Headlines

  • Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez
  • Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Bobby Jenks Passes Away
  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Tigers Join Pursuit Of Matt Garza

By Zachary Links | December 30, 2011 at 5:45pm CDT

The Tigers have emerged as a suitor for Cubs starter Matt Garza, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.  The increased interest in Garza from multiple teams seems to indicate that the right-hander will be dealt before the start of Spring Training.

The Yankees are also known to be interested in Garza but according to one source, they are not currently engaged due to the Cubs’ asking price.  Garza’s rising salary could also be an issue for the Bombers as they approach the luxury-tax barrier.  The hurler projects to earn $8.7MM in 2012 with another year of arbitration afterwards.

Boston and Toronto have also been connected to Garza but sources say that there hasn't been much momentum towards a deal for either team.  It’s also unclear if the Red Sox have the prospects to land Garza after dealing minor league depth to acquire Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon.

Cubs GM Theo Epstein recently said that Garza is the type of pitcher that he would like to build around, but as the club looks to rebuild he'll listen on everyone.

Share 7 Retweet 59 Send via email0

Chicago Cubs Detroit Tigers New York Yankees Matt Garza

AL East Links: Yankees, Red Sox, Hill, Madson, O’s
Main
Blue Jays Sign Aaron Laffey
View Comments (229)
Post a Comment

229 Comments

  1. Caballo14

    14 years ago

    I don’t see the Tigers getting Garza without giving up Jacob Turner, and supposedly he’s untouchable

    Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      He’s not untouchable. They won’t trade him unless it’s the “right deal,” whatever that is to Dombrowski and company.

      Reply
      • wrestlingcritic

        14 years ago

        He’s anything but untouchable…I’d give him up for 2 years of Garza in a heartbeat

        Reply
    • BDLugz

      14 years ago

      Didn’t the Tigers already say they’d be willing to part with Turner for Garza? That was posted on here last week I think.

      Reply
    • UnHappy Man

      14 years ago

      Think again, the Tigers and Cubs are talking a simple deal of Rick Poecello for Matt Garza. The Cubs want youth and Porcello is 23 while Garza is 28. It’s a done deal, you can take this one to the bank!!!

      Reply
      • wrestlingcritic

        14 years ago

        That deal wouldnt be worth it for the Tigers and they arent that desperate. Theyre looking for a 5 starter (or a number 3 in Garzas case) not looking upgrade one of the four they have

        Reply
  2. The_BiRDS

    14 years ago

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!…oh wait.. Im not a Tigers fan.

    Reply
  3. joeybw

    14 years ago

    If he is dealt, it will already be his 4th team, who would know the guy is actually very talented. His longest stay was the 3 years with the Rays but basically just stops along the way for the Twins and probably the Cubs.

    Reply
    • Jeffrey De Los Reyes

      14 years ago

      Well not really his fault, JH shouldn’t of went after him in the first place. Now EpsteinHoyer are likely to trade him to kickstart the rebuilding process.

      Reply
      • Tim Montague

        14 years ago

        Anybody think it’s funny that the current and previous Cub GM’s have had the initials “JH”? Haha I know it’s just a random coincidence, but ironic nonetheless.

        Reply
      • baseball52

        14 years ago

        Uhm the Cubs pretty much won that deal easily…

        Reply
  4. inleylandwetrust

    14 years ago

    A rotation of Verlander, Fister, Garza, Scherzer, and Porcello would be pretty awesome but I highly doubt it happens.

    Reply
    • D_TownWarrior

      14 years ago

      This rotation sounds great, but I really wouldnt even bother in trading for a starter unless its a LHP.  Being in the AL Central, it is going to start hurting not having a left handed starter at some point.  If you trade for Garza, then trade either Scherzer or Porcello and get a LHP for a starter.  I agree that Verlander-Fister-Garza sounds great, especially for a playoff series, but look at what types of lefties the Tigers RHP will be facing this year. 

      Carlos Santana, Azdrubal Cabrera, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner, Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Shin Soo Choo, Lonnie Chisenhall, Ben Revere, Denard Span, Ryan Doumit, Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Adam Dunn, AJ Pierzinski, Alejandro De Aza, Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, ETC…..

      The Royals are going to have a TOUGH left handed 3,4,5 batting corps, and the Twins always kill Porcello and Scherzer.  We need a lefty to seperate Verlander and Fister and if we get him, Garza!!!

      Reply
      • Joey 3

        14 years ago

        Only about a fifth of those lefties scare me.

        “Twins always kill Porcello”

        Porcello career against MIN: 72.1 IP, 2.86 ERA

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          I guess that’s considered “killing” for the Twins these days.

          Reply
      • Chris

        14 years ago

        You can’t be serious.

        If I hear one more time about how the Tigers need a left-hander for the sake of having a left-hander, I’m going to pull my hair out.

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          This.

          Reply
  5. Neil Tatro

    14 years ago

    Turner, Castellanos, and a low level gamble prospect

    Reply
    • tigers22

      14 years ago

      no.

      Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      You can have Turner but not Castellanos.

      Reply
      • baseball52

        14 years ago

        Take Josh Vitters hah

        Reply
    • Dale Yzerov

      14 years ago

      castellanos is not available.

      Reply
  6. Neil Tatro

    14 years ago

    agreed. SCARY 1-3. Garza would be the #2 and whoever is hottest between Scherzer/Porcello would be the #4 in playoffs

    Reply
  7. jphenix2002

    14 years ago

    I’m not interested if it involves Turner, Smyly, or Castellanos, which it likely will

    Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      I’d be willing to part with Smyly and Turner but not Castellanos. It would be nice to limit it to one but if they threw in someone else, I could go for it.

      Reply
      • BDLugz

        14 years ago

        But Castellanos is blocked by Inge!  Haha, sorry, couldn’t help myself.

        Reply
      • QCCubsPerspective

        14 years ago

        I was thinking they could add Darwin Barney. I don’t think the Cubs are getting both Castellanos and Turner either. Rather see Danny Worth as a throw-in in this deal. Cubs could use another utility IF.

        Reply
  8. jphenix2002

    14 years ago

    Fister will be the #2

    Reply
  9. Scott U

    14 years ago

    No way the Tigers give up Turner AND Castellanos in a deal…

    Reply
  10. Dale Yzerov

    14 years ago

    he is not worth turner ,castellanos.he is an avg. pitcher at best.unless we get someone else included in the deal,but i dont think they have much of anything to trade.there just raising the price for other teams.

    Reply
    • Neil Tatro

      14 years ago

      …lol average at best?! u should forever lose your posting rights

      Reply
      • Dale Yzerov

        14 years ago

        you should give up your desire for a cub pennant.Besides a lucky no hitter against the tigers what has he done that is so great?dont look at last years stats.look at the whole picture.he’s a 2 or 3.

        Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      He was 6th in the NL in WAR last year among starters (quoting another commenter here, but I think its correct).  He’d be a second ace for Detroit.  He’s a top tier talent.  I think few of his stats would support your claim of average, and watching him last year I’d say his talent level might even exceed his stats.  That being said, the Cubs will only accept if its Turner and Castellanos.  2 years control of a ace level pitcher means the Tigers are dealing for the most expensive commodity in baseball.

      Reply
      • commenter3346

        14 years ago

        “He’d be a second ace for Detroit.”

        No he wouldn’t. He’s not nearly the pitcher that Verlander is. The only thing that would help him out is the park. But Garza is not an ace. He’s better than an average pitcher but certainly not an ace.

        Reply
        • Neil Tatro

          14 years ago

          finishing 6th in the NL in WAR certainly makes him an ace, keep your biased opinion out of factual information

          Reply
          • Jason Maurer

            14 years ago

            Wait, don’t the Tigers play in the AL?  How does his “ace” stats stack up when he was pitching for the Twins/Rays?

            Reply
            • BDLugz

              14 years ago

              Okay, he was 15th in WAR in all of baseball.  Doesn’t matter what league, that’s impressive.

              Reply
              • cyberboo

                14 years ago

                Why clog the issue with facts.  Garza, according to major league baseball, finished 26th out of the top forty pitchers and I believe major league baseball facts more than opinions about players.  Anyone that puts faith in madeup stats needs to learn about the actual game, not a bunch of mathematic theories that are wrong 100 percent of the time.  Players are human, not machines and many intangibles have to be considered that mathematical equations don’t account for,  WAR is one of them, since replacement players have often outhit and outpitched the regular, making them expendable and out of a job.

                Reply
        • Justswain

          14 years ago

          I totally agree he is nowhere near Verlander, but then Verlander won both the Cy Young and MVP last year, so…who exactly is at the level of Verlander?

          Reply
        • JacksTigers

          14 years ago

          Comparing JV and Garza is dumb. JV compares to Doc and no one else. Garza was great in a hitters park last year and will be better in CoPa.

          Reply
          • Justswain

            14 years ago

            Verlander is better than Halladay.  Its that velocity…I never realized until watching him in the playoffs this year exactly how hard he throws.  Comparable, possibly but Verlander has a slight edge. He’s the best pitcher in the majors right now.

            Reply
            • JacksTigers

              14 years ago

              We take advantage of the fact that we have the best pitcher and top three best hitter in baseball.

              Reply
          • baseball52

            14 years ago

            My avatar begs to differ.

            Reply
            • Justswain

              14 years ago

              Hmmm, forgot about the freak.  Gotta think about that one….

              Still think its Verlander, but Lincecum is certainly in that elite group.

              Reply
              • baseball52

                14 years ago

                Well, I’d put them all in the same group. Can’t ignore a guy with 2 Cys and a World Series.

                Reply
            • Chris

              14 years ago

              Andrew Miller over Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum.

              This haunts me every night.

              Reply
              • baseball52

                14 years ago

                When I saw him pitch at Washington for the first time, I almost cried that the Cubs didn’t sign him out of HS.

                Reply
              • verlander

                14 years ago

                Miller did bring in Cabrera. Maybe that’ll help you sleep better?

                Reply
              • verlander

                14 years ago

                Miller did bring in Cabrera. Maybe that’ll help you sleep better?

                Reply
        • Guest 5421

          14 years ago

          in fairness, garza is a solid 2…..even better 3

          Reply
  11. weaselpuppy

    14 years ago

    2 team control seasons of a 3 WAR pitcher paying him about $13M for the two years is not worth your top two prospects….and no one is getting Avila in a deal with the top prospect for a 50-60th ranked pitcher in MLB.  Tigers really need a lefty anyways….Now I can see Porcello going in this deal…….with a guy like Fields…

    Reply
    • JunKim

      14 years ago

      Garza had 5.0 WAR last season.  I wonder who would want Porcello. He is nothing more that #5, 5.00 ERA in weak central division.  Even if Tigers throws Turner in the mix, I am not sure if Cubs would be interested.  Turner reminds me of Matsuz, Bailey type of players.

      Reply
      • JacksTigers

        14 years ago

        Porcello is 22. He has the upside of a number two or three starter.

        Reply
        • JunKim

          14 years ago

          When will he ever show it? I don’t see much of improvements past 3 seasons.  And he is 23 now.

          Reply
          • JacksTigers

            14 years ago

            Since when is 23 as good as a player will get.

            Reply
            • verlander

              14 years ago

              The problem with Porcello is that he hasn’t shown much progression since ’09.

              Reply
          • Ferrariman

            14 years ago

            players are getting drafted at 22. Porcello has been in the league for 2 years at 22/23.  Give the guy some space to grow.

            Reply
      • cyberboo

        14 years ago

        Garza started 31 games in 2011.  He had 23 quality starts and was blown off the mound in eight other starts, giving up five runs or more.  That says third starter – nothing more.  He also pitches in the NL central, faces seven major league hitters on a consistant basis, walks the eighth hitter to face a below .100 hitting pitcher.  That pads a pitchers numbers dramatically.   

        Reply
        • Michael Klein

          14 years ago

          i cant believe i have to post this in this thread as well.  i already replied to you in another thread….king felix had about the same exact stats last year as far as quality starts goes

          Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Who ranked Garza in the 50th to 60th range?  I thought he was much higher than that.

      Reply
    • Neil Tatro

      14 years ago

      since WAR is what your using to base your argument on, Garza’s was 6th highest in the entire NL last year, which makes him an ace and worth 2 top prospects.. Turner will DEFINITELY be involved if they trade.

      Reply
      • Dale Yzerov

        14 years ago

        I would rather have bruce chen than garza.

        Reply
  12. slider32

    14 years ago

    Latos and Gio cost 4 B prospects, but they were under control for 4 years, Garza only has 2 years of control. I would think 2 Bs and a C should be fair for Garza.

    Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Not going to happen at that price.  I’ve been following Garza trade rumors and the packages that are being talked about are much bigger.  They are just rumors but they provide a decent baseline pulse for what the market is like.  Theo is fine with keeping him, and is only shopping him to teams willing to throw in the kitchen sink.  Also, Latos cost the Reds Yonder Alonso, one of the top first base prospects in the country.  He’s a B?

      Reply
      • slider32

        14 years ago

        John Sickels rated him as a B+.

        Reply
    • Ohhhplease

      14 years ago

      Would hardly consider Alonso and Grandal a “B” prospect, Volquez is a former All-Star pitcher who was “Dustied”.  Boxberger is truly a “B” prospect with a ton of upside.

        

      Reply
      • Hal_Jordan77

        14 years ago

        John Sickels rated both Alonso and Grandal as B+ in July.  Boxberger was C+.

        Reply
      • slider32

        14 years ago

        The key is they had 4 years of control or more, where Garza only has 2.

        Reply
      • James Scheuerman

        14 years ago

        Then you don’t agree with John Sickels. He has Alonso and Grandal as borderline B+/A- and Boxberger as a B-. 

        Reply
  13. jedicouncil

    14 years ago

    I can hear the cubs fans coming now lol as a jays fan, we just had to hear how Garza was worth our top prospects…..thank god were out and you guys are in.

    Reply
    • Neil Tatro

      14 years ago

      u have fun at the bottom of the AL East once again buddy

      Reply
      • verlander

        14 years ago

        Toronto’s hardly a cellar dweller.

        Reply
      • slider32

        14 years ago

        4th place again!

        Reply
    • BDLugz

      14 years ago

      You had the absolute worst posts I’ve ever read in any thread… congrats on making my brain hurt.

      Reply
  14. Zachary Eick

    14 years ago

    IMO the Tigers really don’t need a long-term SP like Garza because of the depth in minor league pitching prospects. Yes Turner is the top guy, but they do have other players who can pitch too. Remember Andrew Oliver? Well if he gets his ERA down a little, he could be a decent #5 for this year if they really want to trade Turner for that right deal. I don’t really want Garza to go to Detroit… but DD can drive up the price for other teams. 😉

    Reply
    • funkytime

      14 years ago

      It’s more the talent they have at the pro level than in the minor leagues.  Verlander, Fister, Scherzer, and Porcello are all 28 or younger and locked up for the next 3 years.  Plus Turner, Smyly, and potentially others are close to being ready.

      Reply
  15. Matt 57

    14 years ago

    “It’s also unclear if the BoSox have the prospects to land Garza after dealing minor league depth to acquire Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon.”

    Thats a joke right?  They gave up hardly anything in terms of good prospects for those two players.  Its not a matter of if they have enough, its a matter of if they are willing to give up there top players like Middlebrooks, which I really don’t think they want to do.

    Reply
    • Ohhhplease

      14 years ago

      The Sox farm system is clearly not what it was even two years ago.  The departure of several pieces in the Gonzales trade and players who have now come up….they are certainly not a top 5 (not even top 10) farm system as of now.

      Reply
    • jammin502

      14 years ago

      Whether the Red Sox have a good system or not, the one thing that I do know is that Theo should know more than anybody!  If there is something there for a deal than he will be all over it.

      Reply
  16. Eric Foster

    14 years ago

    I want Turner, one of Crosby/Smyly and Suarez.
    Garza features less years under team control than Gio, but with Edwin Jackson’s unreliability and steep price tag, the Cubs can force someone to overpay.

    We need TWO legitimate upper/mid rotation pitching prospects for Garza. Then, a more fringy young bat at a prime position. 
    The Tigers would suddenly look like contenders with that rotation.
    The Cubs have young, starting pitching depth needed for the rebuild. Turner could even start this year.

    Reply
    • funkytime

      14 years ago

      Only the Tigers don’t have a long term need for starting pitching, so they have no reason to overpay.

      Roy Oswalt on a 1 year deal makes 1000x more sense than this.

      Reply
      • Eric Foster

        14 years ago

        Garza provides more upside than Oswalt, and half the injury risk. 
        However, selling a nice chunk of your future in order to win now is never anything any GM would enjoy.
        At this point, the Cubs really view this as simple supply and demand.
        Someone WILL overpay.

        Reply
      • Ohhhplease

        14 years ago

        Oswalt’s health concerns and what seems like not a lot of fire to play would be a HUGE concern for me if I were banking on him to help carry me deep in the playoffs.

        Reply
      • YODA777

        14 years ago

        For the Tigers,  signing Oswalt would be a good idea, but not without risk.  The Tigers need one more top of the line starter to compete in the playoffs and World Series.  If you sign Oswalt and he gets injured again, there goes your shot at the title [making the playoffs is not good enough].  Getting Garza; however, is less risky.  Having Garza in your rotation would make Turner definately expendable.  I would not trade either Smly or Crosby as one, or possibly both could be in the rotation going forward, thus making both Porcello and Sherzer trade candidates down the road. 

        Reply
      • Dale Yzerov

        14 years ago

        yes this makes sense.

        Reply
    • McCavitt Carter

      14 years ago

      Have you seen the teams in the Tigers division?  They don’t need Garza to be far and away the best team in the AL Central

      Reply
      • Eric Foster

        14 years ago

        You don’t sell the farm to win the Central. You’d sell the farm to compete deep into the playoffs for the next couple years.

        If the Tigers are going to overpay, now’s the time. Weak division, but with Garza, the Tigers compete with anyone in the AL.

        Reply
      • Jim Lonergan

        14 years ago

        But they will need Garza to advance farther than the ALCS.

        Reply
      • Neil Tatro

        14 years ago

        cuz winning the division is all that matters right?

        Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      Deal.

      Reply
  17. suntv

    14 years ago

    DD is open to dealing turner. TURNER/OLIVER/DIRKS/PAULEY for Garza. all involved will be on the opening rosters

    Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      I have a hard time seeing the Cubs accepting that deal without Castellanos or Smyly substituted for one of the other names.

      Reply
      • Ferrariman

        14 years ago

        are you kidding me?  I think the cubs should take Turner plus whatever they can pry away because turner-garza alone is plenty.

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          I agree, but I still think the Cubs would want Turner and Castellanos or Smyly. Dirks is a non-prospect, Pauley is a so-so middle reliever, and Oliver has control issues.

          Reply
      • QCCubsPerspective

        14 years ago

        I don’t think we’re getting both Turner  and Castellanos and I’ve been a Cubs fan for 25 yrs. Maybe Smyly and Turner. I like to see a package of Smyly, Turner, Garcia/Pauley, and Danny Worth.

        Reply
  18. Justswain

    14 years ago

    Well, this may be a first.  My impression from reading this board is that there are many Tigers fans who aren’t interested in top tier pitching.  Its a bit of a head scratcher for me.  Garza is young, talented, the Cubs ace (yeah I know thats not saying much but still, he’s ace of a big market team), and has a great post season record including being the winning pitcher in two world series games.  He can locate his fastball which has decent movement, has an excellent change-up, and knows how to work in his breaking stuff (which seems to be the formula for the best starters these days).  I would think thats exactly the sort of guy the Tigers would be willing to give up some prospects for. Its possible I’m under rating the prospects being talked about, but I have to admit this is not what I was expecting to read.  Epstein asked for clubs interested in Garza to have their offers on the table by yesterday so they could decide the direction they want to go in.  Its possible the only reason this rumor is floating around is because the Tigers told the Cubs what they were willing to part with, so there is a pretty good chance this trade doesn’t happen.  I’m just not sure what Tigers fans are worried about…is Turner Detroits favorite son?

    Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      I’m not sure what’s so hard to understand. Some people want Garza and some don’t, both for legitimate reasons.

      Reply
      • Justswain

        14 years ago

        Usually when fans hear about the possibility of their team getting a top tier starter they are excited about it.  I don’t think there is any question that Garza would help the Tigers win this year.  I just find it odd that a team that is built to contend now would be willing to sit back and be passive, especially considering the disappointment you poor Tigers fans have had leading up to last year.  If my team were as close to winning it all as yours, I’d be chomping at the bit.  Gms have to protect talent in the minors, but fans usually are more short sited.

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          Adding Garza would be nice, but there’s no need to go into “win now” mode.  The Tigers are built to compete until at least 2014/2015, when Verlander’s and Cabrera’s contracts are up, and Porcello/Scherzer/Fister/etc. are no longer under team control.

          Also, the Tigers were a 95-win team last year. I don’t believe they’re truly a 95-win team, because they had to reel off 12 straight wins to get that close, but I think they’re good enough to win the division as it stands now. I could see them easily in the 88-to-92 win range. That should be good enough to win the division.  Signing someone like Paul Maholm, for example, rather than selling the rest of the farm to get a higher profile starter could still put them in the playoffs. And once you get to the playoffs, it’s basically a crapshoot.

          /tl;dr

          Reply
          • Justswain

            14 years ago

            There is a difference between a win now team and a team poised to contend.  Garza would be a key piece in any rotation in the post season, and combined with Verlander could give the Tigers a real shot at doing some damage in October.  Maholm on the other hand has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, the definition of a low pressure environment.  He has exactly zero playoff appearances, and unless I’m mistaken has never even played for a winning team.  I like the Oswalt option a bit better, he at least can do what he does in a pressure cooker, assuming that he is healthy in October.  All in all, Garza would be a much bigger piece in the Tigers puzzle than either of those guys since he has stayed healthy through most of his career, and has proven his postseason worth.  One point that really supports your argument though is the impression I’ve been getting that the Tigers farm system is a bit top heavy; they have a few top tier guys, but the talent level really drops off after that.  I think more than most other teams, trading away two of your top three guys really would gut your farm system. 

            Reply
            • verlander

              14 years ago

              //All in all, Garza would be a much bigger piece in the Tigers puzzle than either of those guys since he has stayed healthy through most of his career, and has proven his postseason worth.//

              Yes, but adding an Oswalt or Maholm might help just as much as adding Garza (as in, just getting to the playoffs) and not deplete the farm system.

              Obviously, there’s arguments to be made on both side.

              Reply
          • Guest 5420

            14 years ago

            maholm, crazy as it seems is a good idea….he really could benefit from that little thing the pirates couldn’t do.um run support!!!

            Reply
            • verlander

              14 years ago

              Maholm is solid, and I like him a heckuva lot better than Joe Saunders.

              Reply
  19. $17049574

    14 years ago

    Keep in mind that the Tigers can also offer salary relief to the Cubs, by taking on a terrible contract along with Garza. So it may not be a prospects for Garza deal, so much as it would be a prospects for Garza + a bad contract deal.

    Reply
    • Jim Lonergan

      14 years ago

      If you’re trying to rebuild, as the Cubs seem to be doing, why would you lessen a deal involving your best chip by including a bad contract?  It makes more sense to get as many top-notch prospects as possible for Garza and worry about dumping the bad contracts in separate deals.

      Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Remember the bad contracts that the Cubs are trying to unload are VERY bad.  You Tigers fans don’t want any part of our Zambrano or Soriano nonsense.  Dempster would be the next worse contract, and he wouldn’t have a spot if he went to the Tigers and would probably veto it.  The only other big contract is Marmol, and he’s got enough upside that if the Cubs trade him they’ll want something in return.

      Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      If it meant making the deal around Smyly, 1/4 of Sorianos contract would be awesome.

      Reply
      • Justswain

        14 years ago

        The Cubs could trade Soriano for cash considerations if they were willing to pay 3/4ths of his contract.  He’s a liability in the field but he’ll give you 25-35 Hrs a year pretty consistently.  4 mil a year would be cheap for that.

        Reply
        • Eric Foster

          14 years ago

          Agreed, he has some limited value.
          But, nowhere near his current price. 
          The Cubs are going to eat some serious cash.

          Reply
          • Justswain

            14 years ago

            Honestly I don’t even think they’ll be able to move him, which is too bad.  From everything I’ve heard he’s a nice guy, good clubhouse presence, easy going and hard working which makes his skill set even worse because the young kids might look up to him.  I just hope his spectating at home runs, lost looking play in the outfield, and poor plate discipline don’t rub off on his fellow countryman Starlin Castro or any of our other kids.

            Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      The Tigers can’t offer that much salary relief. They have money coming off the books, yes, but a lot of that is about to be tied up in raises to Verlander, Cabrera, Scherzer, Porcello, etc.

      Reply
      • Justswain

        14 years ago

        I agree, in fact there is a pretty good chance that unless they get a revenue boost from post season runs I think at least one of those 4 will not resign.

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          They’re all under team control, though. Verlander and Cabrera will be getting pay increases, and Scherzer, Porcello, etc. are arbitration eligible. They won’t be non-tendered.

          Reply
          • Justswain

            14 years ago

            Sorry, wasn’t clear, I didn’t mean this year or next, I meant down the road.  Less so Porcello, but the other three are going to be able to ask for big contracts.

            Reply
            • verlander

              14 years ago

              I think the Tigers know that too, and might trade one or two of them net some sort of return.

              Reply
  20. KennyPowers11

    14 years ago

    You guys are killing me. Garza isnt an ace but he is a #2 starter. I understand that that a team shouldnt have to give the cubs a ton of prospects but they should give them atleast 3 good ones. In will prolly take 3 years for turner to develope into atleast a one or 2 starter. They want to win now.  Garza is a proven winner NOW.  They seriously have a good shot with him in the rotaion to win the world seies. The tigers hav a low chance of wining the world series if fister and scherzer are your 2 and 3 starters in the post season. Thats fine cause you tiger fans can wait three years for your oliver and turner to finally turn the corner and by then Verlander and the rest of the team will be three years older. All im saying is they can win right now and in three years hav a bunch of other good prospects ready to come up. 

    Reply
    • disgustedcubfan

      14 years ago

      Agree. Strike while the iron is hot.  The window for the World Series does not open often, or stay open for long.

      Reply
  21. Andy Patton

    14 years ago

    Tigers need a LHP. I say this on almost every Tigers board, but it’s true. Cant compete with Red sox and Yankees without a solid Lefty in the rotation

    Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      Yes you can. In fact we did last season.

      Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      The Tigers don’t need a LHP that much. Most of the scary lefty hitters have left the division. Who’s left, Pierzynski? Dunn? Hahahaha.

      Also, who beat the Yankees in the ALDS?

      ETA: The corpse of Hafner?

      Reply
    • QCCubsPerspective

      14 years ago

      Huh? Garza pitched with the Rays in the AL East.

      Reply
    • Dale Yzerov

      14 years ago

      we keep beating the yankees in the playoffs.dont think thats the issue.we always have problems with the red sox in regular season.

      Reply
  22. Jeffrey De Los Reyes

    14 years ago

    Bad idea to trade Marshall first. Now everyone knows were in a rebuilding mode, so it would make little to no sense to keep Garza and prevent us from drafting better players.

    It’s likely that they’ll accept the best package possible instead of keep him and entertain offers. I still hope he can get as good a haul as Latos/Gonzalez even if he is team controlled for 2years instead of 4.

    Reply
    • dudemanbro

      14 years ago

      i don’t think fleecing the reds for a relief pitcher with one year of control left is considered waving the flag for a rebuild

      Reply
    • disgustedcubfan

      14 years ago

      When Theo said “We’re rebuilding”,  I think everybody then knew the Cubs were rebuilding.  Did you think it was a secret?

      Reply
  23. Liam Gallagher

    14 years ago

    Tigers get: Cubs organization
    Cubs Get: Tigers organization

    It works out. Tigers get Garza and the Cubs rebuild.

    Reply
  24. Norberto Paulino™

    14 years ago

    Tigers get: Garza
    Cubs get: Rick Porcello, Jacob Turner

    Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      No.

      Tigers get Garza
      Cubs get Turner, Crosby, Fields

      Reply
      • QCCubsPerspective

        14 years ago

        I’d replace one of either Crosby or Fields with Garcia.

        Reply
        • JacksTigers

          14 years ago

          Still sounds good.

          Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      You can keep Porcello, we have plenty of 4s and 5s

      Reply
    • Dale Yzerov

      14 years ago

      we get garza.cubs get turner,fields,and a bag of baesballs.

      Reply
    • Guest 5419

      14 years ago

      and the tigers get screwed………..

      Reply
  25. YODA777

    14 years ago

    Garza is young enough to give the Tigers good long term value for trading Turner.  I dont think the Tigers get Garza without giving up Turner.  The Tigers time is now, not 3 years from now when Turner may or may not be Verlander like.  The Tigers have a solid 3 year World Series Title run if they pick up Garza. 

    Reply
    • Eric Foster

      14 years ago

      Agreed. 
      Normally, dealing the prospects necessary would be crippling long term.
      However, with Garza they open up that win-now, 3 year window.
      It makes more sense for Detroit or New York than it does Toronto.
      Although, I’d prefer the haul of Jays prospects to a very good Tigers package.

      Reply
  26. YODA777

    14 years ago

    If the Tigers were to sign Cepedes, trade for Garza, and use Boesch to trade for the Padres Chase Headley, they would be as strong as any other team in MLB.  Maybe one relief pitcher short, I would sure like a stronger 7 inning man. 

    Reply
    • verlander

      14 years ago

      Octavio Dotel would be the seventh inning man.

      Reply
      • YODA777

        14 years ago

        I dont think Dotel is solid enough for 7 inning duty. He gets hammered against lefties; therefore, more suited for a situational role. AA throws to many sliders, he will always have arm trouble.

        Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          I’m assuming Dotel would take on righties and Coke would take on lefties, and they’d be co-seventh inning guys.

          Reply
        • verlander

          14 years ago

          I’m assuming Dotel would take on righties and Coke would take on lefties, and they’d be co-seventh inning guys.

          Reply
    • Norberto Paulino™

      14 years ago

      What if X-team traded for King Felix, Sabathia, Halladay, Lee and Lincecum for the starting rotation. Signed Pujols(1B), Prince(DH)and Jose Reyes(SS) then traded for Longoria(3B), Dustin Pedroia(2B), Justin Upton(CF), Mike Stanton(RF), Ryan Braun(LF), Yadier Molina(C) then with the money left over sign Ryan Madson, Jonathan Papelbon, Coco Cordero and Heath Bell. Team X could be close.

      Reply
      • Jeff Westcott

        14 years ago

        Do you have the number to order X-team season tickets?

        Reply
  27. mainesox

    14 years ago

    I’m not sure that any of the players traded for either Melancon or Bailey would necessarily be part of a potential Garza trade, so I don’t think either of those trades affect whether or not the Sox could trade for Garza.  The only players I could see possibly having been in a theoretical Garza trade would be Head and Alcantara, but they would have been the “other” pieces and could be replaced by any number of mid-level prospects.

    Reply
    • Eric Foster

      14 years ago

      Middlebrooks, Barnes and Renaudo.
      It’s a steep price, but Garza is a solid #2, with ace upside and above average K/9.
      Boston might be better off standing pat.
      Garza will be too expensive, and Jackson demands an awful contract.

      Reply
      • QCCubsPerspective

        14 years ago

        Agreed. I don’t think Red Sox have the pitching prospects to get him…so probably better if they looked elsewhere.

        Reply
      • mainesox

        14 years ago

         Barnes can’t be traded yet.

        I wouldn’t trade that for Garza anyway, I’m actually not a fan of trading for Garza (not that I wouldn’t want him on the team, I just wouldn’t give up the prospects it would take to get him).  I’d prefer to sign Oswalt or even Kuroda, and I might even prefer to trade for Floyd depending on how much cheaper he would be (prospect-wise).

        Reply
        • Eric Foster

          14 years ago

          If I were a Red Sox fan, I’d agree with that assessment. 
          Bard should convert well as a starter, and there’s really no need to sacrifice much of the farm.

          Reply
  28. slider32

    14 years ago

    Sounds good, but winning the world series is random. The teams with best records last year the Phillies and Yanks didn’t even make the series. That’s what made the Yanks of the 90s so good.

    Reply
  29. firealyellon

    14 years ago

    Fine by me; the white sox have owned Garza So far in his career

    Reply
    • JacksTigers

      14 years ago

      Sounds good me too.

      Reply
  30. dano62

    14 years ago

    Garza for Turner, Crosby and pieces I’d do; but if I was DD i’d fish for Garza and settle for Wandy Rodriguez, who could be got for Oliver and one prospect from the team’s #10-15 list… He’d cost more money but would not gut the farm system (as fragile as it is). Garza is a 2-year player while if you can keep Turner you’ve got someone who’ll be ready to replace Verlander atop the rotation in 2 years. I don’t understand why teams aren’t looking past Wandy’s stats and checking out his skill level. He’d be wicked as a No. 3 on a winning team.

    Reply
    • jumpsuitjohnny

      14 years ago

      I agree, it would nice to get a middle of the rotation lefty but Wandy’s interleague numbers make me nervous.

      Reply
      • jumpsuitjohnny

        14 years ago

        Of all the possible trade pieces the Tigers have, Oliver is by far the most comfortable I’d feel deelin away.

        Reply
      • melonis_rex

        14 years ago

        Small sample size; NL SP get very few starts per season against AL teams. Can’t really conclude anything from them. 

        Reply
    • Jeff Westcott

      14 years ago

      If Brandon Phillips and the Reds don’t come to a deal on an extension soon, he’s very likely going to be available at the deadline (if not sooner). Doing a deal for Wandy and holding onto Turner for a potential future Brandon Phillips trade would make a ton of sense.

      Reply
      • Dale Yzerov

        14 years ago

        you are a smart baseball man.the best thing said on this post so far.

        Reply
      • melonis_rex

        14 years ago

        The NL Central isn’t that strong with Pujols and Fielder out of division. The Reds are contenders. Unless something disasterous happens, Brandon Phillips isn’t getting traded midseason, regardless of extension status. 

        Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Problem with Rodriguez is he has 4.2 innings of post season experience.  I think the Tigers could probably win the central with what they have right now, so what they really need to add are starting pitchers who do well in the post season, and thats Garza, and thats why his trade value is so high.

      Reply
  31. weaselpuppy

    14 years ago

    Garza’s WAR on BR is 2.9, on fangraphs it’s 5….his previoius fangraphs WAR were 1.6, 2.9 3.1 and BR were 2.0 3.8 and 3.2…..someone at Fangraphs fatfingered their data entry on this year’s war from 4.0 to 5.0….if Detroit were ginn atrade their 1 2 and another top 10 prospect they would have goe after Gio or Latos, younger guys with more upside…lastt ime they traded 1-2 top 10 and pieces they got Miggy…..2 yrs of a average #2 starter Garza would be a horrible return for clearing out your farm system….

    Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Once again I think the answer to why they didn’t go after Gio or Latos is that they aren’t looking for someone who is going to get them to the post season, they are looking for someone who is going to help them win in October.  Garza has 31 innings of 3.48 ERA baseball in the postseason, including his last post season apperance in 2010; 6 innings of 1 run ball against the team that knocked you guys out of it the next year.  Latos and Gonzalez have a combined 0 innings of post season experience.

      Reply
  32. Joey 3

    14 years ago

    Smyly is quickly becoming more untouchable than Turner IMO. I think a Turner trade is far more likely. No way to both in the same deal.

    Reply
    • jumpsuitjohnny

      14 years ago

      Agree, Smyly numbers have been ridiculous this past season. His stuff, though not the best velocity, really seems to frustrate hitters. I personally like Smyly about the same as Turner, but seems to be much closer to getting his stuff together than Turner and seems like he could be the coveted #3 (with #2 ceiling in my opinion) lefty that would fit in to their rotation. No way DD would be foolish enough to include them both in a package.

      Reply
  33. wrestlingcritic

    14 years ago

    Don’t forget: Garza no-hit the Tigers in 09. Even though they were ahnihilated with injuries to their top guys at the time, they know first hand how good he is from that and his years with the Twinkies. Blue Jays have been “in” on virtually every available starter this offseason, except for maybe Wilson, so I think they are just bluffing. Red Sox’ farm has been widdled to nothing between the Gonzalez, Bailey, and Melancon trades over the last year. If the Tigers want to make an impact outside of possibly waiting around for Cespedes, this would be a great move to make.

    Reply
  34. scott

    14 years ago

    I would take the SLH Saunders on a 1 yr/ $8-$9 mil + incentives and hold onto Porcello ($1.3 mil or so)for one more year to really see where he’s at….Garza will cost them $8 + mil in salary while depleting the farm system, and  you can see another year of the Turners, Smyleys, etc…Saunders will be motivated as well as his familiarity with the AL

    Reply
    • Justswain

      14 years ago

      Saunders has a 6.0 era and is 0-2 in 18 innings of postseason play.  He’s not the piece the Tigers need.

      Reply
  35. Khabibulan

    14 years ago

    As a White Sox fan, a rotation of Verlander, Garza, Scherzer, Fister, Porcello would make me very sad. Tigers should be aggressive but not silly with Garza. They are still the AL Central favorites without him.

    Reply
    • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

      14 years ago

      Tigers won’t win anything in this year. They have one good pitcher and a guy who no one outside of Seattle heard of til he was sent to Detroit in Fister. If the Tigers were smart they would get rid of all that dead wait like Inge, Boesch, Peralta,Dirks, Don Kelly and Raburn. the main this is to get rid of Inge. I was hoping Aramis Ramirez would have signed with Detroit to ruin that team make the players around him lazy like he made the Cubs players lazy the last 3-5 yrs.

      Reply
      • verlander

        14 years ago

        This is a lazy comment. No one heard of Fister outside of Seattle, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t any good.

        None of the players you mentioned are dead weight, and acting like the Tigers should be in rebuilding mode after an ALCS APPEARANCE is silly.

        Reply
        • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

          14 years ago

          Out of the players I names Inge Boesch are dead weight, you can’t deny that. Fister was 6-12 in Seattle but you make him sound like Cy Young

          Reply
          • verlander

            14 years ago

            //Out of the players I names Inge Boesch are dead weight, you can’t deny that.//

            I glazed over Inge because who doesn’t, but Boesch is most definitely not dead weight and you’ve just proved yourself to know nothing about the Tigers. I really hope you’re not a Tigers fan.

            //Fister was 6-12 in Seattle but you make him sound like Cy Young//

            First off, you can’t even get Fister’s record right and second off, he had the worst run support in the league prior to the trade. It’s hard to win games when your pathetic team can’t score you any runs.

            Reply
  36. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    14 years ago

    Make it like a 6 team trade, Cubs trade Garza to who ever has the best prospects with at least on ML ready player, they also trade Soto, Soriano Zambrano, and Byrd to 4 other different teams. Z to Miami for a year of free Cuban food, Soto to Anaheim for Single A player, Soriano and cash to Oakland for nothing back and Byrd to DC for Cash or PTBNL and they would need to trade one more player as well, Dewitt to Tampa Bay for PTBNL.

    Reply
    • Rick Springer

      14 years ago

      You know… the other teams you in your grand GM sense are loading these huge contracts on have wants and needs too. Most of them don’t include low-talent huge contract players.

      Reply
  37. slider32

    14 years ago

    Even Theo won’t get the Cubs out of the mess their in for years.

    Reply
  38. gamaize

    14 years ago

    Tigers aren’t interested in Garza, they aren’t interested in JJ, it is a “rumors” site.

    Tigers traded Jair due to injury concerns, sounds like the Braves are doing the same and now we are supposed to believe the Tigers want Jair back…uh yeah right.

    Tigers liked G Gonzalez and his 4years of control until Oakland said they wanted Turner, Castellanos and Smyly they quickly said no thanks.

    I doubt the Tigers want 2years of Garza if it will cost them Turner, Castellanos and then some.  No doubt they inquired and then moved on. 

    Reply
  39. Lars Chunks

    14 years ago

    Red Sox didn’t exactly give up “minor league depth” in a couple of low A ball guys, a couple of backup players at the major league level, and terrible Weiland.  They still have plenty of prospects to land Garza, but they won’t do it because the price will be too much for their liking.

    Reply
  40. Paul 21

    14 years ago

    That’s right north east hoes 6.

    Reply
  41. mutantbeast

    14 years ago

    I got news for Tigger fans. Garza is far more proven than Oswalt. Even Edwin Jax(who the Ts once had) is a more proven post-season pitcher than the injured Oswalt. Oswalt is not the TOR pitcher he was in Houston-hes a #3/4 guy with injury issues and diminishing velocity. Turner/Smyly/ one more minor piece likley lands the more post-season, still in the prime of his career Garza.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Recent

    AL Central Notes: Thomas, Ragans, Lynch, Cobb

    Padres To Activate Yu Darvish On Monday

    Rhys Hoskins Suffers Grade 2 Thumb Sprain, Headed To IL

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Rays Sign Peter Strzelecki To Minor League Contract

    MLB Announces 2025 All-Star Rosters

    Pirates Re-Sign Yohan Ramírez, Release Peter Strzelecki

    Diamondbacks Place Pavin Smith On IL, Select Tristin English

    Details On Bryan Reynolds’ Limited No-Trade Protection

    Tigers Select PJ Poulin

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version