Monday, July 01, 2013

Dodgers Considering Matt Garza?

I suppose with our new management and sources of funding, we'd technically be mentioned for any possible trade from here on out. But I was still pretty surprised that ESPN's Jim Bowden not only thinks the Dodgers might seek a trade for the Cubs' Matt Garza, but we'd also consider giving up Stephen Fife and Matt Magill to get him (link insider only):

Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza might end up being the best starting pitcher dealt at baseball’s July 31 trade deadline.

After beginning the season on the disabled list, Garza has returned to form as a top-of-the-rotation difference-maker. In his past three starts, he’s gone at least seven innings and given up less than a run per game with 23 strikeouts. It’s clear his stuff is all the way back and his command and control is phenomenal. As such so is his trade value.

The Cubs’ front office is concentrating on fixing its pitching in the long-term, and that’s what they’ll focus on in any trade talks for Garza. The preference will be acquiring young starting pitching which is either close to the big leagues or major league ready.

The Cubs match up well with the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies, as all can offer them major league-ready pitching either in the rotation or the bullpen. Garza’s injury history makes him somewhat of a risk, and perhaps that will temper some the return on Garza the Cubs are hoping for. So here are five trades the Cubs could realistically make for Garza: [...]

4. Los Angeles Dodgers: RHPs Stephen Fife and Matt Magill

In Fife and Magill, the Dodgers can offer the Cubs two young major league-ready starters, both of whom have had time in the majors this year. Fife’s 88-92 mph fastball highlights a solid four-pitch mix that includes a curveball, changeup and slider. His repertoire doesn’t wow scouts, but he should be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter in time.

Magill’s fastball, however, is 92-95 mph and runs in on right-handed hitters. When his slider has optimum spin, it’s a wipeout pitch. His changeup needs more work to be effective. He has had trouble with control and command at the major league level, but in time he should settle down and improve. He also could become a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Yikes, Fife AND Magill? Seems too rich for a guy just returned from a strained lateral muscle, who is 3-1 in 8 starts with a 3.83 ERA (ERA is almost spot-on his career average; Garza is 60-62 lifetime).

photo: Brian Kersey / Getty Images

2 comments:

Hideo Nomo said...

No Fife, no life.

Steve Sax said...

No Fife, more strife?