EDDIE GUARDADO, #18, Relief Pitcher
Born: 10/20/1970
Birthplace: Stockton, CA
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 225
Throws: Left
College: San Joaquin Delta CC, CA
MLB Debut: 06/13/1993
2008 season: 1 win, 2.73 ERA, 1 Save, 18 Strike Outs
Career: 42 wins, 4.25 ERA, 184 Saves, 763 Strike Outs
Since signing with the Rangers as a free agent on January 11, 2008, Eddie Guardado has been a steadying veteran influence on the team’s pitching staff as well as a durable and valuable relief pitcher. The durability which earned him the nickname “Everyday Eddie” has been invaluable for a Rangers staff beset by injuries. The “Everyday” moniker is well-deserved: Guardado appeared in 63-or-more regular season games for 8 consecutive seasons from 1996 through 2003.
Earlier this season, on April 26th versus his former teammates on the Minnesota Twins, Guardado became only the 10th left-hander in MLB history to appear in 800 career games. The other lefties include the likes of Jim Kaat, John Franco, Tug McGraw, Jesse Orosco, Sparky Lyle and Mike Stanton. Franco and Lyle are the only pitchers on that list that have more career saves than Guardado.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into this game and good things have happened,” Guardado told Rangers publications. “That’s something where you sit down and kick back when it’s over and appreciate. That’s good, huh? Being the 10th? I knew about the 800 games thing, but I didn’t know about that. Wow.”
Guardado began his career as a starting pitcher. He was drafted in the 21st round of the 1990 draft by the Minnesota Twins out of San Joaquin Delta Junior College in California. Two years after being drafted, he made his major league debut as a starting pitcher versus the A’s.
The first time he played in Arlington, it was as a member of the Twins in 1993…at the old Arlington Stadium. Only one other active player who participated in the Twins/Rangers game that night in 1993: former Ranger catcher Pudge Rodriguez, now a member of the Tigers.
During the 1995 season, the Twins moved Guardado to the bullpen where he spent the next seven seasons as the Twins’ middle reliever and left-handed setup pitcher. By switching him from the starting rotation to the bullpen, he was available “everyday” for duty.
In his first full season as a relief pitcher (1996), he tied the league-high with 83 appearances which was also a career-high.
By 2002, Guardado moved from middle-inning relief appearances and set-up situations to closing out games. He saved a career-high 45 games that season which led the A.L. and earned him a selection to the All-Star team.
In 2003, his final season with the Twins, he was selected to a second-consecutive All-Star team and finished the season with 41 saves.
In 2004, Guardado joined the Seattle Mariners but appeared in only 41 games due to knee and shoulder injuries. The next season, he rebounded in grand style and was named the Mariners’ Pitcher of the Year due to a 2.72 ERA in 58 appearances.
Guardado was traded mid-way through the 2006 season from the Mariners to the Reds, but didn’t pitch after August 19th because of an elbow injury which required ‘Tommy John’ surgery. The rehab from surgery on his left elbow continued through most of the 2007 season. He appeared in only 15 games for the Reds last year. When the Reds decided not to exercise his contract option for 2008, Guardado became a free agent and subsequently signed with the Rangers.
Since coming to Arlington, Guardado’s good health and durability has been valuable for the Rangers. Manager Ron Washington knows that when needed, “Everyday Eddie” will answer the call.
Guardado has also embraced his role as mentor to younger pitchers on the staff. With 19 years of experience in professional baseball, he has a wealth of information to share with teammates. His amiable demeanor and sense of humor helps keep the atmosphere loose. His contributions to the team extend beyond the playing field and into the clubhouse.
Personal: Married to wife, Lisa. Father of three children: Niko (11 years old), Jakob (6 years old) and Ava Rose (3 years old). Resides in the off season in his home state of California in Tustin Ranch. Graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, California in 1989. Was all-area MVP in baseball and football MVP during senior season. Attended San Joaquin Delta (CA) Junior College. Volunteers for the Boys & Girls Club of Stockton, CA.
