One More Reason to Be Mad about the Freddy Garcia deal

Gavin Floyd of the Chicago White Sox flirted with a no-hitter last night, giving up a double to Joe Mauer in the 9th inning. What does this mean to you, faithful Phillies fan? THANKS FOR ASKING, I'LL TELL YOU.

This year, Mr. Floyd has an ERA of 2.50 after six starts, and a record of 3-1. Some of you might recall that Mr. Floyd was once a member of your beloved Phightins.

Gavin Floyd was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Phillies. He recieved anunheard of --for the Phillies, anyway-- 4.2 million signing bonus. He progressed fairly well through the minor leagues, looking to be the next big Phillies Ace. (what's that? You can't think of the last big Phillies Ace?)Then he got called up.

After pitching well in spot-starting duty in 2004, Mr. Floyd proceeded to amass an ERA of 8.18 in 80 total innings in 2005-2006 (15 starts, a total of 18 appearances). This led to the inevitable conversations of general no-heartiness that occur when a player does not immediately succeed in Philadelphia. Gavin is a nibbler. Gavin doesn't challenge hitters. Gavin can't hit his spots. Gavin wears man-hose, Gavin operates an ice-cream truck in the offseason, Gavin relies too much on his curveball. I must have heard them all a thousand times.

Next comes the icing on the cake. Cranky old man Pat Gillick traded Floyd and Gio Gonzalez for Freddy Garcia before the 2007 season. Great trade for the Phils, aquiring a proven starter for two prospects.

You know the rest. Despite reports that Garcia had lost about 10mph in the last 6 months, the Phillies did not have him examined by team doctors before making the trade. Garcia cost the Phils 10 million, got one win, and had to have shoulder surgery midway through the season. (he still pitched better than Eaton). Garcia is currently a free agent, claiming to want to sign with a team that needs help about midway through the season.

Floyd, having been drafted out of high school, is still only 25 years old. He had a 5.27 ERA with the White Sox last year, and it appears as though the light has finally come on. (I'm coveniently leaving out the fact that his most comparable player according to baseball-reference.com is Blake Stein, who doesn't play baseball anymore. At least not for money. Well, that the IRS knows about. Where was I?)

In short, we gave up Floyd, a budding star, or at least possible solid starter, who's making approximately 600k this year, for Freddy Garcia, who we paid 10 million to win one game. Also, I have to believe that signing Adam Eaton factored into this equation somehow.

One one side of the scale, gavin floyd, possible stud, probable starter. On the other, an old cranky man, a torn rotator cuff, and a crapload of sour grapes. Yes, boys and girls, you CAN lose them all.