New York Yankees: The Trade Proposal to Try and Land Cubs' P Matt Garza

Earlier this week, we all found out that the Yankees are targeting Matt Garza of the Chicago Cubs.

With the pitching staff having some questions hanging over it, Yankees GM Brian Cashman would prefer to trade for Garza over Milwaukee Brewers starters Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, which was reported by CBS Sports Jon Heyman.

In my last story about this situation, I had stated that I think it would be a great move to land Garza, as it wouldn't be just a rental; by landing Garza, the Yankees would have control of him into the 2013 season as well.

We have talked about what players the Cubs might be interested in if the Yankees and Cubs ever start talking about a trade proposal.

Right now, the Cubs would like to try and lock up Garza long-term, but I just don't see it happening, and with the new regime of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, I see Garza's days numbered in the Windy City.

What kind of deal would net Garza for the Yankees?

Here's the trade proposal I would make if I am Cashman.

Cubs Get: Dellin Betances

Dellin Betances has taken a step back in his development, but he's still one of the highest-ranked prospects in the Yankees system right now.

If he were to switch teams and develop in the Cubs system, there might not be as much pressure to develop him and maybe, with the Cubs struggling, he gets called up to the major leagues a lot sooner and learns to pitch at the big league level.

The Yankees have resisted on trading Betances and Manny Banuelos in the past, but in a deal for Garza, I'd give up Betances.

Phil Hughes

OK, despite his complete-game performance against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, I would still include Phil Hughes in this deal.

By putting Hughes in this trade offer, the Cubs are getting back a pitcher who they can insert immediately into the rotation.

With the pressures of New York off him, Hughes might be able to relax more and pitch a little better in the National League.

I've always felt Hughes could benefit from a change of scenery, and maybe Chicago and the National League could be the best place for him to continue his career.

Eduardo Nunez

Eduardo Nunez fell out of favor with the Yankees recently, which is why he got demoted back to Class-AAA in Scranton/Wilks-Barre.

While he does have a decent bat, his fielding has been downright awful, and I don't think the Yankees see Nunez as the future of any of their infield positions.

I think Cito Culver could be the heir to Derek Jeter and Dante Bichette is the heir to Alex Rodriguez, while Robinson Cano will be at second for a long time, leaving Nunez without a spot.

By including him in the deal to the Cubs, Nunez might have a shot to play every day at whichever infield spot Dale Sveum decides is best for him.

Francisco Cervelli

A lot of people thought Francisco Cervelli would be the backup catcher for the Yankees heading into opening day, but they ended up trading for Chris Stewart from the Giants.

Stewart has done a terrific job with his defense and game-calling ability, which demoted Cervelli down to the minors and he has yet to see the majors in 2012.

I don't see Cervelli being a long-term catching solution for the Yankees and I always felt that if Austin Romine were healthy and ready, he may be the back-up catcher for Russell Martin, but that wasn't the case.

Geovanny Soto is the starter, but he's currently on the DL recovering from knee surgery, leaving Koyie Hill and Steve Clevenger as the two active options at catcher.

Cervelli could be a decent option as a solid backup for the Cubs, and could get more playing time if Soto's knee gives him trouble.

Yankees Get: Matt Garza

Ever since the Yankees missed out on Cliff Lee back in December of 2010, Matt Garza's name has always been in the back of my mind as an option.

Tampa Bay was never trading one of their main guys to the Yankees, but with the Cubs talking about gutting the roster and starting over, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer might consider dealing one of their biggest trade chips.

Hoyer and Epstein know that Garza might not net in the same package that Cubs gave up to the Rays, but they know Garza has trade value for a contender like the Yankees.

By offering them a top minor-league pitching prospect, an MLB-ready pitcher, infielder and backup catcher, the Cubs have some players that could fit into their future plans.

And in return, the Yankees get a guy in Garza who is durable, strikes out a lot of batters, and can pitch in big games.

Everyone remembers Garza coming up huge in Game 7 for the Rays in the 2008 ALCS against the Red Sox. Pitching for the Yankees, Garza would get a lot more chances to pitch in games similar to that one.

I think with this trade proposal, both the Cubs and Yankees get things that benefit their teams, whether it be in the present or in the future.