Stauffer, Moseley Elect Free Agency

The Padres announced today that Tim Stauffer and Dustin Moseley cleared outright waivers and elected to become free agents. The move was announced by the Union Tribune, via Twitter.

Both pitchers were key contributors in 2011, but each made just one start for the Padres in 2012. It seems likely that both have pitched their last games in a Padres uniform.

May 14, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Tim Stauffer throws in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

Stauffer, 30, was the 4th overall pick by the Padres in 2003. He was the longest tenured Padre in the organization. Stauffer was always a personal favorite of mine, and overcame a series of injuries to become a solid contributor. In 2011, Stauffer started on Opening Day for the Padres, and 9-12, with a 3.73 ERA in 170 innings. According to the U-T’s Twitter account, Stauffer would like to return to the Padres, but it would have to be on a minor league deal.

Moseley, also 30, was a pleasant surprise for the Padres in 2011. He posted a 3.30 ERA in 20 starts. He dislocated his not-pitching shoulder, and made just one start in 2012.

The Padres have stated that they will look to seek starting pitching in free agency, and they will now have a little more flexibility on the 40-man roster.