Left-hander Eddie Guardado is close to reaching a contract with the Texas Rangers, who could use some experience at the back of their bullpen. The 37-year-old reliever became a free agent when the Cincinnati Reds declined to pick up his $3.5 million option for next season. Guardado is making a comeback from reconstructive elbow surgery in September 2006. Agent Kevin Kohler said in a telephone interview Tuesday that the deal with Texas should be completed this week. The Reds and Rangers were among four teams that made solid offers, Kohler said. The Rangers would become Guardado's fourth major league team. He pitched for Minnesota from 1993-03, developing into one of baseball's best closers. He led the AL with 45 saves in 2002, then saved 41 games a year later.