Pirates trade target: Matt Garza

Yesterday it was reported from David Kaplan of CSN that The Pirates are one of six teams that are classified as "serious players" for Matt Garza. The Pirates have scouted his last 2 starts which makes it make more sense. It seems weird that the Pirates of all teams would want more pitching but you can't ignore the old adage that you can never have enough pitching. Matt Garza would help any rotation in the league, even the Pirates. Matt Garza has postseason experience which would help any contending team. It'd be nice to be not have to rely on guys like Locke,Gomez,Morton and Cole in September and October. It'd be much better to have Liriano,Burnett,Garza and possibly Wandy. We don't know when and if Wandy Rodriguez will be back this season. Another pitcher would protect the Pirates from injuries or if any pitcher regresses which could happen to Locke(like McDonald last season) or even Liriano. Also, Cole has been struggling recently and Morton has been just barely good enough. Gomez is another guy due for regression. Some of the pitchers are not doing what they're supposed to be doing. They won't all fall apart but you got to prepare for one or two of them to, especially considering what has happened to the pitching staff in the second half the past two seasons. A proven starter with postseason experience never hurt. Garza has been very good this year, especially since coming off the disabled list. He finally looks like he's healthy again for the first time in a while.

The cost: Despite being a rental player, the cost to get him will be sky high because there aren't many big arms on the market. He'd cost at least one top 50 prospect and probably 2 more "2nd tier" prospects. They probably want at least 1 pitching prospect out of that and he would probably have to be age 22 or younger. It probably won't cost Taillon or Polanco since the Pirates have other top prospects that could entise the Cubs. A package of Kingham/Heredia and Bell would probably get it done. I think that's a deal that wouldn't hurt. Pirates would be trading from their best minor depth spots, pitching and outfield.

I would do it if we don't need to give up Polanco or Taillon. If they want either of those two than hang up the phone. The other thing is that Garza and Dioner Navarro are most likely a package deal since Garza loves being caught by Navarro. Navarro could be Martin's backup. It would help the bench and McKenry would be gone. Also, since the Pirates don't want to bring Sanchez up to start once a week, there'd be no immediate need with the backup being Navarro. As I said, if the price doesn't include Polanco or Taillon and its reasonable, it's a deal that wouldn't kill the Pirates.