Today Joe Christensen has a peice on Matt Garza, who recently showed up at Tampa Bay spring training.  For me, it’s always jolting to see one of our players in a new uniform.

I think Garza is going to be fantastic starter in the MLB for many years to come.  It was disappointing to lose the pitcher with the best chance to become truly dominant, but I remain pleased with the move.  We got a top prospect, and we gave up a top prospect.  We need more offense to compete — and with the Twins farm system consistently producing quality pitching and sub-par position players, it’s a good move.  I must say that was a big fan of Jason Bartlett — and was sorry to see him leave.  I felt he still had plenty of improvement to come and I think he’ll eventually prove himself to be a quality all-around player.

Back to Garza — Christensen has an interesting quote from the fireballer on his demotion last year following spring training:

“That was disappointing,” the 24-year-old right-hander said. “They kept a couple guys I felt I was, I could have done maybe, probably, even better than. It was a rude awakening, a humbling feeling.”

Knowing he has a job as the projected No.3 starter, Garza said he’ll use the spring trying to improve rather than impress.

“My whole mentality was, ‘Win a spot, win a spot, win a spot,”‘ Garza said. “Now it’s more get ready for that spot and take it to the next level. Try to be that guy. Everyone wants to be that (Johan) Santana. I want to take it to the next level.”

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