If Yanks Look To Add Starter At Deadline, Garza Is Reportedly Their Top Choice
NEW YORK (WFAN) - The Yankees' rotation was touted as one of its key strengths prior to the season, but the unit has certainly had its ups and downs 50 games into the 2012 campaign.
And if help is potentially out there for the taking, the Yankees are never a club to sit back and stand pat when improvements can be made.
Cue the standard trade-deadline addition that can propel a team past contention and straight into the playoffs. And if the Bronx Bombers do decide to shop for a starter at the deadline, the man who interests them the most is the Cubs' Matt Garza, reported CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.
The 28-year-old Garza will most likely be on the market come deadline time, as the Cubs currently sit in the basement of the National League Central with an 18-32 record, and Garza will be arbitration-eligible after this season and a free agent the season after that.
One thing is for sure: The Cub is certainly American League East-battle tested, having pitched successfully for the Rays from 2008 to 2010. In his second year with the Cubs, the six-foot-four, 215-pounder is 2-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 53 1/3 innings. He has recorded 49 strikeouts to 19 walks.
If the Yanks fail to acquire Garza, a backup plan for general manager Brian Cashman is Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, Heyman said. New York attempted to land Rodriguez at last year's deadline but was unable to complete a deal with Houston.
The Yankees' rotation ERA entering Friday night's contest against the Tigers is 4.82, good enough for 11th best in the American League.
Yankees fans, if you had your choice would you rather the Bombers trade for Matt Garza or Wandy Rodriguez at the deadline? Sound off with your thoughts and comments in the section below...
