Chad

Gaudin

Gaudin is 20 years, four months old, making him the second youngest starter in the majors this season. He pitched a 7-inning perfect game in his first game at Double-A Orlando earlier this year, and ESPN’s Peter Gammons loves his stuff. He could have some success against Cleveland today, but isn’t recommended for 2003.

Manager Lou Piniella wants to see LHP Jon Switzer start at some point but seems willing to consider taking another look at Chad Gaudin. Neither pitcher should be considered in fantasy leagues.

The only thing that Piniella appreciated about Gaudin’s performance last night is that the youngster was miserable after the game. ''I like to see that,’' Piniella said. ''It shows me a couple things. It shows me the kid has higher expectations, which you like to see, and at the same time he knows he’s capable of doing better.’' Jon Switzer would replace Gaudin in the rotation.

''We’ll let him pitch the middle part of the ballgame,’' Piniella said. ''He fits in next year in our bullpen situation.’' Isn’t that what he said about Jorge Sosa a week ago? It looks like Sosa will stay in the rotation for now, but there’s nothing permanent when it comes to the Tampa Bay pitching staff.

Gaudin, a career journeyman, has a 4.63 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in parts of nine seasons in the majors. The Marlins have also informed infielder Donnie Murphy that he has made the team. Non-roster invitee Donovan Solano is likely to begin the season at Triple-A.

Gaudin was released by the Nationals last July after posting a 6.48 ERA and 10/8 K/BB ratio over 8 1/3 innings with the big club. He finished the season with Triple-A Las Vegas in the Blue Jays’ organization. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 4.63 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in the big leagues and figures to be a longshot to make the Opening Day roster.

Gaudin was pitching out of the pen in Triple-A, so he’s unlikely to be a candidate to start games this month. He’ll be used in middle relief.

The Giants gave Mike Kickham the first shot at Ryan Vogelsong’s (hand) sport, but he really struggled Tuesday and was sent back down. Gaudin boasts a 2.05 ERA and 1.24 WHIP as the club’s long reliever but hasn’t made a start in the majors since 2009. He can be avoided for fantasy purposes against the Cardinals.

Mike Kickham struggled filling in for Ryan Vogelsong (hand) earlier this week, so now Gaudin will get a shot. The 30-year-old has a 2.05 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 30 2/3 innings out of the Giants’ bullpen this season, but he hasn’t started a game in the majors since 2009. He doesn’t make for a great play for fantasy purposes.

He allowed just one walk and finished with seven strikeouts. Gaudin now has back-to-back quality starts and should continue to have value in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues. He has a chance to claim a regular spot in the Giants’ rotation with Ryan Vogelsong on the disabled list.