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.
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