Minnesota Twins acquire RP Eddie Guardado

August 25, 2008 @ 11:01:33

By Ryan Dodson
Edited by Tim Heaney

MLB.com reports the Minnesota Twins acquired reliever Eddie Guardado from the Texas Rangers in exchange for relief pitcher Mark Hamburger.

Guardado is 3-3 with four saves and a 3.65 ERA in 49 1/3 innings. He was filling in at closer after Rangers stopper C.J. Wilson (elbow) went down for the season due to injury. He'll enter the Twins bullpen in a setup role to All-Star closer Joe Nathan. This move removes almost all of his fantasy value.

In a perfect world, Rangers reliever Joaquin Benoit would take over closing duties. However, he has struggled with control all season and has a 5.23 ERA. The best option will likely be hard-throwing reliever Frank Francisco, who has had a strong year with a 3.78 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings. Right-hander Jamey Wright has a 4.23 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP in 72 1/3 frames but has mainly been used in a setup or middle relief role.

Hamburger was in the Rookie Appalachian League for the Elizabethton Twins, where he was 1-2 with a 4.17 ERA and 13 saves.

If you're desperate for saves, or you just want to block another owner, pick up Francisco in deep mixed and AL-only leagues. His hold on the job is far from guaranteed, though, so don't put too much stock into him. Keep an eye on Benoit in case the flamethrower sees some save chances.

Unless you play in a league that rewards holds, Guardado is not worth owning anymore. Hamburger shouldn't be considered in any fantasy format.

 

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Ryan Dodson

Dodson is a KFFL Contributor and has been with KFFL since 2002.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/25)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: John Danks placed on DL (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: The substandard Roy Halladay (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Danny Hultzen, Roger Kieschnick, more (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Austin Jackson headed to DL (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Addison Reed, J.J. Putz, Ernesto Frieri, more (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Brian Roberts seeing the light at the end of the rehab tunnel (05/24)
I am not afraid of Hakeem Nicks' foot injury (05/24)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - AL (05/24)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - NL (05/24)