No sense living in the past but who could blame the Twins if now and then they catch themselves looking in the rearview mirror for a glimpse of pitcher Matt Garza. The Twins sent him to Tampa Bay during the 2007-2008 off season and now he’s the kind of potential power throwing, innings eating starter that could help Minnesota make it all the way to the World Series.
The Twins Francisco Liriano fits the same profile but even if he becomes the staff’s dominant starter, two would have been better than one. Lirinano, 26, is 3-0 with an American League leading 1.29 ERA. He’s been sensational in his last three starts giving up no earned runs.
Garza, 26, is 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA. His four wins lead the American League and he’s tied for the lead in strikeouts at 34 with Jered Weaver of the Angels.
Having both Liriano and Garza would give the Twins a left-handed and right-handed power pitching balance that the 2010 starting staff doesn’t have. In addition to the left-handed Liriano, the Twins starters are four right-handers who don’t win by blowing the ball by opposing hitters. Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Carl Pavano and Kevin Slowey can be effective but I would replace any of them with Garza.
Garza’s willingness to be coached reportedly wasn’t to the Twins’ liking during his two seasons here so he was part of a six player trade that included Tampa Bay outfielder Delmon Young whose attitude has been questioned, too. Garza has yet to win more than 11 games in a single season but last year had some impressive stats indicating he was moving closer to fulfilling his potential as a dominating pitcher.
Opposing batters hit .233 against Garza last season, the fourth best mark in the American League. He was ninth in the league in strikeouts with 189 and his 203 innings pitched ranked 14th.
And here’s another number worth remembering about Garza. At 26, he’s younger than Pavano, 34, and Baker and Blackburn, both 28.