The Atlanta Braves announced today that they have exercised the options of three players. Starters Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm and catcher Brian McCann are all going to be back with the Braves next year. These moves were expected.
Hudson will now earn $9 million next season, he will be the ace of an otherwise young starting rotation. He went 16-7 this past year with a 3.62 ERA. Maholm will earn $6.5 million next season, he will be heavily counted on in the rotation next year also. He went 13-11 this past year with a 3.67 ERA playing with the Chicago Cubs and the Braves.
McCann's option wasn't such a lock as the two pitchers. After having his worst season at the plate, he batted .230 and had 20 home runs, the Braves could have gotten someone a lot cheaper and perhaps younger. McCann will now make $12 million next year, and he is expected to miss the beginning of the season after having surgery on his labrum in his right shoulder, which is his throwing shoulder. This could possibly be his last season in Atlanta if he doesn't do better.
The Braves also had ten players become free agents yesterday since the World Series ended. Center fielder Michael Bourn was the biggest name for the Braves. Joining him were relievers Chad Durbin and Miguel Batista, catcher David Ross, outfielders Reed Johnson, Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz, first baseman Lyle Overbay, and infielder Jeff Baker. Starter Ben Sheets is also on the list, but he announced his retirement last month. The Braves are expected to pursue Ross, Durbin and Johnson. The Braves also want Bourn back but he could demand too much money.
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