As the MLB trade deadline draws nearer, teams near the bottom of their divisions begin shopping their veteran talent in earnest to contenders willing to surrender prospects.
The hottest name floated about this deadline has been Matt Garza, who is 6-1 this season with a 3.17 ERA. The team Garza has been most strongly linked to has been the Texas Rangers, who were rumored to be dealing third base prospect Mike Olt, as well as two pitchers, Neil Ramirez and C.J. Edwards.
According to reports, though, the deal fell through after medical reports were exchanged; there is no word on whether Garza's health is the stumbling block, or one of the Texas youngsters. While Texas is believed to still be interested in acquiring Garza, they are also reportedly eyeing Bud Norris (6-9, 3.91 ERA) as a Plan B.
Word on the street is that another Chicago starting pitcher could be available-Jake Peavy of the White Sox. Peavy, a 2007 Cy Young winner, is 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA this season. He is striking out 8.5 batters per nine innings in 2013, and has an above-average 4.60 strikeout to walk ratio.
MLBtraderumors.com has speculated that the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants could have interest in Peavy, noting that manager Bruce Bochy is a big fan of his former ace in San Diego. That same report mentions that no talks have taken place, however, and San Francisco likely lacks the level of prospect compensation the White Sox would need to part with Peavy.
The Giants could use another starter, though; Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, no-hitter aside, have had disappointing campaigns as their offense has hit a proverbial wall since center fielder Angel Pagan was lost to injury.
ESPN's Buster Olney believes the Arizona Diamondbacks, who lack an established ace, could be a suitor for Peavy as they try to hold off the hard-charging Dodgers and the wily Giants.
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