In a radio appearance during The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show on ESPN 1000 on Friday, Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer spoke about various aspects of the roster heading into the 2012 MLB season. After stating his belief that Alfonso Soriano will most likely start the regular season with Chicago, Hoyer moved on to discuss the future of staff ace Matt Garza with the team:
"It was a long (arbitration) process, but we talked to Matt a number of times since and we're happy we didn't have to go into a hearing room with him," Hoyer said. "He's a great pitcher and a guy we're going to talk to him about being part of our future, for sure. We need more guys like Matt, not less, and if we can work something out we'll certainly have those discussions."
Related: 2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Chicago Cubs Expected To Trade Matt Garza Before Deadline
The Cubs and ace pitcher Matt Garza reached a one-year, $9.5 million deal with undisclosed performance bonuses back on February 3, and according to Fan Graphs Garza produced 5.0 Wins Above Replacement in 2011 for an estimated $22.7 million in value. The 28-year old right handed pitcher will serve as the number one starter for the Cubs' staff in 2012.
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