December 9, 2004
Extension True Measure of any Hudson Deal
By Brian Walton
Cardinal Nation is ablaze over trade rumors for Oakland A’s starter Tim Hudson, allegedly in return for Jason Marquis and Dan Haren. First, note that the deal is not done; just rumored. Others have different guesses on which players might be involved, but it’s the usual subjects – Ankiel, Barton and Calero. But, there is no doubt that Hudson would surely be that true #1 pitcher the team has longed for.
However, the true measure of the deal will be if a contract extension is involved, and if so, under what terms.
Hudson is signed for 2005 for $6 million and wanted an extension from the A’s prior to March 1 or he will become a free agent at the end of the season. Simply put, if there is an extension involved and it is for a decent price, this could be a good trade. If there is no extension or if the contract is for an above-market price, the trade will not look nearly as good as we may watch Marquis and Haren win games for Oakland for many years to come.
The most optimistic scenario I could envision is that the Cards and A’s have agreed in principle, with Jocketty given 72 hours of exclusivity to try to negotiate an extension with Hudson. Both sides would agree to keep it quiet until resolution one way or another. However, practically speaking, Walt’s time is short. Once the general managers get together starting tomorrow in Anaheim, any tentative deal could come unraveled in a hurry. Hudson is a highly-desirable commodity. In fact, the Braves may be trying the same moves as the Cards.
Now, there is always the chance that Jocketty will roll the dice and bring Hudson to town and use playing for the team to sell the extension. However, this would be a much higher risk than when he did it with Mark McGwire back in 1997. After all, Marquis and Haren are a much bigger loss than Eric Ludwick, T.J. Mathews and Blake Stein.
The mainstream media will do a better job than I of recapping Hudson’s stats and pointing out how good of a pitcher he is. Trust them all. 92-39 won-loss record, former 20-game winner, career 3.30 ERA, etc. He is really, really good. I would just add that Hudson is adept at inducing the ground ball, which will serve him well, especially if the middle of the Cardinals infield is set with guys who can catch and throw.
If there is a deal, that is.
