S.F. Giants add Tim Hudson to rotation

[Auggie]

SAN FRANCISCO -- Reflecting their efforts to strengthen their starting rotation, the Giants announced that they agreed to terms Monday with right-hander Tim Hudson on a two-year contract.

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Though terms of the deal weren't released, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the sides settled on a contract worth $23 million -- an $11.5 million average annual value that exceeded what the Atlanta Braves, Hudson's employers for nine years, were willing to pay. ESPN's Buster Olney reported that Hudson also sought a full no-trade clause. Giants officials declined to comment until Tuesday, when a conference call featuring Hudson was expected to be scheduled.

The Giants thus concluded their third major agreement involving a potential or full-fledged free agent, demonstrating general manager Brian Sabean's penchant for acting quickly to fill the club's needs. Right fielder Hunter Pence agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract on the eve of the regular season's conclusion. Right-hander Tim Lincecum received a two-year, $35 million deal before he could negotiate with other teams.

MORE: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/san-francisco-giants-add-veteran-pitcher-tim-hudson-to-rotation?ymd=20131118&content_id=64010004&vkey=news_mlb

He fills the void of Barry Zito. If healthy, that would be a step up.

[Kingofalldems]

1. He was very tough with Atlanta. Good pickup.

[Upton]

2. I think this is a good deal..

Hudson is a tough pitcher who knows how to win. His WHIP last year would have been third best on the Giants. He's known as a great clubhouse guy, and with his experience the Giants are looking at him as sort of a mentor to the other pitchers, particularly Lincecum. My only concern is that Hudson is primarily a ground ball pitcher, and there's not exactly a lot of range on the Giants infield when Sandoval and Scutaro are out there..

Sabean says the Giants are also close to a deal with Javier Lopez..I hope that happens.