Garko working out in LF to increase value to Tribe

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Ryan Garko hit his way into the Cleveland Indians’ lineup two years ago. Now, he believes increased versatility in the field will help keep him there.

“Being able to play three positions can be a plus to my team and, hopefully, to my career,” Garko said Friday before taking his usual position at first base for an exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Garko was drafted as a catcher, switched to first in the minors, and has been working out in left field this spring.

“I like it out there,” Garko said. “I played outfield just a little bit at Stanford, so I’m not totally unfamiliar with what needs to be done.”

Former All-Star outfielder Ellis Burks believes Garko has the most important quality for an outfielder: getting a good jump on a ball.

“You get a good jump, that’s half the battle right there,” said Burks, a 1990 Gold Glove winner. “Ryan shows good instincts. He’s got a good first step.

“He’s also a willing worker and realizes it just won’t happen overnight. He’s got work on his setup, his footwork, then go from there.”

Garko found out the hard way earlier this spring that being in the proper spot before the pitch is crucial. In his first pro start in left field, the second batter of the game lined a triple down the line that eluded him.

“I definitely overshifted way too far on that ball,” Garko said. “But I’m learning.

“Even if I don’t play out there at all this year, I’ll keep working on it because it gives the manager more flexibility.”

Manager Eric Wedge is looking at Garko to see if he can move to left on occasion, with catcher Victor Martinez playing first and Kelly Shoppach catching.

That would give Martinez a break from the everyday rigors of catching. And it would get more playing time for Shoppach, who had a career-best 21 homers and 55 RBIs a year ago filling in when Martinez missed two months after elbow surgery.

Garko knows the best way to remain in the lineup is to do what he does best — drive in runs. He had a career-high 90 RBIs a year ago despite batting .227 with only 20 RBIs through the end of May. He adjusted in midsummer and produced a .331 average and 40 RBIs over the final two months, finishing with a .273 average.

“If you can hit, they’ll find a spot for you,” Garko said. “Last year I tried to do too much in the first half.I went back to just trying to hit the ball up the middle and trying to get on base. That’s my game.”

Garko doesn’t fret that spending so much time learning another position will detract from his hitting.

“Going to the outfield is not as tough as moving from catcher to first base. In the infield, you really have to make split-second decisions.”