Everyday Eddie? Not really
Earlier this afternoon, the Cincinnati Reds acquired reliever Eddie Guardado from the Seattle Mariners for minor league pitcher Travis Chick.
Now, I know what you're thinking..."So what? The guy is a shell of his former self when he was known as 'Everyday Eddie' Guardado."
You're right; he doesn't have a rubber arm anymore. However, Guardado is moving over to the National League for the first time in his career, which means he'll be facing many batters for the first time, potentially giving him an opportunity to resurrect his once solid career.
The Reds' relief corps has been mediocre at best this season, and with the team just two games out of first behind the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincy GM Wayne Krivsky decided to take a chance on the 35-year-old lefty.
David Weathers and Todd Coffey have split the save opportunities thus far, but that role should belong to Guardado. So for those of you who are in need of some saves, or maybe could use some appearances, take a chance on "Not-So-Everyday Eddie." At the very least, he should be able to notch a few saves for your fantasy team before the National League figures him out again.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SEATTLE
Back in Seattle, J.J. Putz took over the stopper slot from Guardado, after he blew three saves in a span of two weeks in late April/early May. So with Guardado gone now, there are only two things Putz has to worry about - staying consistent and Rafael Soriano.
Soriano is a bona fide fireballer and should Putz falter, he is the likely candidate to take over the closer role in Seattle.
Putz is 1-0 with a 2.23 ERA and 15 saves in 17 chances to go along with a mind-boggling K-BB ratio of 57-to-7.
If he's still a free agent or on the waiver wire in your league, pick him up A.S.A.P.
Now, I know what you're thinking..."So what? The guy is a shell of his former self when he was known as 'Everyday Eddie' Guardado."
You're right; he doesn't have a rubber arm anymore. However, Guardado is moving over to the National League for the first time in his career, which means he'll be facing many batters for the first time, potentially giving him an opportunity to resurrect his once solid career.
The Reds' relief corps has been mediocre at best this season, and with the team just two games out of first behind the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincy GM Wayne Krivsky decided to take a chance on the 35-year-old lefty.
David Weathers and Todd Coffey have split the save opportunities thus far, but that role should belong to Guardado. So for those of you who are in need of some saves, or maybe could use some appearances, take a chance on "Not-So-Everyday Eddie." At the very least, he should be able to notch a few saves for your fantasy team before the National League figures him out again.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SEATTLE
Back in Seattle, J.J. Putz took over the stopper slot from Guardado, after he blew three saves in a span of two weeks in late April/early May. So with Guardado gone now, there are only two things Putz has to worry about - staying consistent and Rafael Soriano.
Soriano is a bona fide fireballer and should Putz falter, he is the likely candidate to take over the closer role in Seattle.
Putz is 1-0 with a 2.23 ERA and 15 saves in 17 chances to go along with a mind-boggling K-BB ratio of 57-to-7.
If he's still a free agent or on the waiver wire in your league, pick him up A.S.A.P.
posted by The Knuckler @ 7/06/2006 06:21:00 PM
4 Comments:
At 7/07/2006 07:56:00 AM ,
Anonymous said...
I totally disagree with this!
At 7/07/2006 11:54:00 AM ,
The Knuckler said...
Well my anonymous friend, if you disagree, then what's your take on the situation?
In my opinion, a change of scenery often does a player good...just look at Bronson Arroyo through the majority of the first half.
Will that be the case with Guardado? Maybe, maybe not. But that's the beauty of the risk, and I think that risk is worth it for some who's looking to pick up a few saves.
At 7/28/2006 06:25:00 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Hey Knucks, love the show by the way, just wanted to know what you thought of fantasy relief pitchers. Do you think a good relief pitcher is more valuable than a closer? I want to make a big trade heading into the second half and I was thinking of dumping Hoffman, what value do you think I could get? Thanks!
- Danny
At 7/28/2006 06:29:00 PM ,
The Knuckler said...
Hey Danny...it really depends on what your team needs. Hoffman will always have good fantasy value until he retires, and in most leagues, a good closer is more valuable than a middle reliever.
If you want any deeper advice, you can tell me what area your team is lacking in, as well as where it's strong, and I can tell you some players you might want to go after.
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