Hudson's sinker has keyed success

[Porter]

KANSAS CITY -- This is Cool Hand Luke.

Luke Hudson was blistered for 11 runs in the first inning at Cleveland on Aug. 13. He'd gotten all of one out. Royals manager Buddy Bell came to the mound for a mercy yank.

Aw, come on, Skipper.

"He was actually begging to stay in," Bell said incredulously.

There's a team guy for you, though. Hudson knew the bullpen was pretty well chewed up from the previous day's doubleheader against the Indians. The Royals needed innings and he had given them only one-third.

Other than the historic meltdown that can only happen in KC. Hudson's picked up this pitch and has been one of the few bright spots for the Royals this season. Winning 5 of 6 decisions. Between July 7th and the Meltdown game, Luke's ERA dropped from 7.24 to 4.65

[Porter]

Anyone think Hudson can be decent at all?

[redsrbetter]

I was really up on him before the 05 season. He had a nice ending for 2004 and showed promise. He just didn't work into the Reds plans this year. But I think he still has a shot at doing some good things. Big things? He has to step up a few more notches to get there, but he willbe at least average IMO.

[Porter]

Hudson in his last start:

IP  	H  	R  	ER  	BB  	K  	HR  	Season ERA
7.0  	9  	1  	1  	1  	10  	0  	5.21

The reason why he didnt win was because the bullpen allowed 11 runs in 2 innings. 10 of them in the 8th.

[Porter]

Speaking of Bullpen, that is the biggest meltdown since Jose Mesa was pitching for the M's