Rangers sign veteran reliever Guardado
The Rangers continued to assemble pieces for their bullpen for the 2008 season Friday, and the biggest name brings a dimension to the club general manager Jon Daniels described as "critical."
Not only does Daniels believe Eddie Guardado will compete with fellow left-hander C.J. Wilson to be the closer on Opening Day, but the 15-year veteran will provide leadership to a relatively inexperienced bullpen.
Guardado signed a one-year deal worth $2 million, with another $4 million available should he meet incentives. He will be 18 months removed from Tommy John surgery when spring training opens next month.
But Guardado, 37, said his elbow is 100 percent and body feels as fresh as it has in many seasons. He's ready to show he can be "Everyday Eddie" once again, while also relishing his role as sage of the bullpen.
"I can still pitch and pitch at a high level, and that's what I want to prove to myself," said Guardado, who has had stints with the Twins, Mariners and Reds.
"No matter what I'm doing, I'm going to help out the best I can with these young guys. But I also go out there and do my job, and I take it seriously."
The Rangers also signed right-hander Jamey Wright and catcher Adam Melhuse to minor-league deals. Both played in Arlington last season and will compete for roster spots in spring training.
Wilson and Guardado will spend the spring vying for the closer's role. Guardado, who has 183 career saves, said his goal is to win the job.
"There's something about the ninth that's unbelievable," he said. "My nature is competing and being in pressure situations. I love it."
He threw only 13 2/3 innings late last season for the Reds in his return from surgery.
He allowed 11 earned runs, which led to a 7.24 ERA in 15 appearances, but didn't allow a run in his final seven games as he regained his control.
The strong finish and leadership potential made Guardado attractive.
"Veterans pull everyone together and compete, but also help the young players develop," Daniels said. "Those guys really stand out, and I think Eddie is that guy. He's got a chance to impact the team in two ways."
Daniels said the Rangers could be finished acquiring players, though they are looking at free-agent starting pitchers. The best bet is right-hander Jason Jennings, a Dallas native who spent an injury-plagued 2007 season with the Astros.
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Rangers sign veteran reliever Guardado
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