The suspense over relief pitcher Eddie Guardado’s status with the Seattle Mariners lasted just one day.
Guardado decided Tuesday to exercise his contract option for the 2005 season, meaning he will return to the Mariners for a salary of about $4 million.
Guardado’s contract had a dual option for next year, and on Monday the Mariners decided not to pick up their end of it. That move saved the Mariners about $2 million – they would have paid him about $6 million in 2005 had they picked up the option – but exposed the team to the possibility of losing Guardado.
Had Guardado not exercised his end of the option, he would have become a free agent. Several teams would covet a left-handed relief pitcher with Guardado’s experience, but the health of his left shoulder would have been a major issue.
“Eddie has always been part of our plans for next season,” Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said. “We had to make a decision on his contract, but by no means does that reflect our desire to have him back. His rehab has come along very well and he is an important piece for us in getting things turned around next season.”
Apparently because of his injury, it became clear that Guardado wouldn’t get a better deal from another team than what he’ll get next year from the Mariners. He wasn’t surprised when the M’s didn’t pick up his option Monday, saying “No one wants to pick up a $6 million option on a guy who is hurt.”
“I understand that they (the Mariners) had to make a business decision, but they made it very clear to me that they wanted me back and I appreciate the way they’ve always dealt with me,” Guardado said Tuesday.
Guardado, 34, had 18 saves last year and went 2-2 with a 2.78 earned run average. He missed the final two months of last season after an exam revealed a tear in the rotator cuff in his left shoulder. Surgery was recommended initially, but Guardado decided to rehab the shoulder after getting a second opinion.
He threw in the bullpen last month at the Mariners’ instructional league camp in Peoria, Ariz., and pitched one inning in a game there before the medical staff cleared him to pursue his regular offseason workout regimen.
“Last season was a disappointing year for everyone, but especially for me because of my injury,” Guardado said. “I came here to win and that’s what I plan on doing. I am looking forward to getting to spring training and getting back on track.”
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