Braves GM Frank Wren told MLB.com's Mark Bowman that they would like to keep Tim Hudson around for some time. Hudson, who is in his fifth season with the Braves, has done well in three starts this season posting 3.63 ERA. He had ten straight double-digit win seasons coming into 2009, including a 20-win season in 2000.
However, Hudson's best year came in 2003 when he went 16-7 with a 2.70 ERA and 162 strike outs. He held hitters to a career-best .223 batting average and posted a 3.52 ERA in two postseason starts.
Hudson has a 12 million dollar club option for 2010, but said he would be open to discussion a long term deal:
"I would be glad if they picked up the option," Hudson said. "But it's one of those things if they want to discuss not picking it up and maybe going a few years out at some kind of whatever hometown discount, that's something I'd obviously be willing to discuss with them."
Hudson is regarded among his teammates and coaches as a hard worker and good teammate. I would be shocked if the Braves let him get away.