AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 03
Monday, July 3, 2006
Hudson’s hiccups hurt Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s wrong with Tim Hudson? That’s one of the most perplexing questions in a perplexing season for the Braves.
Hudson insists that he is not hurt. But his recent results have been painful.
The right-hander (6-8) has a 7.89 ERA for his past four starts - all losses. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings Saturday against Baltimore.
Hudson dominated in the American League, going 92-39 with Oakland. But his record in 1 1/2 seasons with the Braves is 20-17.
That’s not the kind of results the Braves were counting on when they acquired Hudson from the Athletics and gave him a rich long-term contract.
Hudson is supposed to be an ace, but he isn’t pitching like it. His ball isn’t sinking like it used to and pitches are either missing the strike zone or arriving in the wrong spots.
Horacio Ramirez is pitching very well and Chuck James has shown promise. But the Braves need Hudson and John Smoltz to anchor the rotation.
Hudson remains a mystery and things are just getting weirder.
