Minnesota Twins Spring Training Countdown: 18, Eddie Guardado
The Minnesota Twins are just 18 days away from spring training. As we celebrate the end of the blustery temps and the return of the game we love, let’s look at team history surrounding that number.
The Minnesota Twins are preparing for a 2018 season with expectations after making the playoffs in 2017 as a Wild Card. We will have bring out numbers from team history that represent the number of days until spring training from now until pitchers and catchers report on February 13th.
Often a player will make a connection with the fan base and develop a special relationship. In the setup of the bullpen of the Metrodome, many relievers had that kind of relationship, but none like Eddie Guardado.
Guardado’s Twins career
The Minnesota Twins drafted Guardado in the 21st round of the 1990 draft. In his professional debut, Guardado sparkled, posting a 1.86 ERA over 92 innings with a 1.07 WHIP and a 31/106 BB/K ratio.
He worked his way through the A-ball levels in 1992, and in 1993, Guardado made his major league debut after posting a 1.24 ERA over 10 starts in AA. He struggled in 94 2/3 innings with a 6.18 ERA at the major league level. He made 4 more starts in the majors in 1994.
Guardado earned his nickname “Everyday Eddie” by leading the league in games pitched in 1996 with 83.
Guardado served as the primary left-handed setup man for a number of years. In 2001, he took over the closer role, and in 2002 and 2003, he saved 86 combined games and was an All-Star in each season.
Post-Twins career
When Guardado became a free agent after 2003, he signed with the Seattle Mariners, working two years as the Mariners closer. He lost his closer job in 2006 with a 5.48 ERA in the first part of the season before the Mariners traded him to the Reds.
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He was excellent down the stretch for the Reds in 2006, but he struggled with injury in 2007 with the Reds. He signed with the Rangers for the 2008 season, and the Twins re-acquired him for the stretch run of the 2008 season.
Guardado signed with the Rangers again for 2009 and made 48 appearances. It would be his final major league experience, however.
Eddie’s time with the Twins over a dozen years resulted in a 4.53 ERA, 116 saves, and a 270/610 BB/K over 704 2/3 innings. Over his career, he saved 187 games with a 4.31 ERA over 944 2/3 innings.
Guardado was elected to the Twins Hall of Fame in 2013.
Next: Who next goes into the Twins team HOF?
For 18 days to spring training, we remember a fan favorite in Everyday Eddie!
Come soon, spring!!