Target: Matt Garza, RHP
2013 stats: 10-6, 3.82 ERA, 155 1/3 innings, 136 strikeouts, 42 walks; 4-5, 4.38 ERA as Texas Ranger
The Rangers acquired Garza a couple of weeks before the July 31 trade deadline as a rental guy with several whispers that they were interested in signing him long-term. Those thoughts quickly soured after Garza failed to live up to the good-sized package of top prospects the Rangers sent the Chicago Cubs' way in the deal.
Garza's first start against the Rangers was a gem against the New York Yankees. After that, there wasn't much to get too fired up about. He struggled with control and giving up big innings, although he did usually eat up innings.
It's not that Garza's awful, by any means, but he's the biggest name in a free agent pool (not counting Japanese import Masahiro Tanaka) so he's going to command some serious cash — likely more than he's worth. The Rangers have been there, done that with Garza, and most likely don't want to do that again, even though they could use another top-end starter with Holland's injury.
