Luvofthegame
09-03-2006, 09:27 PM
By John Shea
San Frnasico Chronicle
Sunday, September 3, 2006
That's the view of the third member of Oakland's former Big Three, Tim Hudson, who's watching from afar as his two left-handed buddies take opposite paths to free agency.
Zito is enjoying a super year (15-8 record, 3.57 ERA), and he'll be the most desirable starter on the market. Mulder (6-7, 7.14) was shut down again by the Cardinals with a shoulder ailment, and he'll have virtually no bargaining power.
"I've felt bad for him the whole year. He's having a tough time with his health," Hudson said of Mulder. "I see him signing a one-year deal back in Oakland. That would get him back in a comfort zone. If I were him, that's something I'd like to consider. Get a year, get healthy, get back to some familiar faces."
Mulder must restore his value as a marketable pitcher. Zito already is there.
"Zito's put himself in a great position," Hudson said. "He's had an All-Star year. He's a front-line starter, a lefty, durable his whole career, a great teammate, lots of fun to be around. I can vouch for the intangibles. He can add a lot to any clubhouse."
Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"
On a serious note, Hudson said, "Obviously, he's a West Coast guy, and you'd think he'd like to stay somewhere on the West Coast. Then again, I know Barry as well as anybody, and he's always been fond of the bigger cities, the New Yorks and Chicagos.
"I would love to see him here (in Atlanta), but I guess 27-odd teams would say the same thing. Zito's the kind of guy, wherever he plays is going to be a good fit. I'm excited for him."
Hudson, the eldest of the three, didn't make it to free agency. He was traded to the Braves with one season left on his contract, and he quickly signed a four-year, $47 million extension through 2009.
San Frnasico Chronicle
Sunday, September 3, 2006
That's the view of the third member of Oakland's former Big Three, Tim Hudson, who's watching from afar as his two left-handed buddies take opposite paths to free agency.
Zito is enjoying a super year (15-8 record, 3.57 ERA), and he'll be the most desirable starter on the market. Mulder (6-7, 7.14) was shut down again by the Cardinals with a shoulder ailment, and he'll have virtually no bargaining power.
"I've felt bad for him the whole year. He's having a tough time with his health," Hudson said of Mulder. "I see him signing a one-year deal back in Oakland. That would get him back in a comfort zone. If I were him, that's something I'd like to consider. Get a year, get healthy, get back to some familiar faces."
Mulder must restore his value as a marketable pitcher. Zito already is there.
"Zito's put himself in a great position," Hudson said. "He's had an All-Star year. He's a front-line starter, a lefty, durable his whole career, a great teammate, lots of fun to be around. I can vouch for the intangibles. He can add a lot to any clubhouse."
Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"
On a serious note, Hudson said, "Obviously, he's a West Coast guy, and you'd think he'd like to stay somewhere on the West Coast. Then again, I know Barry as well as anybody, and he's always been fond of the bigger cities, the New Yorks and Chicagos.
"I would love to see him here (in Atlanta), but I guess 27-odd teams would say the same thing. Zito's the kind of guy, wherever he plays is going to be a good fit. I'm excited for him."
Hudson, the eldest of the three, didn't make it to free agency. He was traded to the Braves with one season left on his contract, and he quickly signed a four-year, $47 million extension through 2009.