The Yankees are looking for pitching help, and they may find it with the Chicago Cubs. While Ryan Dempster has Kaplan said he spoke with two scouts who attended today’s Cubs game against the Red Sox, and they both indicated the Yankees would be much more interested in Garza. This comes despite Dempster’s third straight outing without allowing a run.
Garza is 2-5 with a 4.04 ERA this season for the Cubs. However, the 28-year old has a more consistent record than Dempster. Garza has had an ERA under 4.00 in every year of his career besides his rookie campaign and this season – and he will likely finish under 4.00 this year as well. Dempster, on the other hand, is seven years older and has a career ERA over 4.00 at 4.34.
Rumors have been swirling around Garza since this winter. Many thought Theo Epstein would deal him during the off-season once he joined the Cubs front office, but nothing came together. In the meantime, the Cubs have gone 22-42 this season and have the worst record in baseball. The club is going in a new direction and just about anyone is available on the trading block.
The Yankees rank 10th in all of baseball for team ERA, but they’ve experience injuries that may put Garza towards the top of their wish-list. Michael Pineda, their prized pick-up from the Seattle Mariners, is out for the season. Joba Chamberlain is likely out for the season or until closer to the end of the season. Mariano Rivera is done for the year. The injuries continue to mount, and having another proven, young starter to go along with a rotation that includes C.C. Sabathia and Andy Pettitte could be a major boost.
Garza still has one more year before he becomes a free agent, and that could be attractive for the Yankees. Garza is making $9.5 million this year. His 2013 salary will either be hammered out by whichever team owns his contract in the off-season, or it will be decided by an arbitrator. Dempster on the other hand is making $14 million this year and will be a free agent after the year.
While Dempster is having a great year and will likely be moved, Garza seems like the better option long term.
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