First, to update the story from earlier, last year’s #2 pick, pitcher Sean Watson, has been promoted from Dayton (A) to Sarasota (A+). RHP Johnny Cueto will join Jay Bruce in moving from Sarasota to Chattanooga (AA). More news to come on Thursday, I’m sure.
The GCL Reds (Rookie) obtained a new player today, as well: 2007 #1 draft pick Devin Mesaraco, who spurned the University of Virginia and signed a contract on Wednesday to join the Reds organization. Welcome to Redleg Nation, Devin!
Finally, what’s up with Everyday Eddie?
It appears Eddie Guardado is going to get his wish and join the Reds for the three-game series this weekend in Seattle.
But it’s doubtful that Guardado will be pitching against the club that traded him to the Reds.
The Reds recalled Guardado from his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday after his back stiffened up after his outing Monday.
“He’s had some stiffness in his lower back,” Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. “The medical people wanted that to calm down before he threw again.”
Guardado has spent the season rehabbing from Sept. 8 Tommy John surgery.
His goal was to pitch in the Seattle series.
“He might meet us in Seattle – not to be activated or anything that I know,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I’m not sure of that.”
Narron, in fact, was clueless about when Guardado might be ready to pitch or how serious the back problem is.
“I don’t know,” Narron said. “I really don’t know.”
Narron wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Guardado being activated in Seattle.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m going with what the medical people say on this and what Eddie says. He knows his arm. He knows his body a lot better than anybody else does.
“I’m not about to jeopardize his season or his career.”
Guardado began his rehab on May 28. He pitched three times for Single-A Dayton and four times for Triple-A Louisville.
He allowed runs in only one of the seven appearances.
The Reds have been counting on Guardado to solidify the bullpen. (emphasis added)
Ummmm…okay.
I want to urge caution, once again, among Reds fans over Guardado’s return. Yes, I know we have the worst bullpen in the history of organized baseball. Yes, I know our closer is David “*&*#(&(&#” Weathers. Yes, I know Guardado had a 1.29 ERA with 8 saves last year for the Reds.
If you are expecting Guardado to come back and be the savior of this bullpen, I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed. Everyday Eddie may come back and be great, but it’s more likely that his performance last year was a fluke or that he won’t ever be an effective major league pitcher again after the injury.
Don’t be surprised, however, if Narron uses Guardado in four straight games — in clutch situations — immediately after his return. That Narron sure does know how to manage a bullpen.