Steady Eddie

You can add Eddie Guardado to the list of quality additions made by Reds GM Wayne Krivsky.

The Reds were struggling to find a pitcher capable of being a dependable back-end of the bullpen guy. So, they acquired the left-handed Guardado from Seattle in exchange for a minor leaguer and cash.

In his first 7 appearances with the Reds, Guardado posted a 1.35 ERA and had five saves.

“That’s me, the problem solver,” Guardado said last week with a laugh.

After being slowed by forearm stiffness, Guardado returned tonight to toss a scoreless ninth inning in the Reds' 8-4 victory in Houston.

After spending 11 seasons in Minnesota, where he led the majors with 45 saves in 2002, Steady Eddie was dealt to the Mariners. He posted 59 saves in three seasons with the Mariners before being shipped to Cincinnati.

“The deal for Eddie really set our bullpen up,” said Reds manager Jerry Narron. “He’s an experienced guy. He knows how to close games out.”

The acquisition of Guardado added a veteran arm to the Reds’ bullpen and a positive influence to the clubhouse.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” said the gentlemanly Guardado. “I was struggling with Seattle. When you come to a team that wants you, your confidence is boosted up. You want to prove to (your new team) that you can still pitch.”