I recognize that this is now bordering on an Obsessive Matt Garza Watch (or is it OMGarza?), but there’s precious little going on right now, and trade rumors are always interesting – no matter how tenuous or uninformative.
As for Garza, the latest news out of Tampa Bay is that the Rays are expected to hang on to the right-hander unless the Cubs or some other team is willing to blow them away with players. Do the Cubs want to give up someone like Andrew Cashner? No. The Rays may change their mind around the Trade Deadline. I wouldnt worry about the Phillies — the NL Central will be tough enough now that the Brewers have added Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, and the Cardinals have Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia. It will be interesting to see what new pitching coach Mark Riggins can do with the Cubs starters. cubs.com.
Carrie Muskat does not, generally, break news or report on rumors. She does, however, have her finger on the pulse of the Cubs’ front office; so when she offers a general sense on something, it’s usually worth listening. Here, she’s saying pretty much what we’ve been hearing – the Rays are still willing to discuss Garza, but they’re holding out for a serious haul. They may even hold out until mid-season, in the hopes that more bidders enter the fray (of course, it’s almost as likely that current suitors will fall out of the bidding by then, but hey, I’m not in charge of the Rays).