Rumors of Cubs' starting pitcher Matt Garza being put on the trade block are beginning to surface, and its hard not to raise an eyebrow at the potential of Epstein moving the only proven ace on the team.
In the 2010-2011 MLB offseason, the Cubs entered the sweepstakes to acquire Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays. Chicago outbid the Texas Rangers, and it took quite a bit of talent to do so. Top pitching prospect Chris Archer, as well as highly acclaimed position players Hak Ju Lee and Brandon Guyer, were sent to Tampa Bay, and the Cubs received a solid player to build around. After losing out on Garza last year, Texas is not believed to have given up hope yet.
The Rangers are rumored to be a very strong candidate to land Garza if the Cubs wish to work a deal. Cubs fans can only hope that heavy compensation is sent back if this is to happen. But acquiring good pitching is at the top of Epstein's priority list, and pitching is an area where the clubs might not see eye to eye.
The Rangers top current pitching prospect is Martin Perez, a talented, yet inconsistent Venezuela native. Perez is projected down the road to be an above average No.2 starter, but not a top of the rotation ace. There are far too many potential middle-of-the-rotation starters already in the Cubs system. Andrew Cashner, Chris Carpenter, Trey McNutt, and Dillon Maples will likely all be solid, but never anchors. Perez alone would not be enough to make a deal, and neither would adding other pitching prospects from the Texas system. Like Perez, pitchers Neil Ramirez, Cody Buckell, and Roman Mendez all project to be middle to bottom of the order pitchers.
Leading the prospect list for Texas is shortstop Jurickson Profar. Profar is an elite level player that most other teams would covet, but likely not interest the Cubs. Starlin Castro has a firm grasp on the position, and should hold it down for the next decade. If, somehow, Castro was moved to second base, Profar would be ideal for the Cubs. A 2014 infield of Jeimer Candelario, Starlin Castro, and Profar would be rivaled by 29 other teams.
Richard Durrett of ESPN believes that the Cubs could seek first baseman Mitch Moreland in a swap involving Garza. The Cubs have an opening at first base, and are rumored to be interested in filling the vooid with sluugers Prince Fielder of Albert Pujols. If neither signs with the Cubs, consider Moreland a candidate. Moreland would have to be part of a package, but could be an appealing addition to a Cubs roster in need of power.
Epstein has already stated that Garza is a player he hopes to build the Cubs roster around. He is an elite level starter, and a solid leader. Though by the time the Cubs are finally competitive, Garza will be nearing the end of his prime. Is it a better idea to throw away next season and build for 2014? Or is it better to keep fans in the stadium next season, but miss out on potential future assets?
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