Here’s a Thought: Ryan Garko Isn’t Worth a Top 100 Prospect

Yesterday, the San Francisco Giants acquired first baseman Ryan Garko from the Cleveland Indians for left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes.

The move was widely lauded from the Giants' perspective, as they were said to get an "upgrade" at first base over current starter Travis Ishikawa.

Ishikawa is hitting .269/.321/.411; Garko is hitting .285/.362/.464.

On that superficial level, Garko is a nice upgrade.

However, the righthanded- hitting Garko's only hit righties at a .265/.349/.424 clip, while the lefty-swinging Ishikawa is at .265/.319/.423.

The difference between Garko and Ishikawa against righties (the majority of pitchers) is a few walks.

Ishikawa is also a very good defensive first baseman, while Garko's defense is average-minus.

Garko m...

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