Gaudin & His Goatee Get A Go

The recently signed hurler, Chad Gaudin, has been called up to replace the injured Shawn Hill in the Padres rotation. Gaudin was released by the Chicago Cubs in the spring after failing to make the squad in a bullpen role. The Padres were able to persuade the right handed pitcher by giving him the opportunity to start. Guadin was a part of the Oakland/ Chicago trade last summer. FF is hoping that some new blood will re energize the Padres, who are in the midst of losing 6 of the their last 7 contests. The Friars DFA'd Eulogio De La Cruz to make room on the 25 man roster for the man with the goatee.

Pads Continue To Tinker

The first place San Diego Padres (how many time will we be able to report that) have signed Chicago Cubs castoff Chad Gaudin to a minor league deal. The Cubs released the 26 year old righty after a tough spring in the hot, thin Cactus League air. The Padres will only be on the hook for $400K of his $2 million contract (the Cubs will eat the remaining $1.6M). This is a classic Kevin Towers deal where he is buying low; however Guadin seems to have more upside than Friday's waiver wire acquisition of Luis Perdomo, a rule five draftee from the San Francisco Giants. The Padres seem to provide Gaudin with the best opportunity to pitch at the major league level quickly. FF is cautiously optimistic regarding one of the two recent signings...we'll let you, our loyal readers, read between the lines!