Matt Garza has a new home in a new league. On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to trade the starter to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for five prospects.
According to published reports, the Rays will get top pitching prospect Chris Archer, outfielder Brandon Guyer, catcher Robinson Chirinos, shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and outfielder Sam Fuld from Chicago in exchange for Garza. The Cubs will also get a minor-league pitcher and a minor-league outfielder in the deal.
Garza is coming off his best season in the majors. The 27-year-old compiled a 15-10 record with a 3.91 ERA and averaged 6.6 strikeouts and 2.77 walks per nine innings. Hitters batted just .248 against Garza last season, which is significant considering he pitched in the tough AL East.
Archer was the key for Tampa Bay. He combined to go 15-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 28 games between Single-A Daytona and Tennessee last year. He was the Cubs; 2010 minor league pitcher of the year although interesting enough, this isn’t the first time he’s been traded. He was acquired in the deal that sent popular utility man Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians a couple of seasons ago.
According to current MLB future odds and online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com, the Cubs are 35/1 to win the 2011 World Series, while the Rays are 20/1.
Bet 2011 World Series Futures Odds
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!