Cubs Rumors: Matt Garza and Kerry Wood
By Editorial Staff
Rumors have swirled around the Chicago Cubs all throughout the 2011-12 offseason. Things don’t figure to change anytime soon, as reports continue to pour in concerning one pitcher that is likely to join the Cubs for the 2012 season and another that could be shipped out of Chicago before spring training begins. David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com reports that an agreement between Kerry Wood and the Cubs is “close”. Meanwhile, Cubs president Theo Epstein is trying to “downplay” the talk of a Matt Garza trade.
Last night Kaplan reported that the Cubs have “stepped up their offer” to free agent reliever Kerry Wood. Kaplan hears that Wood will again take a “below market deal” to return to the Cubs, as he did last year.
The Cubs were rumored to be nearing a deal with Wood earlier this week, but it later came out that several teams were still in the mix for the veteran right-hander. Chicago’s front office has said they would be extremely disappointed if they were unable to reach an agreement with Wood.
It looks as if they will eventually get their wish, as Kaplan reported that, while a deal is not yet done, it is “close”. If Wood doesn’t sign with the Cubs, Kaplan sees the Tigers and Phillies as fallback options.
While the Cubs are looking to add Wood to their collection of arms, many believe Chicago may be ready to trade their best starting pitcher. Matt Garza has had his name plastered all over the rumor mill this offseason. These rumors began once it became evident that the Cubs are looking to rebuild with an eye to the future.
Epstein sat down yesterday with Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune and admitted that the Cubs are looking to take their “short-term assets” and turn them into “long-term assets”. Along with this, Epstein and the Cubs have tried to be transparent about the fact that the club is “in this for the long haul”.
Epstein made it clear that the Cubs are not actively shopping Garza daily as the media has been portraying. But, Epstein also made it clear that the Cubs are willing to listen on Garza to put the club in a better position for the future.
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