It's all over but the signing. The Atlanta Braves and Tim Hudson (left) have completed negotiations on a three-year deal worth about $9 million per to remain in a tomahawk jersey.
Hudson, 34, went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts upon returning from a year-long hibernation after surgery. He gives the Braves an embarrassment on riches in the starting rotation, which explains why skipper Bobby Cox deferred retirement.
It means he won't have to stress his creaky knees with frequent trips to the mound to change pitchers.
With six qualified starts, the Braves will pick one to shop heavily on the trade market, seeking a power-hitting outfielder or first baseman in exchange.
Forget about Tommy Hanson. The kid was awesome in his rookie season, going 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA.
Jair Jurrjens isn't going anywhere. He's only 23, coming off a monster season (14-10, 2.60 ERA) and has a ways to go before salary arbitration.
That leaves mid-30s veterans Javier Vasquez, Kenshin Kawakami and Derek Lowe.
Vazquez, 33, (15-10, 2.87) was outstanding, but he will command $11.5 million next season and could become a free agent afterwards.
Kawakami, 34 (7-12, 3.86) was a hard-luck guy but didn't do himself any favors. He will pull in $8 mil.
Lowe, 36 (15-10, 4.67) had some horrendous outings but was solid overall. He's the big earner at $15 mil.
Vazquez, younger than the others and coming off the strongest year, figures to draw the most attention. Take it to the bank that one of the three will be calling the movers before springtime. No matter who departs, Braves Nation can count on a new fence-buster batting behind Chipper Jones.
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