News: Mariners sign Ryan Garko
The Mariners and 29–year-old free-agent 1B-OF Ryan Garko agreed to a one-year, $550,000 deal, according to the Associated Press.
Garko hit .268 with a .344 OBP, 13 HR and 51 RBI in 118 games with the Indians and Giants last season.
In his five-year career, during which he has played mostly first base, but also both corner outfield spots, Garko is batting .311 in 485 plate appearance against lefties.
The community at FanGraphs believes Garko will bat around .270 in 120 or so games next season, while hitting roughly 15 HR with 50 RBI and 20 or so doubles.
Last week, Anthony DeRosa of Hot Foot, and a few other Mets fans, made it clear Garko was probably the best fit for the Mets when searching for a bench player.
However, James Kannengieser of Amazin Avenue pointed out a few problems with Garko, who he sees as an unatheletic, one-dimensional player, who can’t hit right-handed pitching.
…i said, i think he’d be fine to use from the bench, and to start at first base against left-handed pitchers from time to time… but, i agree with james, in that he’s not the best athlete in the world, and he certainly isn’t versatile enough to do what the Mets will need from that spot on the roster… if the Mets are going to bring in someone to fill-in for murphy, he should either have significant power or play a serious first base… garko, however, does neither… his best asset is being healthy and consistent, even if he’s just consistently ok…
