Theo Epstein is willing to trade Matt Garza, we’ve known that for quite some time now. Another thing that hasn’t changed is the ridiculously high asking price that Epstein wants in return for Garza.
A report on NESN says that Epstein hasn’t lowered his request for a prospect filled package in return for the former Tampa Bay Ray. In fact Dave Kaplan of CSNChicago says Epstein is “asking for the moon” and the Cubs are prepared to wait until teams realize that they need him.
While the Red Sox would benefit from the services of Garza, the asking price is a tad outlandish. Nick Cafardo of the Globe says Epstein and Jed Hoyer want three prospects from the trading club’s “A” list. It may be time for the Red Sox to forget about Garza.
Consider this list that is among the top prospects the Red Sox currently have in no particular order:
– Jose Iglesias (SS)
– Will Middlebrooks (3B)
– Ryan Lavarnway (C)
– Xander Bogaerts (SS)
– Garin Cecchini (3B)
– Matt Barnes (SP)
– Anthony Ranaudo (SP)
– Jackie Bradley (OF)
– Bryce Bentz (OF)
– Brandon Jacobs (OF)
– Kolbrin Vitek (3B)
Why would Cherington part ways with any three of those for Garza? I realize that Garza is a great pitcher. Is he a legitimate number one guy? Probably not. He would be a great number three or four on the Red Sox rotation and his battle scars and postseason experience is a coveted asset.
His best season was in 2010 with the Rays when he went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA and a WHIP of 1.251. It was after that season that the Rays traded Garza, realizing his trade value was as high as it might get. Until Epstein got a hold of him.
As mentioned, Garza is battle tested from having to survive in the AL East for so many years and his numbers against the Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles dictate that. Another reason why he’s so valuable to every club in the AL East.
But to shell out three of your top ten prospects for a guy who will seek “ace” type money in a couple years may not be worth it. Especially when you lost four prospects last off season in the Gonzalez deal that saw some big time talent depart the organization. Of course the Mat Latos and Gio Gonzalez deals didn’t help any, in fact they instilled a major confidence in Epstein to wait until he gets what he wants.
Cherington has repeatedly said that he’s willing to let the market come to him. If that includes Garza, it looks as though Epstein is prepared to out wait is prodigy, teaching him another lesson that those who wait will get what they want. While it may not be from the Red Sox, you can bet the Yankees will shell out for Garza in mid-July if they should find themselves behind in the division lead with a struggling rotation.
Suddenly, paying a luxury tax doesn’t appear so bad, if it means holding on to your future.
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