REDS FIND A CLOSER IN GUARDADO
The Cincinnati Reds acquired pitcher Eddie Guardado from the Seattle Mariners for minor-league pitcher Travis Chick.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds saw that they were unexpectedly very much in contention for the NL Central despite their absolutely atrocious bullpen, so they landed Guardado to fill the closer role. It's been a job that nobody's really been able to solidify in Cincy this year, so if Guardado can put his Seattle struggles behind him and bolster the top of the 'pen, the good vibes might flow right down through it.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Already well-traveled at 22 (this is his fourth organization), Chick is a big righty with impressive stuff, but for some reason minor-league success has eluded him. He's given up more than his share of home runs at Double-A Chattanooga this year and simply tends to give up big hits far too often. But he was ranked as the Padres' top pitching prospect in 2005 and there's still time for him to turn things around and get a shot at the Seattle rotation or bullpen within the next two or three years.
Fantasy impact
