Jake’s Player Profile: Tim Hudson

Below is the third part of a four-part series titled “Jake’s Player Profile”. Each Monday for four weeks I will post a quick profile of my four favorite Braves. I will tell you why I like them, what they did in 2009, and my prediction for what they will do in 2010. Here’s my profile of Tim Hudson:

Why I like him: Tim Hudson is a guy who knows and loves the game of baseball. During his senior season at Auburn University he bolstered huge numbers for his pitching (15-2, 2.97 ERA) and hitting (.396 BA, 18 HR, and 97 RBI). I’ve always enjoyed watching good pitching more than huge offense and it’s a pleasure for me to sit and watch Tim Hudson baffle hitters with his sinker. One other reason I like Tim Hudson is because of the work he does with many charities including his own Hudson Family Foundation. It’s really awesome to see a guy who has been blessed and still takes time to give back.

What he did in 2009: Hudson was limited to just seven games last season due to Tommy John ligament replacement surgery. However, when he did return to the mound he seemed to be back into his usual Hudson form. Although 2009 was a small sample size Hudson did have some pretty good numbers. He had an ERA of 3.61, he pitched 42.1 innings and had 30 strikeouts, he also posted a 1.46 WHIP. Like I said it was a small sample but it did seem to be enough for the Braves to feel like he was in good enough shape to part ways with Javier Vazquez during the offseason.

My 2010 Prediction: It’s hard to predict what Tim will do in 2010. Due to the marvels of modern medical science some guys have come back better than 100% after Tommy John. In 2009 the chances of a complete recovery after Tommy John were estimated at 85-92%. However there are other guys who have never been the same after the surgery. My guess is that Hudson will be back to the same form he showed in 2008 before he was injured. He will be a solid piece at the top of the rotation who is capable of winning 15-17 games. I think he will also be a relief for the bullpen by pitching later into games. In his last full season (2007) he pitched 224.1 innings which is something that the bullpen will greatly appreciate.