Fantasy Pick of the Week

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Who is Chad Gaudin? He began the season with the Cubs but was subsequently released. Prior to that, he spent three years in Oakland, a year in the Blue Jays minor league system and before that two years as a reliever for Tampa Bay.

All that and he's only 25. Now pitching for the Padres, San Diego represents a place of solace and redemption for all pitchers. Gaudin has been on a roll lately, striking out 19 Mariners over two starts and then eight Rangers on Sunday night. CBS reports that Gaudin became the first pitcher ever, since the Ballpark at Arlington opened in 1994, to go eight or more innings and allow only one hit. Furthermore, this Texas lineup is one of the best it's seen.

Chad's K/9 ratio ranks 6th amongst starting pitchers at 9.42. He's behind the likes of Verlander, Lincecum, Vazquez, Lester and Harden. That's good company. Gaudin's inning totals are right up there with most starting pitchers (70IP), despite making only one April start.

Sabermetrics suggest Gaudin has been getting a bit lucky, evidenced by his 3.91 ERC and 3.82 DIPS. Those are both nearly a full run lower than his current 4.97 ERA. A .289 BABIP is just about average.

While home/road splits are not yet defined as obvious for Chad, pitching in Petco Park has to be seen as a great thing.

There is absolutely no reason why he should be on a waiver wire in your league right now.