Epstein isn’t pushing Garza out the door

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Cubs pitcher Matt Garza reacts as pinch hitter Ross Gload flies out to end the seventh inning as the Chicago Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday July 19, 2011 at Wrigley Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times

Updated: February 13, 2012 9:27AM

Despite being open all winter about the Cubs’ willingness to listen to offers for top pitcher Matt Garza, team president Theo Epstein said Wednesday that he expects the right-hander to be in the Cubs’ opening rotation this season.

‘‘I can truly say more has happened in the media with this than has happened in reality,’’ said Epstein, who also says he has kept Garza’s agents ‘‘updated every step of the way’’ on would-be trade talks. ‘‘There’s no attempt to shop him. As we do with all our players, we’re going to weigh all our options to see what’s best for the Cubs.’’

Garza, 28, made $5.95  million last season while going 10-10 with a 3.32 ERA. He has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining.

‘‘I think very highly of Matt Garza,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘He’s a top-of-the-rotation-type guy, and I’m looking forward to him being on the mound for us this season. But we’re just being transparent about the fact that, hey, we’re in this for the long haul, and sometimes it makes sense to weigh your options to see if you can bring something better for the long haul.’’

Wood close to deal

Despite conflicting media reports about whether Kerry Wood will return this season, it looks like the iconic Cub is closing in on a deal for 2012 that could be announced as early as this week’s Cubs Convention.

‘‘We’ve said all along that we really want to get this done,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘It should be a no-brainer. Sometimes in the winter it gets more complicated, but we have a lot of things going for us. I sincerely want Kerry here. He sincerely wants to be a Cub. If we can’t figure this thing out, something’s wrong.’’

Brewers snatch Bianchi

Nice knowing infield prospect Jeff Bianchi, who was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers barely a month after the Cubs claimed him from the Kansas City Royals. The move opened a 40-man roster spot for newly signed Cubs pitcher Paul Maholm.