Starting Pitcher: Matt Garza (2008-2010)
Matt Garza only spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, but he certainly made an impact.
Acquired along with Jason Bartlett in the trade that sent Delmon Young to the Twins, Garza was a key piece of the Rays surprising World Series run in 2008. That year, he led the American League in shutouts, and was named the MVP of the American League Championship Series when he was 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA as the Rays got past the Red Sox in seven games.
Garza also found his way into the Rays history books in 2010. On July 26, he threw the first, and thus far only, no hitter in Rays history. In facing the Detroit Tigers, he allowed only one baserunner, walking Brennan Boesch in the second inning. Garza then got Ryan Raburn to ground into a double play, as he faced the minimum 27 batters in his gem.
With his tenure coinciding with the Rays success, Garza found his three best seasons in Tampa Bay. In that time, he posted a 34-31 record with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.251 WHiP. In 592.1 innings, he struck out 467 batters, while issuing 201 walks. His evolution from former prospect to a key part of the Rays rotation helped make their success possible.
Matt Garza was another player who continued to contribute to the Tampa Bay Rays even after his tenure came to an end. Traded to the Chicago Cubs following the 2010 season, he helped bring over Chris Archer, the current ace of the staff. Even now, his presence can be felt in Tampa Bay.
And now, on to the bullpen.