The Price for Matt Garza

Yesterday when I wrote about the Rangers missing out on Matt Garza, who went to the Cubs instead, I said it would be interesting to see if the Rangers package would be leaked out so we could see who the Rangers would be willing to give up to the Rays.  It appears I already have my question answered.

Peter Gammons reported that the Rangers actually tried to trade for one of the Cubs' pieces of the deal, catcher Robinson Chirinos, and then flip him, along with Derek Holland, Frank Francisco, and Engel Beltre to Tampa Bay for Garza.  The deal was close to being done with Texas, until the Rays told the Cubs they could have Garza if they woud put their Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Chris Archer, in the deal.  The Cubs decided to do it, and the Rays left the Rangers deal on the table.

In my opinion, Holland, Francisco, and Beltre is a lot to give up for Garza, but that is probably a fair price.  I like the Rangers guys, so I'm not super disappointed that this deal didn't get done.  At the very least, we keep some of our ammo in reserve for later in the season when we might be able to make a deal for a pitcher who may be available in June or July, but isn't available right now.  Remember, at this point last year, after the Mariners had traded for Cliff Lee, the M's were viewed as being the team to beat in the AL West, but by July, one of their ace pitchers was very available.  These things can change.

Garza joins Zack Greinke and Cliff Lee as good pitchers that have not only eluded the Rangers, but who have all moved on to National League clubs.  We may see the old stereotypes come back into play next year, where the National League is viewed as being a pitching league, while the American League is dominated by offense.