The X-Factor for the Atlanta Braves

If the rumors are true that the Philadelphia Phillies are close to trading for Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay, the Atlanta Braves need to do something to keep pace with the defending champs. Many Braves fans want GM Frank Wren to add some power to the offense. The way the Braves are hitting the ball recently, it looks like Wren might just stay with his current offense or wait and call up highly touted prospect Jason Heyward. Wren should take a look at Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios but he probably doesn’t want to add his $6.4 million salary for this season. Assuming Wren stays with this current group, the Braves answer might be a former 20-game winner.

How ridiculous is it that pitcher Tim Hudson is a fifth starter at best on the Braves pitching staff? Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and rookie Tommy Hanson are all having strong seasons while the $15 million man Derek Lowe has nine wins. If Hudson continues to rehab well in the minors, the Braves have to put him somewhere in the rotation.

The only pitcher that Hudson should replace is “rookie” Kenshin Kawakami. The Japanese pitcher is 5-7 on the season with a 4.04 ERA. Kawakami has a 3.27 ERA this month but hasn’t pitched seven innings since June 2 against the Chicago Cubs. Hudson’s proven track record earns him a spot in the rotation. There is no guarantee with Hudson, considering he hasn’t pitched since July 23 of last year. Braves fans need to be patient with Hudson after he gave up three earned runs in only three innings yesterday for the Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The important part is Hudson was pleased he experienced this turbulence and plans to make five to six minor league starts before joining the Braves next month. [AJC] You should expect the Phillies to win the N.L. East again, but not many teams can say they have a former 20-game winner as their fifth starter. In 2003, when Hudson was 16-7 with a 2.70 ERA for the Oakland Athletics, I never thought I would one day call him an X-Factor.