Tim Hudson, Braves Close to Extension

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Atlanta Braves are near a deal that would extend the contract of 34-year-old Tim Hudson by another three years. Rosenthal cites major league sources, and one source told him it would be shocking if the extension wasn't complete within the next four days.

Hudson was once a Cy Young-type pitcher -- he finished in the top-6 three times in a four year span -- but those days are long gone. He can be a valuable part of a pitching staff, though, as he went 16-10 with a 3.33 ERA in his last full season (2007). Since then he's made just 29 starts in two seasons, due to having to undergo and come back from Tommy John surgery.

Despite the arm woes, Hudson was still productive, compiling a 3.61 ERA in 42 1/3 innings last season for the Braves.

The extension is most interesting from the standpoint of what it does to the Braves' starting rotation. We've discussed it before, but, with Hudson, the Braves would have six guys worth a spot in the rotation for 2010: Hudson, Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens and Kenshin Kawakami. I previously speculated the Braves would look to deal either Vazquez or Kawakami. Rosenthal, in his report, mentions the possibility of trading Lowe or Vazquez for a bat.

It will be interesting to see what the Braves end up doing, because they do have great pitching and are in need of a bit more offensive firepower. They finished third in the National League with a 3.57 ERA, but were held back by a lack of power. They ranked 10th in the NL in slugging percentage and home runs.