One angle proposed today is that the Theo Epstein and Red Sox compensation issue could be holding up a potential Matt Garza deal.
I checked on that possibility with my people and while it's plausible, I'm told that it's likely not an issue.
The simple reason Matt Garza is still a Cub is the Tigers and others have balked at the 'sky-high" price tag.
The Cubs are apparently looking to cash Garza into a bigger package than what Jim Hendry gave the Rays last offseason to get him in the first place. Apparently it could take two top prospects and possibly a third mid level prospect to get a deal done.
Buster Olney adds that Garza's arbitration number could also scare off suitors.
View of rival executives: Matt Garza's $10.225 million arbitration request greatly complicates any interest in him as a trade target.
What I was told today is the Cubs are banking on teams arriving at spring training and realizing they still need to make a move like Garza.
The reality is the Cubs would prefer to pull the trigger before the deadline in July. It gives the other team more control over Garza and therefore a bigger return.
The Cubs could also stand to make a nice deadline haul if Garza has a strong first half. It could be a gamble but Theo and Jed Hoyer appear to be ready to roll the dice.
As far as the Boston compensation is concerned, Bruce Levine told the "Waddle and Silvy Show" today that Red Sox President Larry Lucchino is and has been the only hold up. Lucchino is a shrewd man, but also a stubborn one. Lucchino likely still feels burned by Epstein and wants the Cubs to pay dearly.
Not a good bet.
The possibility of Bud Selig giving the Red Sox anything more than what the Twins got for Andy Mac Phail in 1994 is highly unlikely. Selig has said he isn't comfortable with these types of compensation deals regarding executives.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Boston Red Sox, Bruce Levine, Jed Hoyer, Jim Hendry, Larry Lucchino, Matt Garza, Theo Epstein
