Hudson has been the most consistent pitcher that the Atlanta Braves have had over the past 2 seasons. He has led the team in wins, ERA and innings pitched the past two seasons. When the Braves traded Derek Lowe early in the offseason, Hudson became the old man of the Braves' rotation (even the old men considering the bullpen). The Braves' projected rotation will have an average age of 27.8. Without Hudson, that age would drop to 25.75. (That is assuming that Mike Minor beats out Julio Teheran for the start of the 2012 season; Minor is 25 and Teheran is 21).
Hudson is coming off a surgery on a herniated disk in his back. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2012 season.
The biggest reason why Hudson is so important to the Braves is twofold: 1. He is the most consistent starter in their rotation and 2. They need him to mentor the young starters in their rotation.
I agree, in addition that other players remain constant (i.e. McCann/Bourn, & Bullpen). The most important will be (the mystery player): that player not expected for much who steps up…i.e. Teheran, or one of the other young pitchers..Pastornicky or an unknown. It will be critical that one of the young guys have “a breakout year” if ATL will compete for the division. If ATL has too many mediocre or down years (Chipper, Uggla, Freeman) and a few injuries, it could be a sobering year. I was wondering if Houston paid most of Carlos Lee’s contract if ATL would consider trading for him this year. Not sure how well he’s playin’ in LF, but if okay he could be there and spell Freeman at first occasionally if there is a tough righty.
Being a Braves diehard the pitching is what worries me. I hope they can just stay healthy and get to Kimbrel and he will shut it down.
I am looking at speed my friends. With Bourne, Prado and Heyward(fingers crossed)just score the runs and hope for the best. Chipper is still clutch and Uggla, with a better start then last year, should make it interesting.
I hope Miami goes fishing.They look good, but will they gel?
And the Phillies? They will probably win the East.
Washingtion.Scary.
Met’s? Not a chance.