The Cleveland Indians accomplished two goals prior to their game Monday night with the Los Angeles Angels. They shed some salary and they acquired yet another pitcher.
The Indians, driven by futility on the mound for the past two seasons have been seeking to bolster their pitching in the trade market. Their latest effort was the trade of first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Garko to San Francisco for promising left-handed starter Scott Barnes. Barnes was 12-3 at Class A San Jose of the Cal League this season with a 2.85 earned run average. Barnes started 18 games and walked 29 while striking out 99 in 98 innings. He's a 6 foot 4 185 pound 8th round pick from the 2008 first year player draft.
Garko has always been regarded as a player with potential to become a big bat in the Indians lineup. It never really materialized because the Indians increasingly chose to use Victor Martinez at first base, relegating Garko to the bench. Garko generally heats up in the 2nd half, so the Giants may have caught a small flash of lightning in a bottle. Some of the enthusiasm about a big finish for Garko must be tempered by the fact he is changing leagues and must adjust to new pitchers. The pitchers must adjust to him as well.
Garko was signed as a catcher but moved to first base when he didn't really show the type of skills required to catch at the big league level. This spring and a few times this season the Indians played him in the outfield. He never did grasp the role, even though he is a very good athlete. He had a .333 batting average in 37 plate appearances vs. lefties and a ..265 average facing right-handed pitching. His overall .285 average includes 11 home runs and 39 runs batted in. Garko has had some very big hits in his tenure with Cleveland.
Garko, 28, will be getting plenty of at-bats and regular play at first for the Giants. They will welcome any offense he provides. His .826 OPS will be second only to Pablo Sandoval on the team. Garko is eligible for free agency following the season.
The Indians are planning to recall Andy Marte from AAA Columbus to assume a position at first base. Marte has had a break out year at Columbus after being designated for assignment by the Tribe last spring and not being claimed.
Marte is a natural third baseman. The move shouldn't be dramatic for Marte, as he has played a few games at first base in the past. Nonetheless, the shift of Marte may signal more dealings by the Indians, as Victor Martinez is said to be high on the wish list of many clubs.
This is a deal that seems to meet the pressing needs of both clubs. The Indians add pitching depth and the Giants obtain a player who has a track record of being able to hit big league pitching at a position (first base) that is weak for San Francisco. And of course, the Indians will be saving money.
Both the Indians and the Giants report they would like to keep moving towards their respective goals of adding pitching to the Tribe and hitting to the Giants. If they wish to do that in the non-waiver trading period, they have to hurry.