Red Sox Trade Rumors: Red Sox Eyeing Garza, Out on Dempster

As the trade rumors intensify with the deadline looming, just twelve days remaining to make that all important addition, the Red Sox appear to have their sights set on who they would like to acquire at the trade deadline.  Matt Garza of the Chicago Cubs is the pitcher of choice, at least at this point according to Jayson Stark of ESPN via Twitter. With the Sox focusing Garza, Stark also reports that Boston is officially out of the running for the other Cubs available pitcher, Ryan Dempster.

It was Buster Olney, also of ESPN that first reported the Red Sox were interested in adding long-term pieces over a rental player and with Dempster set for free-agency after this season, it’s hard to fathom he would sign a long-term deal over testing the waters this winter.

Garza is locked up through the 2013 as an arbitration eligible player and while he’s earning $9.5MM this season, he won’t be in the vicinity of a Cole Hamels type contract in two years, unless of course he turns it on and over performs, meaning he’s affordable now.

The other nice thing about the 28-year old Garza is the fact that he’s AL East tested and battle ready.  During his time in Tampa Bay with the Rays, Garza made a living off of shutting down the divisional opponents.  None more memorable than the number he did on the Red Sox in the 2008 ALCS, going 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA over two starts and racking up 14 strikeouts.  This season with the Cubs, Garza is 5-7 with a 4.02 ERA, 1.172 WHIP, 8.3 SO/9 and 2.3BB/9.

Other clubs that are interested in Garza include the Royals, Dodgers, Tigers, Orioles and Rangers.  Theo Epstein will likely charge a premium for Garza and given the amount of postseason clubs that are still in contention and how they all are seeking starting pitching, it’s likely Theo will get his asking price.  Unless of course he walks on the side of borderline ridiculously stupid, then it might not be worth shelling out four top level prospects.  With Theo, anything is possible.