Eric P. Mull-USA TODAY Sports
The fact that the Cleveland Indians have fallen from their short stay in first place to 3.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers shows that they have needs before the MLB Trade Deadline. That need is mainly for a strong starting pitcher. The best pitcher out there right now is Matt Garza of the Chicago Cubs. That would be a huge deal for the Indians to the point that I would call it a near necessity but the Tribe should make sure they don’t give up more than they should.
Garza looks to becoming an ace-level pitcher and that is worth a ton but Trevor Bauer is one of the Indians top prospects and looks to be a potential top level starter by as early as next season. They should make sure they focus on holding on to Bauer. They have other good pitchers in the minor leagues including but not limited to Carlos Carrasco who Terry Francona is still very high on. No one wants to give up the best pitcher in their organization for a short term boost of course but Garza could be a long term get for the Indians.
Considering the potential for Garza to stay put for a while and the potential he has to be an ace level pitcher for a while, he is worth a good deal for sure. What he is not however is worth giving up one of their soon to be ace level starters. There are great prospects all around including all levels of the Indians minor league system. They should focus on giving up someone they don’t want to but can actually afford to lose. I think Bauer should be near untouchable with his huge up-side potential.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
