It’s an odd situation unfolding with Eddie Guardado.  The Reds picked him up with a blown out elbow and paid him to rehab.  They did not pick up an option on him because they want him on the cheap – or at least with an incentive-laden contract.  In return, Guardado files for free agency.  I’m not sure where my loyalties lie here – perhaps a deal will be negotiated and it will be a moot point.  I feel like Eddie should show some loyalty to the Reds who worked with him when he was injury-wise at his lowest point.  I’m sure Guardado is proud and feels offended that Cincy didn’t pick up his option. He’s also got a bit of a point that he never threw with that much velocity in the first place – he was more of a finesse closer like Trevor Hoffman than a fireballer like Rob Dibble.

If the Reds don’t work something out with Everyday Eddie, what then?  It’s not like they have a ton of options for the closer spot.  Weathers performed admirably last year, but he’s probably not the answer in that spot (setup guy, yes). It’s very odd – do you overpay for someone coming off Tommy John surgery?  Will anyone else overpay for him?

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