Rockies agree to terms with Jon Garland

I’ve discussed multiple times that the Rockies were looking to bring in a starting pitcher before the season started. And boy, did they hit the jackpot!

According to reports from Jon Heyman, they have agreed to terms with free agent, Jon Garland. I like the thought of the Rox getting a starting pitcher, because their starting rotation looks awful heading into 2013, but they seriously couldn’t pull off a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

June 1, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jon Garland (21) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

I mentioned how Dodgers could have been a good fit, and that a deal with them almost made too much sense. They have three starting pitchers who they have to be looking to trade, in Chris Capuano, Ted Lilly, and Aaron Harang. Personally, I like those three more than Garland. None of them have a spot in their rotation, and they are in need of a catcher, which is where Ramon Hernandez comes into play.

Either way, they must have never picked up the phone to talk to the Dodgers, which ultimately lead to them signing the 33-year old.

Garland has never stood out to me, except for a LONG time ago. He was a stud with the Chicago White Sox back when they were pennant winners and a powerhouse, and was one of the best pitchers on their staff. He finished sixth in Cy Young voting in one of his years with the White Sox, but once again, that was nine seasons ago. He won fourteen games in 2010 with the San Diego Padres, which isn’t bad. The last time he pitched in the league was in 2011, when he went 1-5 with the LA Dodgers.

The deal isn’t official yet, but you can just about guarantee Garland will be a Colorado Rockie for 2013. The deal isn’t anything huge, but definitely will improve the starting rotation. Garland isn’t any sort of ace, but will probably earn a spot in the rotation over Juan Nicasio or Drew Pomeranz.