NL Central News: Garza does not have 2018 option for Brewers

In the final twist of what was already a confusing contract, it appears that Matt Garza doesn’t have a 2018 team option with the Milwaukee Brewers after all.

It was initially though (and for years reported that) if Garza’s 2018 option didn't automatically vest, it would then be converted into a $5 million team option. As it turns out, there was a condition in that overly complex contract that such option was conditional.

In what turned out to be a boring and albeit disappointing season, Garza pitched a 4.94 ERA over 114.2 innings and striking out 79. However, those middle of the road numbers are better than a giant gaping hole in the starting rotation, which is what the Brewers are now left with. With internal options running thin, it looks like they’ll be hitting the free agent market this winter to find a new veteran starter.

Here’s what other news and rumors are going down across the National League Central:

• This is the direction the Cardinals should take going forward.
• Andrew McCutchen has been named the National League player of the week.
• Joey Votto has tallied 100 RBIs for the season, is everything we aspire to be and more.
• These are the game times for Cubs vs. Nationals Games 1 and 2 that you’ve been looking for.
• Four Brewers ranked among Baseball America’s Top 20 Pacific Coast League Prospects.
• Rick Ankiel wrote a heartfelt letter to his younger self, so get your tissues ready to go.
• Is the Pirates’ quantity-over-quality approach to Latin American players working?
• Pro tip of the day: You really ought to listen to Great American Dream. It’ll keep all the baseball love flowing as the winter approaches.
• The Cubs are planning postseason viewing parties at the Park at Wrigley.
• Brett Phillips made the most of his opportunity with the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Inconsistency is not the problem for the Cardinals offense.
• The Reds have signed catcher Tucker Barnhart to a contract extension.
• The Cincinnati Reds popped into the Wrigleyville Starbucks because no matter how high your batting average is you are still a slave to caffeine.