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Ryan Garko | First Baseman

Team: Colorado Rockies
Age / DOB:  (32) / 1/2/1981
Ht / Wt:  6'2' / 225
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
Contract: view contract details
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Latest News

Recent News

Rockies signed 1B Ryan Garko to a minor league contract.
Garko, now 32, batted .297/.386/.441 with eight homers and an .827 OPS in 61 games last season with the Rays' Double-A affiliate. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010 and is likely to open 2013 at the Triple-A level. Jan 30 - 1:28 PM
Source: Matt Eddy on Twitter

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Player News

Date:
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Ryan Garko has elected free agency.

The 31-year-old hasn't appeared in the big leagues since the 2010 season, but posted a respectable .297/.386/.441 line with eight homers and 40 RBI for Double-A Montgomery in 2012. He'll have to accept a minor league deal, but could find himself an invitation to spring training.
Tue, Nov 6, 2012 01:02:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Rays signed 1B Ryan Garko to a minor league contract.

Garko played in Korea last season and joined the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League this year. The 31-year-old hasn't appeared in the big leagues since batting .091 in 33 at-bats with the Rangers in 2010. He'll likely serve as organization depth at the Triple-A level.
Source: Marc Topkin on Twitter
Mon, May 14, 2012 09:55:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Ryan Garko has signed a contract with a team in Korea.

Garko showed some promise a couple of years ago with the Indians, but he was exposed once teams tried to make him an everyday player and probably stands to gain more financially overseas. The 29-year-old finished with a .091/.167/.091 batting line over 33 big league at-bats in 2010.
Source: Paul Hoynes on Twitter
Fri, Dec 10, 2010 12:13:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Rangers sent 1B Ryan Garko outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Garko drew no interest on the waiver wire after batting just .091 (3-for-33) with three RBI in five weeks with the Rangers. He will work on his timing and plate discipline at Triple-A and hope for another shot.
Tue, May 18, 2010 03:51:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Rangers optioned 1B Ryan Garko to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

In summary, not only are both of the club's Opening Day catchers at Triple-A, but now Chris Davis and Garko are, too. That being said, it's hard to say Garko didn't deserve the demotion. He was batting just .091 (3-for-33) with three RBI.
Fri, May 14, 2010 06:47:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

The Rangers plan to waive first baseman Ryan Garko on Friday when they activate outfielder Nelson Cruz from the disabled list.

Garko, 29, has posted a disastrous .094 batting average and a 265 OPS in 32 at-bats this season for the Rangers. With top prospect Justin Smoak now on the roster, Garko hasn't really had much of a role for the past few weeks. He is a .275/.347/.434 career hitter over five MLB seasons.
Source: MLBlogs.com
Thu, May 13, 2010 06:53:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Ryan Garko is starting at first base against the Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon.

Garko will bat third against the lefty Ricky Romero. Rangers manager Ron Washington has suggested that Chris Davis will still get the majority of at-bats at first base, even against left-handers, but don't forget that Garko has an 885 OPS against lefties during his career. He's too useful for such limited duty.
Related: Chris Davis
Source: ESPNDallas.com
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 12:40:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Rangers claimed 1B Ryan Garko off waivers from the Mariners.

It's a perfect fit. With Garko, the Rangers now have the right-handed hitting corner infielder they've coveted all winter. Garko figures to share playing time with the lefty-swinging Chris Davis. The transaction essentially eliminates the possibility of a Mike Lowell trade.
Thu, Apr 1, 2010 02:06:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

A source tells Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com that the Rangers' interest in Ryan Garko "isn't high."

The Rangers are believed to be in the market for a right-handed hitting corner infielder, but as of now, their interest remains lukewarm. Garko, 29, has an 870 OPS against left-handers during his career.
Related: Rangers
Source: FOXSports.com
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 09:01:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Mariners have placed first baseman Ryan Garko on waivers.

The Mariners have opted to keep 37-year-old Mike Sweeney over Garko, who was signed to a one-year, $550,000 contract in February. It's a surprising move, but Garko will have no shortage of potential suitors. The Rangers are one distinct possibility.
Related: Mike Sweeney
Source: Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 06:24:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Ryan Garko went 2-for-3 with a homer off Heath Bell as the Mariners topped the Padres 9-3 in a charity game Thursday.

The Mariners want Casey Kotchman to function as their first baseman against right-handers, but if he struggles too much offensively, Garko is a viable alternative. He'll be mostly limited to playing against lefties initially.
Thu, Mar 4, 2010 05:56:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

Mariners signed first baseman Ryan Garko to a one-year, $550,000 contract.

If Garko totals 600 plate appearances, incentives would just about double his salary. That's doubtful to happen, as he will likely form the right-handed part of a first base tandem with Casey Kotchman. Garko's .887 career OPS against lefties suggests that he will be highly successful in that role. Garko, 29, batted .268/.344/.421 with 13 homers and 51 RBI in 354 at-bats with the Indians and Giants last season.
Mon, Feb 1, 2010 04:53:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

The Mariners have signed free agent first baseman Ryan Garko to a one-year, $550,000 contract, according to the Associated Press.

Okay, Jack Z is just showing off at this point. Garko -- and his 887 career OPS against lefties -- figures to be the right-handed part of a first base tandem with Casey Kotchman. Garko, who turned 29 earlier this month, batted .268/.344/.421 with 13 homers and 51 RBI in 354 at-bats with the Indians and Giants last season. He was non-tendered by the Giants in December.
Related: Mariners
Source: Associated Press
Mon, Feb 1, 2010 12:57:00 PM
Ryan Garko - 1B - Rockies

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Rangers have interest in free agents Ryan Garko and Rocco Baldelli.

General manager Jon Daniels would like to add a right-handed bat to Ron Washington's lineup. If they decide on Garko, he'll only play a part-time role in a short-term commitment with the club, as Chris Davis is expected to be the everyday first baseman and top prospect Justin Smoak is rising rapidly through Texas' minor league system. Considering Garko's splits, that's probably for the best.
Related: Rangers, Rocco Baldelli
Source: ESPN Insider
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 04:00:00 PM

Depth Charts

Batters
PosRoleName
C1Wilin Rosario
2Yorvit Torrealba
1B1Todd Helton
2Jordan Pacheco
2B1D.J. LeMahieu
2Jonathan Herrera
3Josh Rutledge
SS1Troy Tulowitzki
3B1Nolan Arenado
LF1Carlos Gonzalez
CF1Dexter Fowler
2Eric Young Jr.
RF1Michael Cuddyer
2Charlie Blackmon
Starting Pitcher
PosRoleName
S1Jhoulys Chacin
2Jorge De La Rosa
3Juan Nicasio
4Jeff Francis
5Jon Garland
6Edwar Cabrera
7Tyler Chatwood
Relief Pitcher
PosRoleName
R1Rafael Betancourt
2Matt Belisle
3Wilton Lopez
4Rex Brothers
5Adam Ottavino
6Edgmer Escalona
7Josh Outman