SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Matt Garza #17 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 27, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
Name: Matt Garza is a 27 year old RHP for the Chicago Cubs
Contract: He will be a FA in 2014. He signed for $5.9M in 2011 and $3.35 in 2010. He looks to get around $9M for 2012.
Pitches:
Fastball: 93 to 95 MPH. Used 70% of the time until 2011 when it dropped to 60% because he used his slider more.
Slider: 83 to 87 MPH. Used 15% of the time in past, increased to 25% in 2011
Curve: 74 to 77 MPH. Used 10% to 15% of the time
Change-up: 83 to 87 MPH. Used 5% to 10% of the time.
Results:
| Season | GS | IP | K/9 | BB/9 | HR/9 | BABIP | GB% | ERA | FIP | xFIP | SIERA | WAR |
| 2006 | 10 | 50.0 | 6.8 | 4.1 | 1.1 | 0.339 | 35.1 % | 5.76 | 4.57 | 4.95 | 4.94 | 0.7 |
| 2007 | 16 | 83.0 | 7.3 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 0.344 | 47.7 % | 3.69 | 4.18 | 4.41 | 4.38 | 1.4 |
| 2008 | 30 | 184.2 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 0.270 | 41.7 % | 3.70 | 4.14 | 4.42 | 4.44 | 2.9 |
| 2009 | 32 | 203.0 | 8.4 | 3.5 | 1.1 | 0.273 | 39.7 % | 3.95 | 4.17 | 4.14 | 3.98 | 3.1 |
| 2010 | 33 | 204.2 | 6.6 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.272 | 35.8 % | 3.91 | 4.42 | 4.31 | 3.55 | 1.6 |
| 2011 | 31 | 198.0 | 9.0 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.306 | 46.3 % | 3.32 | 2.95 | 3.19 | 4.08 | 5.0 |
Matt's improvement in 2011 can be attributed to his increase use of his slider. Also, he was able to keep a few more pitches on the ground.
He would easily be the best pitcher on the Royals staff if we were able to pry him away from the Cubs.
Injuries:
April 2008: Missed 15 games because of right arm injury
May 2011: Missed 14 games because of right elbow injury.
One concern I do have about him is the elbow injury in 2011. Increase use of sliders has been link to more injuries, so he may start to become an injury risk.
Conclusion: I like his ability and he will be around for 3 more seasons. The big question is: What is his availability and what would it take to get him?
Epstein will be trying to turn the Cubs around fast. IMO, Garza actually is one of the few decent pieces already in place. I just don't see him being available, except for a huge haul.
Other Royal Starting Pitching Targets:
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