After four solid outings in which he recorded a save in each, newcomer Eddie Guardado has shown signs he just might be the dependable closer the Reds have been desperately seeking.

Yes, it's early in Guardado's tenure as a Red and yes, four games isn't a whole lot to go on but anything positive coming from Cincy's bullpen these days tends to raise hopes and bolster expectations.

To date, Eddie's been more than ready when called upon to take the ball. Guardado is a pitcher who clearly craves lots of action and certainly looks to have that workhorse mentality.

Now, the more pertinent concern is can he be steady? Can Guardado build on his early success with the Reds and continue to deliver  knockout punches that will flatten the opposition?

Put another way, can he sustain himself and endure for a while or will he soon run out of steam? Has his nice little run in a Cincy uniform been a portent of things to come or is it nothing more than a fleeting mirage?

The answer might very well hold the key as to whether the 2006 season turns into something special or devolves into another trip to nowhere.

After both David Weathers and Todd Coffey failed at their chance to be the designated closer, Guardado entered the picture as probably the Reds' last resort. They're basically out of options. There's really no one else to turn to if the 6-0, 205-pound vet flames out.

If Eddie can't cut it, then school is likely out. If the 35-year-old left-hander doesn't become a major force out of the bullpen, it'll be curtains. The hunt for a Red October will be over.

Although last Thursday's mega-trade that brought the Reds a couple of arms generated considerable more buzz in the press, an earlier move to acquire Guardado might have a much more immediate and dramatic impact.

Sure, set-up men Gary Majewski and Bill Bray can play huge roles in ultimately determining the Reds' fate but their potential influence could be dwarfed by Guardado's. For better or worse, Eddie figures to cast a much larger shadow.

That's because Eddie's been entrusted with handling lockdown duties. He's expected to be the finisher, the guy who puts an exclamation point on the end of a game.

Securing those last few tough outs will be solely his responsibility. If he's found wanting, it's almost immaterial what happens before he takes the mound. In so many ways, Guardado will hold the future of the Reds in his experienced hands.

Guardado recently came to the Queen City by way of the Great Northwest.

Doggedly determined to procure a seasoned and accomplished closer, Reds' general manager Wayne Krivsky was able to pry Eddie loose from the Mariners.

Guardado was available because he was struggling. A high ERA (5.47) and a poor hits-to-innings ratio helped make him expendable. Given his recent travails as a Mariner, it might have been Eddie who was going sleepless in Seattle.

But Krivsky was drawn to Guardado's prior track record. As recently as last year, the Stockton, California native had racked up 36 saves.

Go back just a little bit further and things get even more impressive statistically. As a Minnesota Twin, Eddie garnered a whopping 45 saves in '02 and then tacked on 41 more a year later. Those are monstrous numbers.

There's no denying the fact that in the past, Guardado has been a durable and dominant closer. He thrived in the pressure cooker and was a legitimate bullpen star.

At one time, Eddie was more reliable than the mailman!

What one wonders now is exactly what form he will assume in this latest incarnation that comes as a Red?

Is it possible he can still be a reasonable facsimile of the bang-up reliever he was in Minnesota? If so, the Reds will have struck gold and will remain a contender throughout the dog days of summer.

However, if Eddie is nothing more than a pale imitation of his former self, then the Reds will wither on the vine like so many dried up grapes.

Even worse, the closer's role will continue to remain a vast, black hole that with each passing day, Cincinnati seems more ill equipped to fill.

But as mentioned above, the early reviews on Guardado seem to suggest he might be more of an answer than a question. You simply can't ignore what Eddie brings to the table

When Guardado is on, he's absolute death to left-handed hitters. And if his big, sweeping curveball is in full effect, he can make quite a few batters look foolish. 

Moreover, Guardado is used to excelling in stressful, do-or-die conditions and that kind of experience can't be minimized. He's been there and done that with great results. Eddie truly relishes being the man asked to slam the door and put opponents to beddy bye.

Guardado is also a fiery sort who loves to emote and fire up both his teammates and those in the stands. Whether he's pumping his fist or animating with a forceful facial expression, Eddie lets his feelings be known and it's contagious.

Already, the patrons at  Great American Ball Park are into chanting "Eddie, Eddie" whenever he takes the mound or is on the verge of erasing another batter.

Guardado brings with him a genuine energy and excitement. And for a team like the Reds, who aren't the most demonstrative group, having an uplifting personality like Eddie is invaluable. He can serve as both an inspiration and someone to rally around.

It's plain to see that Eddie's still got the drive, the desire and the determination to be a big-time arm out of the bullpen.

What remains to be seen is does he still have the goods? Does he still have plenty in reserve or has he used up most of his petrol?

So far his report card has been good but there's a long way to go.