Tim Hudson expected to sign a three year extension with the Braves

[missionhockey21]

Pitcher Tim Hudson is expected to sign a three-year contract extension with the Braves by early next week, a person familiar with negotiations said.
The Braves and Hudson's representative have made rapid progress in negotiations on a deal, which could be completed as early as Friday. It's believed it will be worth approximately $9 million per season.
The extension for Hudson, 34, would replace a $12 million option the Braves hold on the right-hander's contract for 2010. The Braves have until three days after the World Series to make a decision on that option.
If the option were exercised, Hudson would have the right to refuse it and become a free agent. The Alabama native said he would prefer a contract extension instead of the option and would take a "hometown discount" to stay with the Braves.
On an open market that isn't expected to include many elite pitchers, Hudson could presumably command more than $10 million annually in a multi-year deal.
He went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven late-season starts after a year-long recovery from elbow surgery. The former 20-game winner has a 148-78 career record.

Hudson and Braves close to deal | ajc.com

[General]

Good news all around. Hudson's post-recovery performance was decent, so I don't think this is a bad move. More time to recuperate should help as well.

[realmofotalk]

The Braves did this deal so they won't have to explain to their fans that they used up Tim Hudson's money on Derek Lowe.

[realmofotalk]

From Ken Rosenthal:

The re-signing of Hudson could lead the Braves to trade another of their starting pitchers — most likely right-hander Javier Vazquez or right-hander Derek Lowe — for a hitter.

Nice, maybe you can get Milton Bradley for Lowe.

[redsrbetter]

Sick SP depth for the Braves. Lowe and Hudson are very nice anchors to the young guns. And Hanson looks to be the real deal. I am liking me some Braves pitching once again.