On Friday the Washington Nationals announced the signing of versatile RHP Chad Gaudin.

Gaudin has pitched for six teams over his eight-year career, the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Oakland A's, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and is looking to make the Nationals his seventh destination. Over the course of his career, Gaudin has a record of 35-39 with an ERA of 4.61. He has found modest success pitching in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen. Also, he has had a propensity for the strikeout, fanning 7.0 batters per 9.0 innings over his career.

Gaudin, who will be 27-years old when the season starts, was selected in the 34th round in 2001 by the, then, Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He made his big league debut for the Devil Rays in 2003 at the age of 21.

In 183 career relief appearances Gaudin has been decently effective. He has 14 wins and two saves while only blowing four saves. He has 21 holds, which is a stat that is becoming more popular, which highlights his ability as a potential setup man for the Nationals.

In 2007 Gaudin was tied for the American League lead in starts with 34. He was 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA that year, which speaks to his durability and ability to stay on the field.

Part of the allure of having Gaudin, should he make the roster out of Spring Training, is that whether he is used in a relief or starting role, he will be able to soak up innings. Of his 183 relief appearances, he has pitched more than 1.0 inning of work in 80 of them.

Gaudin would probably, should he make the club, be best suited for a job that entails long-relief, mop up work and the occasional spot start.