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First baseman takes pride in ability to drive in runs; on pace for 86
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
DETROIT: Ryan Garko isn't the first player to struggle in his second full major-league season, but the Indians' first baseman has taken plenty of heat for his lackluster production at the plate.
Eric Wedge issued a cautionary warning more than once through the media: ''Garko has to drive in runs,'' Wedge said. ''That's why he's here.''
Finally, when the Tribe began to win consistently starting Aug. 8, Garko was one of the prime movers for the offense. Going into Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers, the Indians had won 14-of-17. During that span, Garko batted .367 with four doubles, two home runs and 19 RBI, more than anyone else on the club.
In 21/2 weeks, he raised his batting average from .239 and lifted his RBI total to 69, giving him a projected total of 86 for the season. Not bad for a guy who was in a slump for half the schedule.
Asked about Wedge's assessment that he must drive in runs to be a viable player, Garko said, ''He didn't need to say that. Every first baseman knows it. I think RBI are more important than home runs.
''It's always been important to me. When there's a guy on second or third, I'll shorten up and take the bloop hit or try to hit the ball through the infield.''
Garko did just that Monday night, when his bloop single drove in Shin-Soo Choo from second.
''Driving in runs probably is the most important thing you can do for a club,'' Garko said.
Garko's first extended stay in the big leagues came in the second half of 2006, when he drove in 45 runs in 50 games, earning the label as a natural run producer.
''I've been kind of blessed with the ability to handle a bat and adjust my swing to get it done,'' he said. ''With two outs, I have to get a hit. I just can't explain how I do it.''
Garko's lengthy slump might have taken him by surprise.
''This year is the first time I struggled like that,'' he said. ''It's such a long season, you have to put your head down and keep going. I had a little success in the past, so I knew I could hit. I think I tried to do too much and dug myself a deep hole.''
Garko's recent surge began immediately after he was benched for not running out a ground ball.
''It was just a weird thing,'' he said. ''It bothered me more that I was hitting .230 than that I didn't run out a ball I thought was foul. But you still look in the mirror; I made a mistake, and now it's over and done with.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
DETROIT: Ryan Garko isn't the first player to struggle in his second full major-league season, but the Indians' first baseman has taken plenty of heat for his lackluster production at the plate.
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