Ryan Garko, the Indians third-round pick in 2003, will play for the Hamsung Lions in Korea next season.
View full sizeRyan Garko, shown with the Indians in 2009, will play in Korea next season.CLEVELAND, Ohio — The big leagues are in Ryan Garko's rear view mirror. For the time being, at least.
Garko, the Indians' third-round pick in 2003, has signed a one-year deal to play for the Samsung Lions in Korea. Garko will be paid $300,000.
The Indians traded Garko to San Francisco midway through 2009. He played 40 games for the Giants, hitting .235 (27-for-115) with two homers and 12 RBI. Non-tendered in the off-season, Garko signed with Seattle, but was released during spring training.
Garko, a first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter, signed with Texas. He appeared in only 15 games with the Rangers, batting .091 (3-for-33). He hit .247 (90-for-364) with 18 doubles, 15 homes and 59 RBI at Class AAA Oklahoma City.
Talk about tough luck. If Garko could have stuck with the Giants or Texas, he would have played in the World Series this year.
Garko's best year was 2008 when he hit .273 (135-for-594) with 21 doubles, 14 homers and a career high 90 RBI for the Indians.