San Francisco Giants: Final Spring Training Headlines As Opening Day Looms

Chad Gaudin More Than Deserving Of Opening Day Roster Spot

Entering camp, there was a projected one vacant spot in a jam-packed Giants’ bullpen. With only roughly one week left before the season begins, that remains the case. Nothing has changed on that front.

Mar 11, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Chad Gaudin (53) pitches during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

But who has taken the lead for the job? Without a doubt, Chad Gaudin.

Gaudin sat in a pool with Ramon Ramirez, who was released Friday, Shane Loux, Sandy Rosario, Steve Edlefsen, Scott Proctor and a handful of others for the final bullpen spot.

Not only has Gaudin logged more innings than his counterparts, but he’s done while pitching to the tune of a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings (fifth most on Giants) along with only three walks. Plus, he stepped in to make two starts, flashing his flexibility.

Fortunately for Gaudin, he was rewarded a 25-man roster spot. Expect him to do a bit of everything, but I would expect him to be primarily a long reliever.