I'm glad to see the Giants are willing to at least make one move before Friday's trade deadline. San Francisco has acquired former Stanford Cardinal and Cleveland Indian Ryan Garko to fill the gap at first base, and hopefully a solid number-4 or number-5 hitter.
Garko played in 78 games for Cleveland this season, batting .285 with 11 home runs, 39 RBIs, 29 runs, and 10 doubles. In exchange, the Giants gave up minor league pitcher Scott Barnes.
I first heard the news driving to last night's Giants' win, 4-2 over the Pittsburgh Pirates, but could only speculate as to whom they may have traded for Garko. When I saw the starting line up with Jesus Guzman at first, and Eugenio Velez in left, I made the assumption that Ishikawa and Lewis MAY have been involved in the deal, which would have made some sense. As it turned out, Bowker and Downs were not getting the job done, and were sent "down" to Fresno, while Guzman and Velez were called up to the big club. Both Guzman and Velez made immediate contributions in last night's win instead of swinging and missing at everything.
Following a 3-and-7 road trip featuring only one home run, the power remained silent against the slop-throwing Paul Maholm Monday night, and a brutal layer of fog which descended over the ball park in the later innings. The wind definitely knocked down several balls, including Bengie Molina's RBI double off the left-center field wall that plated Pablo Sandoval who had previously doubled.
I'm in the middle of moving this week, so I have to make this brief, but two last thoughts: TIM LINCECUM - WOW! Fifteen Ks and another complete game! His curve ball was buckling guys last night, and then he would follow the hook which a change up or an overpowering fastball. He definitely had his "A-stuff" last night in capturing the win.
Finally, a wonderful pre-game ceremony for Sue Burns last night. The late Giants' owner passed away recently after a very brief battle with Cancer. Her regular presence at the yard will be greatly missed, and the video tribute to her last night was a real tear-jerker.
Keywords: Cleveland Indians, Eugenio Velez, Jesus Guzman, Paul Maholm, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan Garko, San Francisco Giants, Stanford Cardinal, Sue Burns., Tim Lincecum
