Chad Gaudin works out for Diamondbacks

Nick Piecoro reports. "Free agent Chad Gaudin threw a bullpen session for Diamondbacks officials this week at Salt River Fields. Stewart said the club is considering signing the veteran right-hander to provide pitching depth, most likely in a swingman-type role." Gaudin last pitched in the majors for the Giants in August 2013: his last start didin't go well, allowing eight runs on 11 hits and four walks in four innings against the Marlins. But he still managed to post a respectable 3.06 ERA over 97 innings, over 12 starts and 18 bullpen appearances.

He initially signed for the Phillies in 2014, but was cut on the first day of camp after failing a physical, and the Orioles kicked the tires but opted to pass too. Piecoro says Gaudin missed all of 2014 "due to a neck injury," though I've not seen any specific details. Any deal for the Diamondbacks would likely be a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. The 31-year-old has 11 seasons of experience, mostly with Oakland (four years), but also eight other clubs. It seems an odd kinda move, given we're not short of potential starters. Randall Delgado would appear to be the current occupant of the swingman role, being able to start or go in long relief.

I should mention the bizarre incident in January 2013 where Gaudin was arrested at a Las Vegas hospital and charged with "open and gross lewdness". The victim alleged "she was lying on a gurney in the emergency room lobby when Gaudin appeared, told her "she was gorgeous" and touched her face and breast." Gaudin's lawyer subsequently claimed his client was suffering from a condition called rhabdomyolysis, whose symptoms include "confusion, dehydration and loss of orientation." I've not been able to find any indication of what happened, either in terms of a court appearance or the charges being dropped. All very strange. Where's House when you need him?