According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are closing in on a deal that would send Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers for a package of prospects. The Cubs would receive “a strong package” that could include Mike Olt. The Cubs and Rangers have discussed “prospects at various levels” according to multiple reports.
The Cubs and Rangers are believed to have discussed Mike Olt, along with right handed pitchers Luke Jackson and C.J. Edwards.
Matt Garza caught a flight to Denver on Friday morning and told Bruce Levine that he has not heard anything from the Cubs.
Updated 8:34am CDT – According to Jon Heyman, right handed pitchers Neil Ramirez and Roman Mendez have been in the discussions with the Rangers for Matt Garza.
Updated 9:16am CDT – According to T.R. Sullivan, Luke Jackson is no longer part of the trade talks. Sullivan reported there is “no deal yet” but the Cubs and Rangers appear to be “working hard on a trade.” Tim Brown reported that the two teams have not gotten to the point of exchanging medicals.
A report from Patrick Mooney late Thursday night indicated the Rangers were moving to a Plan B and away from a Matt Garza trade due to the Cubs asking price and unwillingness to back down from their demands.
Peter Gammons thinks a Garza deal to Texas seems imminent with Martin Perez not in a possible deal and eight pitchers on the Rangers’ DL.
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Updated 8:34am CDT – Jon Heyman reported on Friday morning that the Cubs have also discussed right handed pitchers Neil Ramirez and Roman Mendez in a package of prospects for Matt Garza.
The Rangers selected Neil Ramirez in the first round of the 2007 draft. Ramirez has steadily advanced through Texas’ system. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Ramirez is 9-3 in 17 starts at the Triple-A level this season with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. In 92 innings, Ramirez has allowed 62 hits, issued 33 walks and struck out 113 batters.
Neil Ramirez’s Page on Baseball-Reference
Ramon Mendez, the soon-to-be 23-year old reliever (July 25), is 2-0 in 16 games this season with a 1.82 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. In 24 2/3 innings at the Double-A level, Mendez has allowed 12 hits and walked 11 batters with 24 strikeouts.
Ramon Mendez’s Page on Baseball-Reference
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Updated 9:16am CDT – According to T.R. Sullivan, Luke Jackson is no longer part of the trade talks. Sullivan reported there is “no deal yet” but the Cubs and Rangers appear to be “working hard on a trade.” Tim Brown reported that the two teams have not gotten to the point of exchanging medicals.
Stay Tuned …