Tonight's Target: Chad Gaudin

Chad Gaudin (8-5, 3.66) pitched against the M's on the 5th of this month, and the M's turned in one of their crappiest hitting performances of the year.

After scoring a first inning run and forcing Gaudin to throw 20 first inning pitches, they proceeded to swing at everything, permitting Gaudin to get through an inning in less than ten pitches four (FOUR!) separate times.

Gaudin ended up going 7 2/3, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs. It was Gaudin's second-longest outing of the year.

After that game, Gaudin was 8-3 with a 2.88 ERA, but since, he's gone in the tank. His last three starts have lasted 3 2/3, 6, and 4 innings, respectively, and he's allowed five earned runs in all three. He's allowed 17 walks in those three starts.

Time for patience from the M's, it appears that the league has figured out the key to beating this guy (acquired by the A's for a AA outfielder in December '05) is waiting him out. Can the M's?

Gaudin is mostly a fastball and slider guy, though he'll mix in a change.

HoRam, (5-3, 6.75--but 5-0, 2.27 at Safeco) goes for the M's. Game time is 1:05 at Safeco. No TV.