Fansided
Puckett's Pond

Is Eddie Guardado Headed To Cooperstown?

By Ted Schwerzler

facebooktwitterreddit

Recently, the Minnesota Twins announced that Eddie Guardado would be joining their 2015 coaching staff under manager Paul Molitor. The former Twins closer, known by Twins Territorians as “Every Day Eddie,” is also included on this years Hall Of Fame ballot. While he was a mainstay for many good years for the Twins, the question now becomes, is Eddie ready to take the journey to Cooperstown?

More from Minnesota Twins News

For those who might have forgotten what Eddie brought to the table, let’s take a stroll down memory lane. After being drafted in the 21st round of the 1990 Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins. Eddie made his major league debut in 1993. He pitched for the Twins in 12 of his 17 major league seasons. Over the course of his career he compiled 187 saves and a 4.31 ERA. He was also a two-time All-Star as a member of the Twins.

Known primarily as a closer, Guardado steps onto the Hall of Fame ballot in what should be a comparison to names like Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. Although many would argue that the Hall of Fame voting should be based on the merit of your own accomplishments, the reality is that you are entering into a select group of individuals who excelled at a higher level than those around them.

Looking at the numbers of other closers, Rivera holds the career saves record at an astonishing 652 saves, Hoffman is the only other pitcher to record more than 500 saves. On this year’s Hall of Fame ballot, Lee Smith sees his name appear as well. The former reliever ended his career as a member of the 400 saves club, inhabited by only the aforementioned Rivera and Hoffman, as well as John Franco and Billy Wagner.

Eddie Guardado was integral to the Minnesota Twins, and he was a fan favorite without a doubt. As Ron Gardenhire had Minnesota reeling off AL Central championships in the early 2000’s, it was Guardado who was closing contests out. Despite all the nostalgia however, I fail to see a way that Eddie cracks the vote.

Having seen a handful of ballots be revealed by voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, I have yet to see a single one include Eddie Guardado, let alone Lee Smith. Unfortunately for Twins fans, this is looking like a situation where Eddie could garner less than 5% of the vote, and be removed from the ballot following this year.

We aren’t too far away from the reveal of those players who will be inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, but don’t hold your breath for Every Day Eddie to be among them. On a positive note, he will be an integral part of the Twins staff, and not having to miss what are hopefully important games over the summer, is something Twins fans can get excited about.

Next: Eddie Guardado Not On My Hall Of Fame Ballot

More from Puckett's Pond

Home/Minnesota Twins News