Attempting to remedy a struggling offense, the San Francisco Giants acquired first baseman/outfielder Ryan Garko from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Class A starting pitcher Scott Barnes.  Garko, 28, was batting .285 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 79 games for Cleveland.

In other roster moves, the team recalled infielders Eugenio Velez and Jesus Guzman from AAA Fresno while shipping out second baseman Matt Downs and outfielder John Bowker. 

What does this mean?  First of all, I think that Travis Ishikawa might soon be traded as a result of these moves.  The only way that this doesn’t happen (and I hope it doesn’t) is if they look to Garko to play left field.  Hey, stranger things have happened.  Second, the team’s patience for John Bowker might have reached an end.  He’s done little with the bat this season.  We’ll see what the future holds for him.  Another reason for the recalls of Guzman and Velez might be to prove that they can play at the major league level.  In other words, they might be trade bait.  I can’t say that either of their departures would make me too bummed.   Also, can’t say that Barnes will be greatly missed, as yet. 

Guzman and Velez both start tonight.  More to come.