“Heavy traffic” on Cubs’ Garza

Jun 27, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza pitches in the 5th inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Garza was masterful in his last start, which could very well prove to be the last one he makes in a Cubs jersey.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, several teams were in attendance to see the right-hander’s start, including the Nationals, Orioles, Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers and Dodgers.

The 29-year old tossed seven innings, allowing just one run on eight hits, to go along with ten punch outs. On the season, Garza is 3-1 with a 3.83  earned run average this year for Chicago.

Why the sudden interest in the right-hander? He has been absolutely dominant over his last three starts, collecting two wins, while pitching to the tune of a 0.82 ERA and a WHIP of 0.91, while punching out almost ten hitters a game.

While it is no surprise that these five teams are in on Garza, according to the Denver Post, a dark horse candidate has emerged in recent days – the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies are also rumored to be in on Cubs closer Kevin Gregg, who has performed well above expectations in 2013, and is a valuable asset for the team as the July 31 deadline approaches.

Garza is in the final year of his contract with Chicago, but with every division still up for grabs, is arguably the most valuable arm on the market. Most of the teams mentioned to be in on Garza are also rumored to be suitors for Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo.

The Red Sox, Giants and Padres are also expected to be in the running for Garza’s services.