Eddie Guardado may be returning to Texas.
In the wake of reports that Joaquin Benoit could miss up to half of the 2009 season, the Rangers continue to troll the free agent market in an effort to shore up the bullpen.
Several league insiders have reported that a deal to bring the lefty back to Texas could be finalized within the next few days.
Guardado is a two-time All-Star (2002, 2003), and he was effective both as a set-up man and a closer during his stint in Texas last season.
In 55 appearances for Texas, Guardado was 3-3 with a 3.65 ERA. He converted all four of his save opportunities for the team before being traded to Minnesota in late August.
The Rangers remain in contact with both Ben Sheets and Jason Jennings, though no real progress has been made in either case. However, the Rangers' pursuit of Sheets, in particular, was helped on Monday when the Mets signed Oliver Perez to a 3 year, $36 million contract; New York is the only other team who has expressed interest in the former Brewer.
Jennings, a Dallas native, spent an injury-hampered 2008 season with the club; he was 0-5 with an 8.65 ERA in April before going to the DL for the remainder of the season.
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Both Jennings and Sheets are represented by Casey Close.
