Looks like TR's commodity just got a little more exclusive. MLB Trade Rumors is reporting Garza is off the market. While the Rangers or Nats will get Greinke, the Twins should be able to get a little more for the dwindling pitching ranks available for trade.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/07/matt-garza-likely-staying-put.html

that's big news.

Since he had "forearm cramping" a week ago, I kind of suspected we would see this. Once it became clear he wasn't going to start before the deadline, it seemed inevitable. Forearm pain is WAY too often the first symptom of elbow issues.

Now, Cliff Lee also off the trade block too!!!

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/07/phillies-wont-trade-cliff-lee.html

Now, Cliff Lee also off the trade block too!!!

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/07/phillies-wont-trade-cliff-lee.html

 

My favorite line in that story is:

 

The Rangers had been scouting Lee, and viewed him as a long-shot alternative to Zack Greinke, Josh Johnson and James Shields.

 

The more I see these stories, the more excited I get about the possible market for Liriano. I say "possible" because he needs to have a big game on Sunday. But if he does, once Greinke signs, he is the perfect option for teams: talented, but his current team has no incentive to hang onto him. For all the talk about Johnson and Shields, I really wonder if their current teams are ready to let go of them.