ajcsportstalk

By This gets old

September 28, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

He’s like Andruw? Funny, really funny. Andruw’s producing, is Hudson?

By Jon

September 28, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

I would give him one more shot during the first half and if he continues to struggle, let’s see what we can get for him. I am not like most Braves fans that sees things from Bobby Cox’ ever so optomistic glasses. Huddy has been very disspointing since coming over to the NL. Don’t believe me, look at his numbers, he’s 27-21 with a 4.24 ERA in THE NL?! with about 430 hits in410 innings….Other than Smoltz and maybe James(only because let’s see if he can do this for an entire year), I am not sure if I am happy with next year’s staff…All in all, Hudson has been bad

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 28, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Folks, let’s focus on a real shame. Kyle Davies needs to go to the Arizona Fall Instructional League and pick up some innings. He has been putrid! You would’ve thought that the minor league rehab starts at Pearl and Richmond would’ve been enough, but he has been just plain horrible. His mechanics are completely shot or he just doesn’t trust his own stuff. Either way, he needs to get his stuff right before March rolls around.

As far as Hudson is concerned, he has really ticked me off this year. For all of the money that he is paid and for all of his experience, he has certainly embarrassed himself this season. Between his performance, Horacio Ramirez’s incessant lameness, John Thomson’s innate ability to always be injured, and Mike Hampton’s recovery season, it is a true miracle that we hovered near .500 this season.

That said, at least Hudson did not have that lame injury he had last season, so he deserves one last chance. Ramirez needs to step up to the pitching rubber and give 200 innings or go home. Thomson? Gone! Davies? Needs to get himself straight, like, yesterday. Hope for a full Hampton recovery and for Smoltz to be Smoltz and for James to be the second half James for a full 2007.

We’re the Braves - shouldn’t be too much to ask.

PS - I still miss Andy Marte and Wilson Betemit, JS. Renteria, Baez, and Aybar were not worth it in the least - you’re gonna regret those two trades for a long time to come!

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 28, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

PPS - Truthfully, JS has done enough harm on the trade front. We need to keep Andruw, Hampton, and Hudson, stand pat, and rely on the recovery to health of all those pitchers who were hurt. When I say this, I mean Hampton, Ramirez, Blaine Boyer, John Foster, and Joey Devine (no back problems for a full season).

I also like the two Aussies very much. Peter Moylan (recently) and Phillip Stockman (back in June) showed me good stuff. I think our international scouting department did a great job finding those two. They would be great back-end bullpen guys who could only get better.

Notice Danys Baez and Chris Reitsma are not in any of my plans.

By METS LOOSE IN FIRST ROUND

September 28, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Huddy has got to go. I had his back at the beginning of the year and he proved me wrong. We need an ace or maybe the likes of Tom Glavine? None the less too much money and too little reward to be a number 1 pitcher in the Braves organization. Tyler Yates and Kenny Gay have to go as well. Why oh why can’t Arthur go ahead and buy the Braves?

P.S. we must somehow keep Andruw even though our payroll goes down millions every year.

P.S.S. Mets, Nets, and Jets fans, ah never mind you know you suck.

By T

September 28, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

If you can get something for him, trade him. Huddy has had more than just a bad year. Half of his first year here was very poor too. I just don’t know if anyone will take on his salary for his performance, which has been like a #4 or #5 starter.

Hey Homeboy, you better keep Andruw Jones! If that means trading Hudson, so long to Tim Hudson… or so long to you JS.

By CRAZY4THEBRAVES

September 28, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Huddy better get out of here before us frustrated Braves fans run him out of town. He was on my fantasy team and he was a huge bust. We got to keep Andruw though, he’s our franchise player. Don’t expect a trade listening to Bobby Cox’s insanely optimistic comments. They probably will let him go like all the others, as our payroll gradually dwindles. The rotation otherwise is pretty bad right now. If Ramirez can get past the injuries, he could turn in a season similar to his rookie season. Smoltzy, who singlehandedly carried the rotation this year, just needs to be Smoltzy. Davies was good in his rookie year, but he didn’t do so hot this year. I expect him to get back on track. Thomson isn’t half bad when he’s HEALTHY! Hampton had a whole season erased because of injuries. It will take a couple of years for this team to get back on track. By the way, Betimit will haunt them for years as he becomes a solid player.

By CRAZY4THEBRAVES

September 28, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Huddy better get out of here soon before us Braves fans drive him out. He was on my fantasy team this year and has been an overall huge bust. The rest of the rotation has been pretty bad otherwise. Besides Smoltzy, who carried the rotation this year, the other guys need to get back on track. Thomson can be Ok when he’s HEALTHY! Hamp, Davies, and Ramirez all had their seasons derailed by injuries. If they could get 200 innings on the mound, they could be average. Chucky James, though, if he reapeats his 2nd half performance, one of them could be stepping down for him. The bullpen is terrible. The bullpen is worse. Yates, Ken Ray, and the R-Word, winner of the 2006 Dan Kolb award for the biggest bust of a reliever, better go. Boyer and McBride are good, but they had injury problems last year. Wickman is average, too, but he’s in his late 30’s. All in all, Huddy’s gotta go, and Andruw must stay, he’s a franchise player.

By the way, the Betimit trade will haunt the Braves for a long time, as he evolves into a front-line starting 3rd basemen.

By Bean Ball

September 28, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

His numbers in the American League were unreal. His numbers in the National League… I have no answer for that one. I hoped things would turn around, but it just doesn’t look likely. Trade him.

By Shaun Payne

September 28, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Trading Hudson would be a good move because of his hefty contract, but I don’t know if there are many options. Maybe the Yankees or Red Sox would be willing to take a chance because they can afford to take risks.

But Hudson really hasn’t been that bad. He’s not the future Hall of Famer that everyone thought he would be early in his career, but he’s still a solid starter.

Age and injuries have probably caught up with him a little, but the things he can control—K, BB, HR—are fairly consistent since 2002.

His walks have gone up a little since he’s been in Atlanta. That could be because Oakland’s philosophy was not to give up baserunners with intentional walks or pitching around hitters. With the Braves Hudson is more likely to pitch around the number eight hitter and issue intentional walks. His other “wildness” indicators—wild pitches and hit batsmen—are pretty consistent.

His ground ball-to-fly ball ratio has pretty much remained consistent, which seems to indicate the batted balls Hudson is giving up are finding holes.

I honestly just think the change in philosophy from the A’s to the Braves and bad luck are making Hudson look worse than he’s actually been.

Hudson isn’t worth the money he’s getting from the Braves. The Braves should probably try to trade him for a couple of decent young players. But he’s not as bad as he has looked in Atlanta.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=878

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 28, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

I think Andruw’s and Hudson’s situations are very different. To me the reason for trading Andruw would be to get something in return instead of just letting him walk. I know about the draft picks but I mean actually getting something of immediate value. The reason for trading Hudson is because he isn’t getting it done. Two years in a row he has been subpar at best. I keep hearing people on the blogs say we could keep him as a #4 starter. I don’t think so. He’ll be making $6 mil next season and $13 mil the following season. I think we could find a cheaper more productive #4 starter. I believe a team like the Yankees or Red Sox would take a chance on him.

By Joseph

September 28, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Hudson, if I have to I will pack your bags myself. I dont care what you did in Oakland, you have nothing since coming to Atlanta. When you are getting paid to be the ace, you have to deliver. Smoltz is still our best pitcher and he is close to getting his senior discount card. Kyle Davies is not the answer, Ramirez has never lived up to the hype, John Thompson and Chipper must get together and figure out new ways to get hurt, and Hampton has sucked even when he has been healthy. In fact, his career was over years ago but for some reaons JS decided to give this idiot a deal and sure enough he gets hurt and collects bank just to sit his a* on the bench. The Braves should trade Hudson to find new talent to develope and return to our old concept of winning through good pitching. P.S., if I see McKay McBride in a Braves uniform next year I am going to vommit.

By Shaun Payne

September 28, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

The two seasons where Hudson was neither extremely lucky or extremely unlucky :

2001: 18-9, 3.37 ERA in 235 IP 2004: 12-6, 3.53 ERA in 188.7 IP

This is from the Baseball Prospectus page:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/hudsoti01.shtml

If DH/DR/DW are positive that means bad luck, negative means good luck.

By mo

September 28, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

A trade that would involve Hudson is not in the cards, right now. The ROI woild not be realized, for we wouldn’t get as much as we paid for, and he is a good pitcher that had a bad year.

Andruw Jones is producing and can bring people out to the park. He is the most exciting player on our team, and to trade him can be seen as scrapping the team until a buyout. It makes good boardroom sense, if devaluing a team could possibly lower the asking price, but it would be a bad baseball decision/

By David Duncan

September 28, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

I have seen Hudson pitch two games in Denver, Co against the Colorado Rockies. He has been shelled both times. I don’t think he will ever be more than mediocre for the Braves. He will occasionally pitch a great game for the Braves, but he is to inconsistent. I say trade him now or during the off season.

By gotigers72

September 28, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

It depends on what you could get for him. It depends on whether or not you believe him when he says he will do what it takes to get back to form next year. A young speedster that could lead off and play left and a young, strong arm might do the trick. Anything less and I would keep him.

He has been very disappointing. He had the whole year to get straightened out, but never did. So can he do it over the offseason? A guy that is supposed to have as much talent as him with an ERA near 5, go figure. It’s a roll of the dice either way.

By wayne

September 28, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Huddy seems like a good guy, but he’s been very injury prone and mediocre. I can’t fathom how the injury-proneness will lessen, thus the Braves should look to deal him.

Smoltzy amazes me. If the Braves had a bullpen, he would have won something like 18-20 games.

By Support

September 29, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Give him the support people. Give him another year…remember he would have won alot..ALOT more games if we had a good closer from the beginning..if sosa and ray and reeksma didn’t blow saves. They relied on him too much…before, he had to go out there and pitch perfectly everytime..not even smoltz can do that or anyone for that matter. It takes a toll on you after awhile.

By craig t

September 29, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

Hudson has to go, two years with a former number one pitcher and we get a pitcher who barely finishes this season above .500. W

By craig t

September 29, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Hudson has to go. Two years after trading for an ace, we have a pitcher who barely finished over .500. Trade him now while you can still find someone who is willing to take a chance on him, the Braves need to regroup and go young with their pitching and position players. Hudson has been a burst, and yes it does happen, although not often over the years to the braves. JS needs to save the money and do what’s best. Some players can’t handle the pressure of playing close to home, and Hudson looks like on of those players. He’s had two years to prove himself, and all he’s done is prove that the braves wasted palyers to trade for him. TRADE HIM NOW.

By Todd A

September 29, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

Do you really even have to ask this question?

By fastfoodfreak

September 29, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

I think the sooner he gets traded, the better quality players we get in return… it may be too late already. Maybe his hometown Columbus little league team will take him back, he can pitch his way to Williamsport!! LOL.

By Head Coach

September 29, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

I must be the one dissenting voice against the idiocracy. Tim Hudson is a winner , period. He eats up 200 plus innings a season , he has averaged 15 wins over the eight years he has been a starter and has a career 119-60 record with a 3.53 ERA. He has never had a losing record , he has consistently won at least 11 games every season he has pitched. If you trade Hudson and or Andruw , kiss your division and postseason hopes GOODBYE in 2007.

By billy g

September 29, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this

Hampton is the most over paid ball player in the history of the Braves organization. It is hard to predict what Hudson will do, but I am not optimistic. Huddy looks like another expensive player that will not yield results.

Andruw Jones has been mercilessly criticized but he is a legitimate All Star. There can be no comparison between Jones and Hudson.

If someone is foolish enough to give us a young arm for Hudson, I would jump on that trade. It is bad enough that we are stuck with Hapton, but keeping Hudson could truly cripple this organization.

By gerald44e

September 29, 2006 05:44 AM | Link to this

Two words - Leo Mazzone

By Tracie

September 29, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this

Huddy, Rameriz, Davies, Giles, Langerhans, Jordan, Pratt, all the bullpen starting with a big goodby to Reitsma.

They just need to totally rebuild. This team needs strength. No more old men like Jordan and Pratt. If you gota use a player, use a rookie who will gain experience, not an over the hill guy. Lets face it, they both have the same batting average but ones the future, the others the past.

By Cornholio

September 29, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this

Tim Hudson is a bust !

The Rangers, Yankees or RedSox would surely relieve his services from us. Lets use that money elsewhere. We need starters who can pitch into the 7th & 8th innings, to prevent Bobby Cox from dipping into that horrid bullpen so often !

By Cornball

September 29, 2006 07:19 AM | Link to this

Head Coach,

Those glowing stats you present occurred when Hudson was with Oakland. I’m looking at what he’s done for the Braves and its not pretty !

Trade him back to the American League !

By Kudzu

September 29, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

I say at least Hudson is man enough to admit that he has sucked and that he feels bad for letting the team and fans down. However, I would lean toward a trade; but don’t give him away, i.e. WB.

Lose him and sign Jason Schmidt

Why don’t we get old Glavine back down here to team up with old Smoltz; I’d like to see him win 300 games as a Brave; he’s a class guy.

I agree with comments from above- HoRo needs to either poop or get off the pot. Clear out Thompson, Davies, Reitsma, Joan Baez, Danny Ray.

Thank God we can start the season with the real “Wickerman”. Build around him.

Starting Rotation next season- Smoltz, Hampton, Schmidt, James, Glavine…Find a way to make this happen…

By John Schuerholz

September 29, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Sorry all …. I like Timmy as much as you all, but let’s be honest with each other, “there’s no more fight left in this dog.” It’s time we bring in a few young guns and let them mature on the vine. We’ll have John and Mike (Hampton)back next year so we’ll still have good veteran leadership in the pitching ranks. Keep blogging though, I appreciate everyone’s thoughts.

By Lou

September 29, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

If the Braves want to trade Hudson for a quality starter they should get over there fear of trading a top line pitcher to a national league rival, and think seriously of Aaron Heillman of the METS. He is a QUALITY pitcher who wants to be a starter and for some reason the Mets use him in middle relief and a set-up guy. He has publicly stated his dissatisfaction with his role with the METS and would relish the rol of starting with a team like the Braves. I say do it (if possible!).By the way Heillman has started some games for the Mets and did alright. Hudson needs a change of scenery-sounds like a plan.

By Marky Mark

September 29, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Give the guy another year. Sometimes it takes a bad year for a player to realize that he needs to get serious again.

By Knockahoma

September 29, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Homeboy: to think you let Julio Franco go and held onto that worthless POS Reitsma for the same money still boggles my mind. To my point, Franco got more cheers as a Met at Turner Field this year than Reitsma did as a Brave.

By shill

September 29, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

You are crazy if you think Hudson should be traded. Everyone has the right to a bad year. I can’t stand fickle fans that give up on somebody after a bad year. Give him one more year and if he doesn’t produce trade him.

By brian

September 29, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Some of you Hudson haters need a history lesson. Look at Atlanta’s most beloved pitcher, John Smoltz. In 1997, John was 15-12 and had a tough year for us. Did we trade him? No. And we shouldn’t trade Hudson. He’s had it tough, but one bad year shouldn’t define a pitcher’s career. Huddy is one of the brightest pitchers in baseball, as anybody who watched his CG 1 hitter against Colorado this year can attest, so before you run him out of town. He’s 31 and still young and we’ll regret it if we send him off somewhere for an unproven rookie starter. He’ll bounce back.

By Doug

September 29, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

I agree … we should get rid of Hudson and use the money to pick up some younger younger talent that we can rebuild from. Hudson has been disappointing to say the least and we should get what we can for him.

By Doug

September 29, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

PS

Not to say that Hudson has been key to the problems the Braves have had this season, but he has certainly been part of it: underwhelming pitching performance. McDowell and Dews should be working their arms off in the off season.

Speaking of young talent … JS should look at aquiring Zack Greinke from the KC Royals. The kid spent most of the season in AA rehabing from his pyschological problems, but has put up great numbers. Now in their bullpen, see how he does and see about getting him. At 365,000 a year, he is a much better deal, with plenty to spare for more.

By Head Coach

September 29, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

The sheer stupidity in this blog is growing by the second. I’m outta here !!! It might be contagious.

By randall perry

September 29, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Keep Him!

By Max

September 29, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Joseph, whoever u are, u are really stupid. U need to understand that Macay McBride has done a great job this year in the bullpen. Mike Hampton has done better than Tim Hudson, and I bet if u went out there he could school u in baseball. John Thomson is gone so Chipper Jones won’t have anyone to plan another injury with so Chipper should be fine. Horacio Ramirez has done a good job when he is not injured. Kyle Davies is still young and he should do good. TIm Hudson is the answer. If he does his workouts and everything he said he would this winter he should be good. So, Joseph, I think u should either root for the players we have or leave and root for someone else.

By Bill Magnus

September 29, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Yes, trade Hudson for prospects to free up payroll. His best days are behind him. Other moves that I would make, is to trade Andruw Jones to the Angels for Figgins, Santana and Brandon Wood. The Tigers are rumored to want a firt baseman and young 2nd basemam, and are willing to trade Jeremy Bonderman. Trade Adam LaRoche and Prado for Bonderman. Sign ward and use him and Thorman until the big Hawaiian is ready. Trade Salty and James or Davies to the Devil Rays for Carl Crawford. Trade Giles and Ramirez for experienced middle relief. My lineup: Figgins LF,Crawford CF,C.Jones 3B,McCann C,Francouer RF,Renteria SS,Thorman 1B and Wood 2B. Starting Pitchers: Bonderman,Hampton,Smoltz,Santana and James or Davies. This lineup will give the Braves better defense and speed.

By Haywood Jablome

September 29, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

What is with all the hand-wringing over a possible trade? Whatever the popular opinion is on Tim Hudson, there’s no way he’s getting traded! It has more to do with JS and his ego than Hudson’s luke-warm numbers and even his looming salary. JS put a lot of time and effort into acquiring Hudson and to cut him loose now might suggest that JS was wrong. Not gonna happen.

By johnny

September 29, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Here we go again, the news ,edia trying to run a baseball team,You keep Hudson and Andruw, Look at this way, the Braves has five players for next here with the potential of 30 plus home runs each and 100 RBI’S each. I vote for getting rid of M. Giles. and J. Thompson One needs not to be genius to know the Braves issues in the pass. It’s been the bullpen, And sportswriters need to come up with something goo, sometimes, instead of all negative Johnny Evans

By John

September 29, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

He must be kept until he can be unloaded. Next time that you think you have a hot shot player, pay him what he is worth after he performs. Granting such outrageous salary before the fact is not smart business.

By josh

September 29, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

You have to trade Hudson to the AL and get a Left Fielder, and or a Middle Reliever. The Rotation next season we include Smoltz, Hampton, James, Davies/Rameriez, and one pitcher they aquire. They need to trade him for some low money players at LF/MR to clear up a salary cap that will be around 80 million. I would move Andruw Jones too. Im sorry but under 80 mil in salary you have to move players in and out like Oakland or Florida.

By John Hughes

September 29, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

For a pitcher with his experience Hudson shows a surprising lack of concentration. You never know which pitcher will show up. TRADE HIM! Don’t give him away,however.

By H

September 29, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Hudson and his contract must go. Too much money, too little value. People seem high on Hampton but can he even pitch any more? How many games has he actually pitched since coming to Atlanta? That’s a lot of money for damaged goods. Those two would free up a lot of cash. But….never ever trade Andrew, Let Betemit be our last mistake for a while

By Sonny

September 29, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

We’ve given him 2 years and he’s been a bust, you think the light’s going to come on in year 3??? He’s not worth the chance, esepcially with the money he’s going to be making.

Trade em!

By Spider29

September 29, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson, keep Andruw, forget about Betemit!

By Cornholio

September 29, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

TIM HUDSON TO TAMPA FOR CARL CRAWFORD !!!!!!

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 29, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

If they trade Hudson and he returns to form, people will say “Aha! It’s because Leo left” and we will be short a starter.

If they keep Hudson and he continues along as he did this year, people will say “We should have unloaded him while we had the chance” and we will be short a starter anyways.

If they trade Hudson and he continues along as he did this year, have we really lost all that much?

If they keep Hudson and he returns to form, we bereak even at best, since we were paying for an ace.

Sorry, Huddie. You are the weakest link. Goodbye.

By KC

September 29, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Corholio, TB would have no interest in that trade. A young low-cost all-star in the making for a high-dollar veteran coming off of his worst year????? They have NO interest in that trade. The Yankess might make that kind of deal, but not Tampa.

Unless we’re able to land Jason Schmidt this winter, we should trade Hudson. Odds are (when you look at his career) that he’ll bounce back, and the Braves aren’t going to give up on one of the most successful pitchers in baseball over the last decade after one bad year.

By Braves 20

September 29, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to decide whether Hudson is a future ace or what he has shown in two years - a middle of the rotation guy. Evidence points to the latter no matter what he did in another league four years ago. So we make one move in the off season via trade or free agency - get a #2 guy to slot in behind Smoltz and ahead of Hudson and hopefully Hampton. We have enough excess talent to put a package together for a trade. The offense doen’t need a thing unless we can get Dave Roberts to play left. But the one move should be for a number two who can work past the sixth - something that Hudson has shown consistently he can’t do. Leave the rest of these speculative deals to a roto league.

By Brent

September 29, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

I’d trade him.

B/C the Braves have a limited payroll, they need to view this as a salary dump. Get the best you can for Hudson, but if you can’t get back much talent, be happy that you can free up the payroll and spend the money elsewhere.

Someone else would want him. (Boston, Yankees, Angels, someone).

Perhaps he gets packaged with Andruw and/or Giles.

Free up the money and spend it more wisely.

If he goes to the AL and wins a CY Young. So be it, he hasn’t performed for us.

By KC

September 29, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Braves 20:

Despite the way DOB makes it sound by lumping Hudson numbers together like that, Hudson has not been a disappointment for two years. This was the first truly disappointing season of his career.

Last year Hudson finished with a very good 3.52 ERA and 14 wins (that would have been 18-19 with a different bullpen). Let’s stop lumping last season in with this one. They’re night and day!!

By Mike Higgins

September 29, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves should trade Hudson and keep Andruw Jones.

By KC

September 29, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Brent

“If he goes to the AL and wins a CY Young. So be it, he hasn’t performed for us.”

YES HE HAS.

Not this year certainly, but he was excellent last year despite playing hurt much of the year. He performed better last year then John Smoltz has this season. I don’t hear anyone wanting to throw Smoltzy under a bus.

Listen, all criticism of his performance this year is well deserved, but why do so many Braves fans, and even the esteemed writer of this blog (DOB), seem to find it necessary to make it sound as though Hudson hasn’t done anything in a Braves uniform.

Will Hudson bounce back? I have no idea, but let’s accept the simply verifiable truth that he’s had It’s one awful year. NOT TWO… one. Let’s deal with the facts here.

By Dan

September 29, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, Hudson has been disappointing the first two years but I don’t think Atlanta needs to trade him unless they can get immediate starter that would make an impact. The thing that worries me here is that a lot of people are assuming that Mike Hampton is coming back next year and will have a big year? That concerns me greatly…

By Alan

September 29, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Hudson has been awful - he’s had lousy control, with way too many walks and home runs. Where’s his famous sinker? I absolutely think he should be traded back to the AL, and I say that because I have a feeling he’s going to bounce back and I’d rather he do it in the “other” league. However, like many others, I don’t think he’s going anywhere due to his salary and JS’s ego (tough to admit he made a mistake) and the biggest reason: who will take Hudson’s place in the rotation? If pitching truly is the #1 priority (as it should be - #1A should be keeping Andruw), the Braves really have to hang onto Hudson and hope that he really does work hard this offseason. A bounce-back year from him, along with Hampton’s return, could be a real shot in the arm (pun intended) for the Braves’ rotation.

By Charles

September 29, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

I think we should keep Smoltz,Hampton,James and build from there. I can not believe that we can not pick up two good pitchers. I would definatly keep A.Jones,but iwould consider trading Chipper.He is getting hurt to much to help the team.

By Charles

September 29, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

If we can get a very good pitcher for Tim,then fine go for it.I thin we should keep Smoltz-Hampton- James.We should be able to get at least two deccent pitchers. As much as I like chipper, i think we should trade him. He is getting hurt to much to help the team. I would not trade A. Jones for anyting. He is the best centerfielder in base ball.

By crazybravesfan

September 29, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

In my heart the BRAVES are still the best team ever. Bobby Cox sure made for a very interesting season. God bless Bobby and the boys. I cant wait for next season to begin. we have to do better.

By Kentavo

September 29, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Hudson just doesn’t rise to the occasion. Several times we’ve needed a “stopper” type win, and he looks terrible. He outdueled Clemens last year early on and I thought we had the second coming of Jesus. But he hasn’t shown me anything since that start.

By bravesfan36

September 29, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

I understand those that are disappointed in Hudson this year. He was inconsistent with his control, and this caused problems for him in a lot of games. But everyone has to admit when he is on, he has nasty stuff. I don’t think we should give up on anyone with his stuff and his history. You can tell the man has a lot of pride from his interviews. It has hurt him tremendously having a season like this and yet he still finished over .500 13-12. I think a man with his pride will dedicate this offseason to a training regiment that will improve his durability and strength. I have been watching baseball a long time, and there are very few pitchers that have been great every year. Who can we get that will be guaranteed to have a better year that Hudson next year? Think about it. After you do, lets talk again after next year and see if you are right.

By Jai

September 29, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Next year will be different. Because now they know what it feels like NOT to make the post season. Hudson will get back to full form and Hampton, Smoltz & James will be on point. They need to bring Glavin back for 1 or 2 years and dominate the NL like “95” with pitching. If they get Glavin back they will be dangerous. NL will be scared again.

By Alan

September 29, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

Chipper isn’t going anywhere - drop that already. He’s got veto power over any trade and, besides, his salary is way too high - not to mention how brittle he’s become. Andruw and Giles may go, and even LaRoche if the price is right, but that’s the problem: What’s the right price? People seem to think the Braves can get top-notch pitchers for these guys. Like who? Ervin Santana? Zack Greinke? Zach Duke? Why not Patty Duke while we’re at it? Oh, here’s another one: Joel Zumaya. Do you really want to trade an all-star player like AJ or Giles or even Hudson (all in their primes whether or not you want to admit it) for a young, unproven pitcher? The Braves already have a bunch of those guys, including Chuck James and Kyle Davies. Yeah, the Twins lucked out with their trade of A.J. Pierzynski (sp?) a few years ago, but that’s very rare. And to paraphrase the late, great Sen. Lloyd Bentsen: “I’ve seen A.J. Pierzynski and he’s no Andruw Jones.” Not even close.

By Kudzu

September 29, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Face it everyone…there will be a salary DUMP…somebody will go, and we’ll only get prospects in return…that’s the nature of our new ownership.

By Jeffrey

September 29, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

If the Braves do keep Hudson, it would not surprise me to see them sign Hudson’s old buddy from Oakland, Mark Mulder. Mulder is the kind of broken down project with which the Braves have done well. Mulder is a free agent, the Cardinals will not re-sign him, and he probably would work cheap coming of that injury. Hudson & Mulder teamed with Barry Zito to form a great rotation in Oakland.

By budman

September 29, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Hudson is over hyped and over paid, unload him.

By paluka

September 29, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Hudson should definantly be put out there as bait, see what you can get for him. There are a lot of teams out there that need pitching, it’s just a matter of getting a good match with a team that can affors his back loaded contract. Perhaps Texas, Toronto, ChiSox and Anahiem would be interested. As far as AJ goes, that is a very difficult decision. He is by far a pitchers best friend in center field and he alone stops many big innings from occuring.Not to mention the offense. If JS cannot sign him to a reasonable extention within the next couple months then JS has to look at who is willing to give up what for him.

By Edd Anderson

September 29, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson if you can. He is not the pitcher we expected. Our bullpin will be better next year so we shouldn’t have as many blown saves. A good starter would be a plus and less injuries would put us back in the ballgame. Playing with a little bit more fire in the soul might help as well. Now since we are not in the post season maybe the fans won’t be so ho hum next year . Great job Bobby with what you had to work with this year !! Go Braves..

By Jeff

September 29, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Can’t afford to carry Hudson’s salary into the 2008 season, especially if 2007 is as poor as 2006. The guy has value to teams with bigger payrolls who wouldn’t have much trouble absorbing his salary. NYY, Boston, Anheim, maybe St. Louis or Chisox. Get some young pitching in return. Worth exploring.

By Brett

September 29, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Hudson MUST go!!! He has never nor ever will be the pitcher we thought we were getting a couple of years ago. Free up some money and use it wisely. You should be able to get a couple of very good prospects for him…please don’t pull a boner like you did for Estrada and Betemit. He is worth something, and make sure you do get something for him. While you are at it, include Villareal, Cormier, Yates, Paronto, Baez, and Franklin in the deal…PLEASE!!!

By Crazy Mike

September 29, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

I go a little along the line of Jon. Hudson can get a chance. But if he’s not doing anything in July trade him, trade him, trade him. He’s no Andruw right now. Atleast Andruw wins games.

By jeff

September 29, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it: Tim Hudson has been a bust for the Braves. The Braves should definitely trade him, but after 2 poor seasons, i doubt they could get much in return. His hefty salary could be put to better use.

By RichW

September 29, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Guys,

Hudson has a proven track record. Give him some slack. I was very excited when the Braves first got him. He will deliver. He knows he let everyone down this year. It was his FIRST bad season. Everyone is entitled to one. No one is always spectacular. He has promised to do whatever it takes. I believe him. You should too. If we trade him, you will regret it because he will deliver next season.

By edward

September 29, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

I do not understand the people who say give Hudson a chance. We gave him 2 years already!! Renteria had one year in the American League to figure out he could not play there. Hudson is a average N.L. pitcher. He is a great A.L. pitcher. Ship him back to the A.L. for a good rookie pitcher and a solid #2 or 3 pitcher. Eat half his contract if it takes that too. Just get rid of him. Thompson is decent 4 pitcher. Hampton is solid at 3. Make Ramirez the 5 guy and move Davies where he belongs—-middle relief. Baez(sp?) Turned into a crybaby so dump him for bullpen help. Reitsma should be plain released because of not informing them about his injury all that time. I blame Reitsma alone for the Braves not making it this year. He put them in that hole they could not dig out of. BUT PLEASE JUST SHIP HUDSON BACK TO THE A.L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Keith

September 30, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this

Hudson has been a joke. We’re all jaded by mediocre players these days.

When will the fans revolt to this high-priced nonsense?

If the average guy on the street performed as the average ballplayer, we’d be making $25,000 a year.

By Sam

September 30, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

What is all this crazy stuff I have been reading. This should keep Hudson for one more year and see what he does. You hate to get rid of him to anyother team and Hudson wins about 18 games. The 2 guys JS should get rid of are Yates and Paronto. They are not your 7th or 8th inning pitchers. Everytime I have watched them they suck.

By John the Handsome

September 30, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

Sent Chipper and Hudson packing. Keep Andrew and Giles. Giles bring smiles and a wonderful attitude that is rare. Hudson needs to go West where maybe he can hide somewhere and Chippie would have a whole new Hooters joint to hang out in.

By John

October 1, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Hudson is junk. So is Hampton.Get rid of them, get an interested owner and the Braves will be ok.

By Erock

October 1, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Hudson is this year’s Dan Kolb. He fills out a uniform and that’s about it. If you can find a sucker, trade him.

By BraveLife

October 2, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Frankly, we have too many pitchers to carry Hudson, who has had two years to see what he is going to do in the NL. He is not effective and needs to be shipped back to the AL. We could eat some of his salary and still be competitive from the minor league system for less than what he will cost by 2008. With Hampton, Davies and Ramirez (optional) healthy, we have too many starters. Besides, either we keep Andruw and pay him or find some top shelf help at second, center and/or left. Lose Huddy.

By benny

October 2, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Trade him if you can. He quietly strong-armed the Braves into signing him long-term during 2005 Spring training. Had not proven himself, but JS relented. BUST. Remember last year’s first playoff game, when he could not find the plate? Hit two batters, and totally wet his pants. Hardly a stalwart.

By Dave from Chattanooga

October 3, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Hudson = BUST. Think maybe Doyle Alexander might wanna’ pitch again?

By ayn rand

October 4, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson………….

By John Wilkins

October 4, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Tim Hudson and grt a young arm rhat will help the team.

By rip

October 4, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Trade the Bum!

By SR

October 5, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Well said Rip, took the words right out of my mouth! Why would there even be any debate about this topic, the guy has lost it, he has personified mediocrity since he came to the Braves and continues to underachieve. Buh bye, don’t let the door hit you in the arse on the way out.

By dennis the menace

October 5, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Timmy has been in the well for longer than just this season, and I’m tired of waiting for a miracle. Send him on his way.