Piggybacking off of a post yesterday by Fack Youk, I’m suggesting that the Yankees should take a look at Ryan Garko for the last bench spot. He’d obviously be taking this spot from Marcus Thames, with whom none of us seem very impressed this season. From the article:
Garko, like Thames, mashes left handed pitching. His career line of .313/.392/.495 in 485 PA against southpaws is actually better than Thames’ .256/.329/.516 line in 691 PA. Garko’s also four years younger and has two years of arbitration eligibility left.
Adding to the numbers: Garko has a .382 wOBA (136 wRC+) vs. LHP, compared to Thames’s .360 and 122 marks.
Unlike Thames, though, Garko has spent minimal time in the OF. He’s played only 12 games there and has been absolutely putrid (-20.3 UZR/150). Thames isn’t exactly Carl Crawford out there, though, and has been in the red defensively almost exclusively for his career.
But, if the Yankees are confident in going with Thames and his lack of defense, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be looking at Garko. He does his (potential future) role better than Thames does, and is also younger, and under control. Clearly, defense isn’t a priority for the 25th spot and I’m sure that Ramiro Pena could at least be competent enough to play there if needed. Don’t forget Randy Winn is an option out there, too.
It’s curious that the Mariners let Garko go, considering their lack of firepower at the plate this year. Marcus Thames will likely not be an important piece going forward, but Garko’s still got some potential left. I’d like to see the Yankees make a run at Ryan and bring him in on a cheap deal.
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6 Responses to Yanks Should Look at Ryan Garko
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TIQ IQ
Too late, the Rangers claimed him. Since waiver order is currently determined by last year’s standings, we’ll never know if the Yankees would have put in a claim.
Yeah, that’s the danger in scheduling posts the night before- occasionally this happens. Was still a good idea from you guys and from Matt.
Damn you scheduled posts!
Oh well; I guess Thames won’t be too bad.
Also, while Thames is a poor defender, Garko is reportedly awful.
They could try Kevin Russo, if Thames fails to hit.
I’m a little worried about our bench because looking at Marcus Thames’ numbers, it doesn’t look like were going to have much power off the bench and I think the Yankees need a power bat coming off the bench and it seems now, we don’t have one!