Tim Hudson: San Francisco Giants ‘Felt Right;’ What’s Next On Team’s Checklist?

Jul 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (15) before the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official. Tim Hudson is a San Francisco Giant.

The 38-year-old right-hander was introduced to the media via conference call Tuesday morning and said the Giants fit everything he was looking for.

"“It was a pretty easy decision once it came down to the nuts and bolts of the whole thing,” Hudson told the San Jose Mercury News. “It was pretty evident this was the place that felt right for me and my family.”"

The Giants aren’t done dealing just yet. General manager Brian Sabean said the Giants are still looking for another starting pitcher to fill out the rotation, which now includes Hudson, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and recently re-signed Tim Lincecum.

Free agent Ryan Vogelsong, whose option was declined by San Francisco earlier this month, is still an option.

Sabean also said the Giants are close to re-signing reliever Javier Lopez. There were reports the New York Yankees were kicking the tires on Lopez.

The bigger question now appears to be left field, where there are not a lot of options available in free agency—at least not once that come with the price tag Sabean is willing to swallow.

"“I think [manager Bruce Bochy] would want an everyday guy, but I don’t know that that’s going to happen,” Sabean said."

The Giants might look at bringing in a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with incumbent Gregor Blanco in left.

Besides coming back to the Bay Area after the Oakland A’s traded him to the Atlanta Braves after the 2004 season, Hudson might also have to consider a number change. Except for a brief period early in his career in Oakland, Hudson has worn No. 15 throughout his 15-year career.

Hudson said he plans on changing numbers, since No. 15 already belongs to Bochy.

As far as the ankle Hudson injured in a gruesome collision with New York Mets outfielder Eric Young Jr. in late July, Hudson said Bochy should be able to pencil him into the rotation at the start of spring training.

"“It’s coming along just fine, just how we planned,” Hudson said of the ankle. “I don’t anticipate it holding me up at all. I feel I’m going to be right on track where I normally am coming into spring.”"

Hudson had a screw removed from the ankle last week and is on target to start throwing soon.