The next month leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline figures to be anything but boring for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are one of the few sellers that have pieces that can help contenders and the indication is, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are looking for young, controllable players with big upside.
Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza appear to be high on the wish list of several teams. Garza has drawn interest from several teams while the Dodgers are seen as the favorite to land Dempster once he returns from the DL … if Dempster waives his no-trade rights a deal to the Dodgers would re-unite him with Ted Lilly. Matt Garza
According to a report from Jayson Stark, the Cubs are not going to give Matt Garza away and they are looking for an “Ubaldo Jimenez deal“. According to Stark, that means it is going to take two young, controllable players with big upside.
The Orioles are “in the thick” of the Garza discussions but both Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado are not available in any deal for any player.
Jayson Stark thinks Matt Garza will be traded in the next month.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays are maintaining contact with the Cubs about Matt Garza. Alex Anthopoulos “prefers to trade for players who are under control for more than one season.”
A report last Sunday indicated at least six teams are interested in Matt Garza … the Braves, Tigers, Cardinals, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Royals.
Ryan Dempster
According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs are willing to pay part of Ryan Dempster’s remaining salary depending on the prospect return. The Cubs goal is to add top prospects to a weak farm system.
According to Heyman, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are not worried about the money they would have to send along with Ryan Dempster if it means a better return in the form of players.
The Dodgers are seen as the favorite to land Dempster according to Jon Heyman. The two teams have not talked since before Dempster went on the disabled list. Dempster is expected to throw off a mound early in the coming week but is not expected to return from the DL until after the All-Star break.
Stay Tuned …
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