Starting pitchers
1. Matt Garza, Cubs - The next “prize.’’ Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have to feel that Garza is the best available pitcher out there, so the return must be at least what the A’s got for Gonzalez. They have three options: status quo, sign him to a John Danks-type multiyear deal, or trade him for a boatload of much-needed prospects. We get the feeling Epstein will deal him, and teams such as the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, and perhaps even Orioles would have to be interested. Don’t rule out the Tigers, either.
2. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros - He’s 32 (older than the guys who have been dealt recently) but still a viable option for a contending team looking for a middle-of-the-rotation guy. Yes, it’s a lot of money ($25.5 million guaranteed), but the Astros are willing to take on some of that for prospects.
3. Roy Oswalt, free agent - Willing to take a one-year deal? Where do I sign up? Great fit for a contending team like the Red Sox or Yankees. Back concerns have kept some teams away.
4. Wade Davis, Tampa Bay - The Rays would deal him for offense. Pretty good pickup: a pitcher who has been battle-tested in the AL East and is still young.
5. Edwin Jackson, free agent - Sure, his walks drive you crazy, but his 97-mile-per-hour heater is still impressive, and he’ll give you innings. He’s a guy you never want to overpay or extend in years.
6. Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles - Dan Duquette has listened to a few overtures, but nothing has driven him to deal Baltimore’s most experienced pitcher yet.
7. Hiroki Kuroda, free agent - The former Dodger still has some desire to stay out West. The Rockies have interest. Kuroda would be a good fit in Boston, where Bobby Valentine’s experience with Japanese pitchers would help. The Yankees are interested.
8. Joe Saunders, free agent - He was nontendered by the Diamondbacks, who are still trying to get him back. A lot of teams are in the hunt. His fly ball/line drive numbers and current demand of three years scare some at Fenway.
9. Ryan Dempster, Cubs - The Cubs would love to move the 34-year-old and his $14 million paycheck (or part of it). He has pitched more than 200 innings four straight years but his 4.80 ERA and 1.448 WHIP last season aren’t appealing.
