12/9 Cubs talk to Rays re: Garza

It’s going to be tough to pry right-hander Matt Garza from the Rays. The
Cubs have talked to the team about a possible trade but Tampa manager
Joe Maddon says his starter isn’t going anywhere. If the Cubs are intent
on adding Garza, they’d have to be willing to part with some of their
young talent.

“Our farm system is very highly regarded with other
teams and any discussions we’ve had, it’s always been made very clear
that we have plenty of talent to get a deal done,” assistant GM Randy
Bush said Thursday. “It’s just a matter of what part of that talent we’d
be willing to let go.”

Carlos Pena, who signed a one-year deal with the Cubs on Wednesday, wouldn’t mind seeing his Tampa teammate join him in Chicago.

“Matt
Garza is one of those pitchers that wherever he goes, he’ll be an
incredible asset,” Pena said. “I think he’s got Cy Young potential, to
be honest with you. He’s a great kid. He leaves the window open for
great things to happen. Who knows? I think any team would love to have a
guy like Matt.

“It’s a lot of fun to play with Matt — he’s so
intense, I think you feel the heat radiating from him when you go to the
mound,” Pena said.

– Carrie Muskat