Reviewing the Brew Round-table: Matt Garza in Milwaukee

How will Matt Garza perform with the Brewers? Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers have by far exceeded many fans’ expectations for this off-season when the went and signed right-handed starter Matt Garza. While Garza is only a small piece of the puzzle, he certainly can help add to the Brewers’ chances in 2014.

So the obvious question for the staff this week was, “What do you make of the Matt Garza signing?”

Lou Olsen:

“I like the Garza signing fine, as long as they plan to then trade either Gallardo or Thornburg for an actual first baseman. If the Garza deal parlays itself into a Mitch Moreland deal, then I could not be happier about this signing. But if this is just a signing for signings sake…then I am filled with rage and spite for the deal. It does give us a more feared rotation on paper, so you have to like that I suppose. Let’s just say you probably will never see me in a Garza jersey though…”

Ryan Connor:

“I like it. The rotation is still a mediocre one, but improved now. With Garza, Lohse, Gallardo, Estrada, and Peralta there is no ace, but if everything breaks right it’s a bunch of 2’s and 3’s. The money was less than I was expecting, and equally important was that we did not lose a draft pick.”

Justin Schultz:

“For those who know me, I’m more of a pessimist when it comes to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Matt Garza signing with the team is a tremendous move and, barring injuries, it shoots the Crew into playoff contention. If Gallardo regains his form, if Peralta breaks through, and if Estrada is able to put together a consistent season, it will be one heck of a rotation. It’s nice knowing that Mark Attanasio and Doug Melvin won’t go down without a fight. They are always looking to make the team better.”

Pete Goodchild:

“I’m impressed by the Matt Garza signing, it was a real surprise and shows the Brewers intent for 2014. However, it would seem that in investing $50 million into Garza the Brewers are unlikely to offer a long term extension to Gallardo. Garza and Lohse should be a strong one, two punch and if Gallardo can cope with his drop in velocity, it will mean the Brewers have a tough rotation.”

David Grant:

“The Matt Garza signing was exciting (both times it was announced). Garza comes with health risks, but for the years (4) and dollars (50 million) this is a good deal for the Brewers. The question I continue to struggle with is why did the Brewers pursue him in the first place (reportedly been talking for weeks)? This team does not resemble the 2011 “all in” team and the Central division is much more competitive now. Apparently the Brewers are good with the health of Aramis Ramirez at third and whatever is going to happen at first base. This move is also very telling of what the organization thinks about their young pitching, which is not much at this time. I agree with the organization that this move strengthens their starting rotation, but what about the other areas of higher priority?”

Benjamin Orr:

“The Garza signing comes as a bit of surprise to me. It wasn’t something I though Doug Melvin was going to do considering they’ve coveted an actual first baseman for a long time. However, it’s a nice move and clearly shows not only the team, but Brewers’ fans, that the organization is serious about competing in this upcoming season. Garza is going to fit in nicely into a rotation with Kyle Lohse and Yovani Gallardo.”

That’s what we had to say regarding the signing, how about you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.