“Who is Karim Garcia?”

Today many Phillies fans echo that question originally posed by Pedro Martinez. At the time Pedro then a Red Sock had beaned Garcia then a Yankee in frustration over giving up the lead. Garcia publicly complained after the game and in response Pedro queried, “Who is Karim Garcia? I have no respect for that guy.”

The object of Pedro Matinez’s disdain has agreed in principle to a Minor League contract with the Phillies. Garcia has spent his ten-year major league career as a journeyman playing for the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Indians, Yankees, and Mets. In his ten years as a utility outfielder Garcia has batted .241 with 66 HRs. He has spent the last two seasons playing in Japan for the Orix Buffaloes batting .281 with 34 HRs. According to Marcus Hayes, Garcia has lost weight since bowing out of the Major Leagues.

Garcia is now the front-runner to make the Phillies as their fifth outfielder. Garcia fills the need of the Phillies for a left-handed power bat off the bench. Garcia has played all three outfield positions but is better suited for playing the corner outfield positions. The roster spot doesn’t yet belong to Garcia. The Phillies are also looking into signing Todd Hollandsworth to a Minor League deal. If Garcia does make the team he will definitely be a big step down from David Dellucci who played the same role last year. Hopefully the Phillies will get Hollandsworth who isn’t a great option but at least has a reputation as a baseball player and not a Pedro Martinez punch line.

Sources:
Garcia agrees to Minor League deal
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Who is he? He’s the newest Phillie
By Marcus Hayes / Philadelphia Inquirer

Pedro Martinez Entry
www.sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki

Picture of Karim Garcia from kittyempire.org