Chad Gaudin will probably be late to spring training:

Right-hander Chad Gaudin needs surgery to repair a tear in the cartilage of his left hip joint, the Oakland Athletics said.

The 24-year-old pitcher, who spent the entire 2007 season in the starting rotation, is scheduled to undergo the procedure on Dec. 18 in his hometown of New Orleans, according to the A's. He also will have a bone removed from his right foot during a different operation on the same day.

Gaudin's estimated recovery time is eight to 12 weeks, the team said.

Haren and Gaudin absorbed over 400 innings for the Athletics in 2007. With Dan gone, the A's can't afford to Chad for any length of time.