MLB Rumors: Matt Garza Headed to Detroit Tigers?
Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza was pulled in the fourth inning of tonight’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, in spite of showing electric stuff and holding the Cubs’ bitter enemy to three hits over four innings of work.
In spite of the fact that Cubs television color guy stated Garza was pulled “due to injury”, with the trade deadline looming, and the fact that Garza was hitting 97 consistently through the first four innings a trade seems much more likely to be in the works.
The Cubs have shown serious interest in several Detroit Tigers prospects in recent weeks, including pitcher Jacob Turner and third basemen Nick Castellanos.
It is possible that the Cubs see now as the time to seal the deal, and ensure they are able to get equitable value for Garza prior to the July 31st trade deadline?
Obviously, the Cubs need pitching as they continue to build the farm system from the ground up under Theo Epstein and look the future. Third base has traditionally been a position of weakness in the franchise as well, so it makes perfect sense that the Cubs would target both Turner and Castellanos in return for Garza.
On the surface, it’s a win-win for both teams.
The Tigers get another solid starter who could help them during the summer run toward an AL Central pennant, and the Cubs continue to strengthen their prospect base towards the stated goal of being more competitive one to two seasons from now.
Don’t be surprised if Matt Garza’s departure from tonight’s game is the first step toward a new home in the Motor City.
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Kris Hughes is the College Football Network Manager for Rant Sports and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. You can follow him on Twitter or check out his Facebook page. Kris is also the host of Rant Sports Radio on the Blog Talk Radio Network Wednesday evenings at 8 Central Time.
