Cleveland trades Ryan Garko to S.F. Giants

[Auggie]

mlb.com, 7-27-09

ANAHEIM -- The Indians' purge of players who don't fit into their future plans continued Monday night, when first baseman Ryan Garko was traded to the Giants for Class A left-hander Scott Barnes.

Garko had been in the Tribe's lineup at designated hitter but was yanked about an hour before the first pitch against the Angels at Angel Stadium.

Entering his first round of arbitration this winter, Garko was considered trade bait. He has gotten increased playing time the past month and had hit safely in 20 of his last 23 games, batting .349 with five homers and 11 RBIs and improving his stock. For the season, Garko is batting .285 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs in 78 games.

The 21-year-old Barnes is 12-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 18 starts for San Jose in the California League. He leads the league in wins, is second in ERA and his 99 strikeouts are tied for ninth.

LINK: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090727&content_id=6093790&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

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Cleveland picked up two outstanding pitching prospects this week

[inthebrain]

1. Sounds like San Fran got more of what they already have

I guess Barnes was expendable given that he's putting those numbers up in single A.

Frisco's problem is that they are loaded with .250-.280 hitters capable of 60-70 RBIS.

OH TATIS GRAND SLAM!!!!!!!!

[Auggie]

2. As I recall, Garko gets the big base hit when you least need it.

Not good with RISP. Better than nothing, I guess. Giants have been punchless.

The Giants have some good arms in AAA, most notably Madison Bumgarner. That's why they could let Barnes go.

[Upton]

3. Bad move

they have a lot of pitching but they could have used the guy they sent to the Indians in a deal for someone who makes more sense like Freddy Sanchez.

I'll be glad when Sabean is gone

[inthebrain]

4. Not entirrely

One of those trades that's going to take many years to judge.

Chances are, the Giants probably got ahead in this one. Pitcher was a lefty but only playing Single A. He has a long ways to go.

Frisco is trying to make a run now and this may be the best option available. This trade deadline is a sellers market. Halladay is the best pitcher avaialble, he's 33 and only one more year on his contract. Toronto is asking the moon for him.

This is a very tough year to be a buyer. Lots of teams still in the race and many more of jumped back into it since the ASB.

[Auggie]

5. Bad move or desperation move?

I think it's the latter. Victor Martinez was their real target, IMO.

[Onceuponalife]

6. He'll fit right in with all the rest of the deadbeats.

[Capt. America]

7. [snoring Indians fan] What, what? Garko's gone....[snore]