GAUDIN NEWEST NAT, WANG RETURNS

The Washington Nationals signed righthanded pitcher Chad Gaudin yesterday to a minor league contract and invited the former Chiefs pitcher to spring training as a non-roster player.

Gaudin, still only 27 pitched for the Chiefs in 2005 and came within one out of tossing a no-hitter vs Columbus at Alliance Bank Stadium that season.

He spent the 2006 and 07 season with Oakland – pitching in relief 4-2 3.09 ERA in 55 appearances in ’06 and was 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA in 34 starts in ’07.

Chad began the 08′ season with the A’s but was traded to the White Sox in July and finished the season 9-5 with a 4.40 ERA in 50 games.

In 09′ he moved back to the starting rotation with San Diego before being traded to the Yankees again in July and posted a 6-10 record with a 4.65 ERA in 31 starts.

Last season he moved back to the bullpen and for the third straight season split time with Oakland to start the season and finishing with the Yankees.  In 42 games he was 1-4 with a 5.65 ERA.

Wang, now 30, missed all of the 2010 season.  He pitched in games in September/October at the Nationals Instructional League and was impressive.