The Rays' Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett are making their former team look silly for trading them. The Twins knew they were giving up a potential gem when they traded Matt Garza to Tampa Bay last November. In mid-June, ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian said, "A scout told me last year that this is a young John Smoltz." At the time, that sounded like a reach, but two weeks later, Garza fired a one-hitter against Florida. Source: Star Tribune
I didn't get the trade when they made it, because you always have to choose a pitching prospect over a hitting prospect. However, I didn't think Garza would look this good so soon. They were able to field a whole rotation of young studs, though, so I guess they didn't end up that bad.
This deal might be bigger then the deal the Rays made to get Kazmir from New York. Everyday SS and a 2nd or 3rd man pitcher. Not to mention trading away Delmon Young who was a locker room cancer.
I don't get the idea it was a bust, considering the Twins we're a few innings away from playing Tampa in the ALDS. Maybe if we finished 3rd or 4th, yeah, but I have a hard time saying the trade didn't benefit the Twins too considering the season they just put together.
