The Seattle Mariners exercised their $6.25 million option on closer Eddie Guardado on Wednesday, choosing to keep him rather than explore an uncertain free-agent market. The 35-year-old left-hander was 2-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves last season, the fourth-highest season total in franchise history. Guardado is 40-52 with 170 saves in 13 major league seasons with Minnesota and Seattle. ``We have other holes to fill on this team. We didn't want to add to them,'' Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said, referring to the team's need for starting pitching and at least one left-handed hitter.