Eddie Guardado

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Eddie Guardado bigraphy, stories - American baseball player

Eddie Guardado : biography

October 2, 1970 –

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 (–, ), Seattle Mariners (–), Cincinnati Reds (–), and the Rangers (Two separate stints in and ).

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

Retirement

On January 25, 2013, Guardado was elected to the Twins Hall Of Fame along with long-time Media Relations Director, Tom Mee. http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_22450943/minnesota-twins-hall-fame-adds-eddie-guardado-tom

Professional career

Minnesota Twins

For several years the Twins attempted to use him as a starter, but in 1996 he was converted to being a relief pitcher exclusively, never starting another major league game. That season, he led the American League in games pitched with 83.

In September 2001, Guardado became the Twins’ closer, replacing LaTroy Hawkins. In 2002, he broke Rick Aguilera’s 11-year-old Twins team record for games saved, saving 45 regular-season games. He followed that up with 41 saves in 2003. After that season, he became a free agent, signing with the Seattle Mariners.

Seattle Mariners

2004

In 2004, Guardado saved 18 games with a 2.78 earned run average, but suffered a torn rotator cuff and missed the last two months of the season.

2005

In 2005, he set the Mariners’ record for consecutive saves at 27, which was later broken by J. J. Putz.

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.

Later career

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.

2009

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

2010

After considering retirement during the 2009-10 offseason, 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. In August, he acknowledged that his playing days had 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."http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100803/A_SPORTS/8030326

Overview

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.