In an unsurprising move, the San Francisco Giants decided not to tender a contract to first baseman Ryan Garko.
The former Cleveland Indian was acquired on July 27 in exchange for minor leaguer LHP Scott Barnes. San Francisco hoped that Garko would provide a boost to the inconsistent offense. The 28-year-old clearly didn’t live up to expectations.
In his 40 games with the Giants, Garko only batted .235, had a .307 OBP, and a .330 SLG. The low numbers were definitely what San Francisco was not expecting as he put up a .285/.362/.464 slash line in 78 games with the Indians.
According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, Giants GM Brian Sabean has said he wasn’t willing to pay $2-3 million to someone who wasn’t an everyday player.
San Francisco still has the option of Travis Ishikawa at first or even possibly moving Pablo Sandoval to fill that position. Even with the two possibilities, it’s no secret that the Giants have been pursuing available first basemen. Releasing Garko may indicate that something may be in the works—possibly Nick Johnson or Adam LaRoche.
As the Giants let go of Garko, they did offer contracts to pitchers Tim Lincecum, Brandon Medders, Jonathan Sanchez, and Brian Wilson.
Comments
Sabean is an incompetent GM! I work with him everyday & hes a nightmare of a boss!
Actually, not giving Garko a contract is not a surprise at all considering he was a total bust!
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