent starting pitching have some options.
Which team will make a trade for Garza?
Garza does not become a free agent until after the 2013 season. That alone makes him a very valuable commodity in today’s baseball economy.
While the aforementioned teams all need pitching, which team doesn’t, the Yankees, Blue Jays and Red Sox are all thought to be the strongest contenders to acquire Garza.
The Blue Jays have been decimated by injuries to their starting rotation. Offensively the Blue Jays are strong as anyone in the American League. Pitching, and in particular starting pitching, has been their downfall with the rash of injuries they have suffered.
The Yankees always looked add pitching, and with the injuries to Andy Pettitte CC Sabathia that move may come sooner than later. The Yankees will do what they have to do to acquire the players they feel can help them win a World Series.
It’s possible they may not need Garza up or any other starting pitching, but if they decide to make a move, be sure they will and they will be aggressive. That’s how they roll.
The Red Sox are about to get healthier with Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford expected to rejoin the team and another quality starter like Garza could help them make a run.
Garza is pitching to an ERA of 4.32, with a record of 4-7. He has struck out 86 batters in 93.2 innings and given up 83 hits. While his numbers won’t jump off the page, many general managers attribute them to the fact that he plays for the Cubs. Not a lot of support.
If we were going to place a bet on which team will make a trade for Garza, we think the Yankees are in the best position. But then, how do Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Cubs President Theo Epstein get through that conversation?
