Chicago Cubs: Evaluating the Chris Archer-Eloy Jimenez rumors

Remember the Matt Garza days?

Inconsistent, with the ability to dominate. That’s a pretty common description used back in the day for Matt Garza. And, more than a handful of times, it’s been used with Archer, as well.

Both spent time with the Rays – to mixed results. But is a comparison truly warranted?

As you can see, Archer outperformed Garza in both earned run average, strikeout-to-walk ratio and fielding independent pitching. But the two are eerily similar in terms of long-balls allowed. I think one of the biggest issues that plagues Garza is his temperament. Archer, meanwhile, seems to be a much softer competitor. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, but his emotions don’t rule him like they do the former.

Over their first five seasons, both Garza and Archer were largely league-average pitchers. So why do fans feel the need to unload a blue-chip prospect like Jimenez in a deal to add Archer? Because he comes with team control – something that doesn’t come cheap in today’s game. The price for young, controllable arms has only risen since 2006, when Garza broke onto the scene.

A team’s best prospect for a league-average arm? Thanks, but no thanks.