More Garza-to-Cubs Speculation

For one reason or another, the Chicago Cubs love to be involved in trade discussions regarding star players, however they almost never seem to pull a deal off. I do not think I need to remind anyone of the winter of Jake Peavy in 2009, or the winter of Brian Roberts before that. The thing I remember most about both of those rumored deals, is that the Chicago Cubs were always so close to completing the trades. Then, for whatever reason, the trade fell through at the last second.

Which brings us to this winter, one that is sure to be dubbed the winter of Matt Garza. On Wednesday night, it was as if the Chicago Cubs had already completed the trade for Matt Garza, as many people started penciling him into the Cubs rotation for 2011. I’ll admit that even I let my emotions get the best of me, and was getting excited for seeing Garza in a Cubs uniform. However, instead of hearing that a trade was completed on Thursday morning, we heard the opposite, that the Rays and Cubs met, but a trade seemed unlikely. But, that did not stop the rumors as reports suggested that the Cubs and Rays were still talking about a Garza trade as recent as last night. Now to add more fire to the rumor, Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse tweeted that the Rays will trade Garza this winter, and the team landing Garza will probably be the Cubs.

For the record, Ed Price is the first baseball insider that reported the Cubs serious interest in Brandon Webb, who according to some is their top target.So, I’m inclined to believe Ed Price about Garza being traded this winter. And, if that is true, then it will most likely be to the Cubs.

As of this point, the Chicago Cubs still have strongest bid in for Garza, and appear to be in a prime position to land him. It is believe that the Chicago Cubs are offering a package that includes Robinson Chirinos, a top shortstop prospect, and probably two pitching prospects. However, this is where things get a little bit sticky. According to Bleacher Nation, the Rays really like Andrew Cashner, Brett Jackson, Chris Archer, and Hak-Ju Lee. The Cubs have already stated that they are not trading Archer, or Jackson, and Cashner looks to be untouchable as well. But, I have a feeling that the Cubs may be willing to put Lee in the deal. So, that would probably bring the deal to Chirinos, Lee, and then two top pitching prospects.

I think the Rays really do want to trade Garza in order to save money, and I also feel the Cubs really do want to acquire Garza. Obviously the Cubs are not going to give up all the players that the Rays are interested in, and I do not think the Rays expect the Cubs to do so. But, if the Cubs throw in Lee, that may be what it takes to get the trade done. The Cubs are probably focused on trading for Garza, before they make any other moves.

In case you were wondering, the Texas trade that would send Robinson Chirinos and Rafael Dolis to the Rangers for Chris Davis and Darren O’day is still very much alive. Obviously, the Cubs are waiting to see if they are going to use Chirinos in the trade for Garza. Either way, there is a good chance that the Cubs will complete one of these trades within the next two weeks.