It’s been a while since we’ve seen Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza mentioned in trade rumors. Danny Knobler of CBSports.com got the mill churning again yesterday, as he reported the Cubs are likely to continue shopping Garza this spring. This offseason, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers have been the clubs most frequently tied to Garza.
Chicago is clearly looking to the future, but club president Theo Epstein has yet to show his hand regarding his plans for Garza. Epstein has said that Garza is someone you can build a rotation around, and because he’s still only 28, Theo may be willing to do just that. However, Epstein has also said that if he finds an opportunity to make his club better for the long haul by dealing Garza, he will have to listen.
It appeared that the Cubs would move Garza earlier last month, as Chicago was said to be in serious talks with the Tigers. The reported offers, which involved young starting pitcher Jacob Turner, were disputed and nothing ultimately came of the discussions.
Chicago then came out and said they were in no rush to deal Garza, and many speculated the Cubs would hold onto the right-hander until at least next summer’s trade deadline. At that point, Chicago wouldn’t have to compete with the pitchers remaining on the free agent market.
But, now that Edwin Jackson has found a new home and with Roy Oswalt figuring to do the same in the near future, Knobler believes the Cubs could begin shopping Garza once again.
Beyond Garza, Knobler said March could present a lively trade market for pitchers as the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays are all carrying more than five starters. Knobler adds that the Chicago White Sox have also reportedly been shopping right-hander Gavin Floyd this winter, and the Houston Astros are believed to be willing to move Wandy Rodriguez.
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