Comments on: Should the Braves Pick Up Tim Hudson’s Option?

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:04:36 +0000

It’s not a mutual option, but if the Braves do pick up his option Hudson can void it and forfeit the $1mm buyout. IMO, not a bright thing to do coming off major surgery with only a few games to showcase his arm.

Jarrod Washburn also has a great W-L% since getting traded. perhaps the Braves should try for him next year.

By: cliff

cliff — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:37:12 +0000

The option is, I believe, a mutual option. So, Hudson could say, “No, I would rather take a hike.” The question then is can he get a 3 or so year deal for equal or better per year money.

I have speculated for a while that one way or the other, Hudson would not be back in ATL next year. (if thes lateseason is bad, do Braves risk it? If this late season is a spectacular run, why wouldn’t Hudson want long term which the Braves wouldn’t do).

I disagree with the “dearth of pitching already owned by the Braves.” If you drop April, Kenshin will project to exceed his value, we have Lowe who will at least be mediocre (even if the contract is a little bit of an albatross). We have Vazquez for 1 more year. We have JJ. We have Hanson. We have Medlen. And, we have Jo Jo Reyes (who may be worthless, but may still be as good as an upper division club 4 or 5). And, that is just starters or possible starters AAA and higher. And, even with the disappointing years, there are probably a couple of 3′s or better 1 to 2 years further out.

Braves should have put Lowe on waivers (may have?) and let his contract move if somebody wanted to take it. Then, put the 4 million difference with Hudson toward another need and pick up the option. Then you have 5 proven starting pitchers of #3 or higher, backed up by (in order) Medlen, Reyes, Richmond, and Parr. I don’t know if anybody else has that stacked of a pitching situation.

By: Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47"

Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47" — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:23:02 +0000

Here goes Vasquez again. Another mid game 1 inning meltdown. Who would you rather keep? Huddy gets my vote again.

By: Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47"

Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47" — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:40:40 +0000

The ass ociation would probably go bonkers, but who cares? The problem would be why would Hudson do that? He’s still relatively young and if he’s good in Sept. and hopefully the post season, he will command more money the the 12 mil.

By: scott

scott — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:34:36 +0000

What if the Braves decline his option (the 1 million dollar buyout), but resign him to a cheaper 1 year deal? Is this an option or would the players association go nuts?

By: Anderson

Anderson — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:29:18 +0000

I’d pick up the option and see what kind of market develops for Vazquez. As you stated it’s not a great year for teams looking to pick up a pitcher via free agency so why not trade the guy with the highest upside but is least likely to repeat his performance?

By: Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47"

Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since "47" — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:37:27 +0000

I have followed the Braves since I was 2 (Braves Field, Boston, MA). I just went to Philly with the Grandkids and saw the 9 to 1 Blowout. My feeling is the Braves should keep Huddy and possibly add a year or 2 to the contract. As good a pitcher as Vasquez is, he has always been hounded by the 1 bad inning per game syndrome and that is why he is a .500 pitcher. Huddy on the other hand has a great won/loss percentage. Vasques’s value should be extremely high in the off season and if all goes well with Huddy, he would be the one I would let go.

signed: The wrong Team left Boston!!!!!!

By: Millsy

Millsy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:18:54 +0000

Thanks for the analysis, JC. Hudson’s one of my favorite pitchers. I hope the Braves pass him up and the Orioles can get him relatively cheap. Glad to have you back.