Drafted in the 16th round (508th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2012.
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The University of Alabama's top prospect was supposed to be Gardeck, a juco transfer and unsigned eighth-round pick of the White Sox last June. His fastball has reached 98 mph and he's flashed a plus-plus slider, but neither of those were in evidence this spring. He was tough to scout as he didn't throw enough strikes to earn consistent innings for the Crimson Tide, even on a 21-34 team. He threw just 12 innings, walking 12 and striking out 16, and got just seven outs in Southeastern Conference play while walking four.
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The Giants' trust in their player-development department allows them to take chances on pitchers like Gardeck and eventually see a payoff. Considered one of the better arms in the 2011 and 2012 drafts, he was considered nearly undraftable because he didn't throw enough strikes to even get on the mound. For example, he walked 12 batters in 12 innings as a junior at Alabama in 2012, when the Giants made him a 16th-round pick. A stout, barrel-chested righthander, Gardeck was just as wild in his first three years as a pro, but he took a big stride at high Class A San Jose in 2015, striking out 10.8 and walking 2.5 batters per nine innings. His delivery still is long in the back, and his quick arm still works to catch up to his lower half, but he realized that he can still bump the upper 90s with less effort. He also showed improved focus. Gardeck has touched 100 mph at his best. His double-plus fastball and plus, 87-89 mph slider give him a pair of weapons now that he can locate them. Added to the 40-man roster in November, Gardeck could move quickly if he can maintain his newfound average control. Next stop: Double-A Richmond.
Career Transactions
RHP Ian Gardeck elected free agency.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Las Vegas Aviators.
Oakland Athletics signed free agent RHP Ian Gardeck to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
RHP Ian Gardeck elected free agency.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Durham Bulls from Montgomery Biscuits.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Montgomery Biscuits from Charlotte Stone Crabs.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Charlotte Stone Crabs from Montgomery Biscuits.
Montgomery Biscuits sent RHP Ian Gardeck on a rehab assignment to GCL Rays.
Montgomery Biscuits placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day injured list.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Montgomery Biscuits from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays invited non-roster RHP Ian Gardeck to spring training.
Durham Bulls claimed RHP Ian Gardeck off waivers from Richmond Flying Squirrels.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels from San Jose Giants.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to San Jose Giants from Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Richmond Flying Squirrels sent RHP Ian Gardeck on a rehab assignment to AZL Giants Orange.
Richmond Flying Squirrels placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day disabled list.
Richmond Flying Squirrels activated RHP Ian Gardeck from the 7-day disabled list.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels.
San Francisco Giants signed free agent RHP Ian Gardeck to a minor league contract.
San Francisco Giants released RHP Ian Gardeck.
San Francisco Giants designated RHP Ian Gardeck for assignment.
San Francisco Giants optioned RHP Ian Gardeck to Sacramento River Cats.
San Francisco Giants selected the contract of Ian Gardeck from Richmond Flying Squirrels.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to San Francisco Giants.
San Francisco Giants released RHP Ian Gardeck.
Richmond Flying Squirrels placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day disabled list.
San Francisco Giants selected the contract of Ian Gardeck from San Jose Giants.
San Francisco Giants optioned RHP Ian Gardeck to Richmond Flying Squirrels.
San Jose Giants activated RHP Ian Gardeck from the 7-day disabled list.
San Jose Giants placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day disabled list.
San Jose Giants activated RHP Ian Gardeck from the 7-day disabled list.
San Jose Giants placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day disabled list.
San Jose Giants activated RHP Ian Gardeck from the 7-day disabled list.
San Jose Giants sent RHP Ian Gardeck on a rehab assignment to Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
San Jose Giants placed RHP Ian Gardeck on the 7-day disabled list.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to San Jose Giants from AZL Giants.
Ian Gardeck roster status changed by Augusta GreenJackets.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to AZL Giants from Augusta GreenJackets.
RHP Ian Gardeck assigned to Augusta GreenJackets from Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
Ian Gardeck assigned to Salem-Keizer Volcanoes from San Francisco Giants.
San Francisco Giants signed RHP Ian Gardeck.
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