Numerous sources cite the Texas Rangers as the front-runner in the Matt Garza Sweepstakes. . The Chicago Cubs want prospects and the Rangers have plenty to spare. However, when studying Garza's numbers late in the season, should the Rangers think twice about landing the right-hander even though he's having a great month of baseball?
Before we talk about a deal, let's look at Garza's career numbers month by month. The eight-year veteran does not pitch well in the early months of the season, however, similar to the weather, Garza begins to heat up around June and July. He has 14 career victories in June, the most of any month in his career. It is no coincidence that Garza began his five-game winning streak at the end of June, as his 11-10 record in July is mediocre, but his 3.26 ERA is the lowest of any month in his career.
This is where things begin to derail for the righty. He's 10-12 in August, but he pitches decently, posting a 3.60 ERA. However, and this should be the month of baseball most important to the Rangers, Garza is 10-13 with a 4.36 ERA in the months of September and October. This ERA is his worst of any month. This alone should signal the Rangers to be very careful in this deal. In fact, this proves that Theo Epstein is trying to get a steal and using a desperate Rangers team to his benefit.
Both clubs have discussed swapping third baseman and outfielder Mike Olt and pitchers C.J. Edwards (who is tearing up Single A) and Neil Ramirez. All three are in their early 20's with Olt and Ramirez the senior at 24. Ramirez is the most experienced as he has worked his way through six years in the Ranger's farm system.
Nobody knows how prospects will develop in the future, but the Cubs are trying to stack up on young pitching since they already have position players ready to take over at the major league level. A guy like Ramirez can find himself at The Show in no time, especially since the Cubs don't really have reliable pitching in their rotation.
The Rangers are the favorite to land the Cubs' right-hander, for now. We will keep you posted on this deal as Garza is currently the most sought after pitcher on the market. The trade deadline is less than two weeks away. If the Rangers land the deal, they will be considered winners, but which Garza will they get late in the season when baseball really counts?
Should the Rangers go head first in acquiring Garza or should they wait around and see what other teams are offering?
