Mariners trade closer Eddie Guardado

The Mariners traded reliever Eddie Guardado and what was described as "cash considerations" for right-handed pitcher Travis Chick from the Cincinnati Reds.

"Eddie had some struggles early on this season that allowed some of our young guys to run the back of the game and they got that job and haven't let go,'' said M's general manager Bill Bavasi. "We have options, such as triple-A pitcher Cesar Jimenez and double-A pitcher Mark Lowe, who can help our bullpen now. We've also acquired a prospect that on our grading system is at about the same level as Asdrubal Cabrera so we feel we're replenishing our system, helping our club both now and in the future.''

Chick, 21, is 4-5, 4.61 in 16 starts with Class AA Chattanooga Lookouts. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound righty has allowed only 79 hits in 84 innings, while walking 36 and striking out 77. Chick has held opponents to a .249 average, including a .222 average vs. right-handers. Chick was traded to Cincinnati, along with RHP Justin Germano, in exchange for 3B Joe Randa on July 23, 2005. He entered the 2006 season ranked by Baseball America as the 10th-best prospect in the Reds organization.

Guardado, 35, is in his 14th major-league season, his third with the Mariners. With 36 saves in 2005, he became one of only four Mariners to record 30 saves in a season. He has a 1-3 record in 28 games this season with a 5.48 ERA and five saves in eight save opportunities.