Tim Hudson might not have seen action at the end of the season, but the right-hander is being pursued heavily by many teams around baseball. The Atlanta Braves are obviously interested, but they will have to fight for Hudson as the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians are among a few teams chasing after the veteran.
The Royals could use a veteran hurler around their clubhouse. The organizations took a stride in the right directions when they decided to trade for James Shields. They began focusing on establish pitching as they also acquired righty Ervin Santana. The result was a season where they finished 10 games over .500, but still, it was not enough to grant them access into the playoffs. Hudson would be a great presence in the Royals' clubhouse and the team's young pitchers could learn plenty from the 205-game winner.
The Indians make a lot of sence since the team truly lacks quality pitching. They were in the A.L. Wild Card Game, but they could not get too far into the postseason. They had youngster Danny Salazar take the mound and it was definitely too much pressure for the rookie. There is no doubt that the young righty can become a superstar in the fure, but the Indians need a consistent second option behind Justin Masterson.
With Hudson absent, the Braves lacked a veteran presence in their rotation. No matter how hot Kris Medlen is in the closing of the regular season, he seems to forget how to pitch in the postseason. Mike Minor made his first playoff start and Julio Teheran was lit up in his first ever start in the playoffs. The Braves could have used Hudson as a third starter and at least have an experienced pitcher on the mound.
Hudson struggled in the opening of the 2013 campaign. He started out the season 3-1, but by the end of May, he was 4-4 with a 5.37 ERA. However, Hudson was getting his game back in July, going on a four-game winning streak before that fateful night in Citi Field when many wondered if Hudson's career was over as the pitcher was stepped on as he covered first base.
The Braves are making the veteran a one-year offer. It will be interesting to see if the Georgie native takes the deal or agrees to move elsewhere.
