Eddie Guardado

Eddie Guardado
Pitcher
Born: October 2, 1970 (1970-10-02) Stockton, California
Batted: Right	Threw: Left
MLB debut
June 13, 1993 for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
September 30, 2009 for the Texas Rangers
Career statistics
Games pitched	908
Win–Loss record	46–61
Earned run average	4.31
Strikeouts	798
Saves	187
Teams
Minnesota Twins (1993–2003) Seattle Mariners (2004–2006) Cincinnati Reds (2006–2007) Texas Rangers (2008) Minnesota Twins (2008) Texas Rangers (2009)
Career highlights and awards
2× All-Star selection (2002, 2003)

Edward Adrian Guardado (born October 2, 1970, in Stockton, California) is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Throughout his career, Guardado had played with the Minnesota Twins (1993–2003, 2008), Seattle Mariners (2004–2006), Cincinnati Reds (2006–2007), and the Rangers (Two separate stints in 2008 and 2009).

His common nickname is "Everyday Eddie", a testament to his durable arm during his first stint with the Twins.

Professional career

In 2002, he broke Rick Aguilera’s 11-year-old Twins team record for games saved, saving 45 regular-season games.

2005

In 2005, he set the Seattle Mariners' record for consecutive saves at 27, which was later broken by J. J. Putz. His career ERA is deceptively poor, largely because for several years the Twins attempted to use him as a starter before finally shifting him into the closer role.

2006

On May 4, 2006, after three blown saves in less than three weeks, Guardado was temporarily removed from the closer role with the Mariners. Manager Mike Hargrove stated, "We're going to back off Eddie as far as being the closer right now. We'll try to pitch him in less pressure situations. Just back him away from the edge and see if we could get his confidence up."

On July 6, 2006, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds and converted eight of his first nine save situations. In August, Guardado was placed on the disabled list after he blew out his throwing elbow.

2007

For 2007, Guardado signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training by the Cincinnati Reds. He made his season debut on August 9 after an intense rehab, giving up two hits and a sacrifice fly that allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to tie the game at 4-4. They eventually won 5-4 in 11 innings.

2008

On January 11, 2008, he signed with the Texas Rangers. On August 25, 2008, Guardado was traded back to the Minnesota Twins for minor league pitcher Mark Hamburger. On February 3, 2009, Guardado returned to the Texas Rangers on a minor league contract and was invited to spring training.

Eddie Guardado in 2009.

2009

Guardado pitched for the Texas Rangers in 2009, and went 1-2 with a 4.46 ERA in 48 relief appearances.

After the 2009 season, he was considering retirement.

2010

After considering retirement, Guardado decided to come back to baseball by agreeing to terms on a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals on December 26, 2009.

On March 11, 2010, Guardado was released by the Nationals, although yet to file retirement paperwork, he has acknowledged that his playing days have come to an end saying "I'm looking to add another chapter in my life, and that's to be a father to my three children, which I absolutely love."

Over Eddie's career, he appeared in 908 games. Only 21 other pitchers have appeared in more games.

He went 555 games without allowing a triple, dating to the end of his career. The last person to hit a triple off Guardado was Tony Graffanino back in September 1999.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball all-time saves leaders

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)

Preceded by Mariano Rivera

American League Saves Champion 2002

Succeeded by Keith Foulke