MLB Trade Rumors: Chicago Cubs Must Trade Matt Garza for Anthony Rizzo

The rumored deal floated by ESPN's Jim Bowden that Matt Garza could be traded to the San Diego Padres for first baseman Anthony Rizzo would be a great, first major player move by Theo Epstein.

Garza is a solid pitcher, but Epstein is bringing the philosophy of aiming for greatness. On a great team, Garza is a third or fourth starter, for the Cubs in 2011, he was the ace of the staff.

Moving Garza makes sense, especially for a prospect with the tools Anthony Rizzo has—a power hitting left-handed first basemen whom I could easily see in Cubbie blue for 10 years. The Cubs haven't had a left-handed power hitter who could consistently hit his weight (sorry, Carlos Pena) since Leon Durham in the 1980s.

To acquire a prospect as highly touted as Rizzo at 22 years old is the type of thing the Cubs almost never do—that is exactly why it is a must that they do it this time.

Rizzo struggled mightily last year in his rookie season (.141 BA, HR, 46 SO in 153 plate appearances), and the Padres already seem to be ready to give up on the player that they acquired in a package for Adrian Gonzalez.

That deal was, of course, completed with Epstein's old team, the Boston Red Sox. Many players struggle early on—a rookie season doesn't make a career, for the good or bad.

Epstein drafted Rizzo originally, so it would make sense that he would have interest in acquiring him.

There is always a risk involved when trading for prospects, but in this case, there is little to lose. Garza was not an integral part of Cubs success in 2011 because there was no success.

Moving a decent player from a bad team to obtain a prospect with a high ceiling is a go in my opinion—especially if he fills a need the franchise hasn't had in decades.

Theo should be on the phone right now, completing this deal. It shows the commitment to build for the future. Many fans want instant gratification from Epstein and the Cubs, but the fact is that Epstein must change the culture of the organization, and that takes time.

To do that, he has to make moves that help the club for the next seven to 10 years, not just the next three. This is that type of deal.