Idle All-Star Hudson gets praise from Marichal

MINNEAPOLIS -- Giants right-hander Tim Hudson was among three National Leaguers not to appear in Tuesday night's All-Star Game. But he's accustomed to that.

Hudson has pitched only once in his four All-Star forays. He threw a scoreless inning at Atlanta in 2000 and did not appear due to injury at Houston in 2004, both while a member of the A's. He then was not installed in the game at Anaheim in 2010 while performing for Atlanta.

Hudson said after the American League's 5-3 victory Tuesday that he'll throw a between-starts bullpen session Thursday to prepare for his Saturday start at Miami.

Meanwhile, a distinguished All-Star guest praised Hudson's overall performance this year.

Asked whether Hudson's pitching style reminded him of his own, Hall of Famer Juan Marichal responded emphatically, repeating, "Yes."

Marichal was here to participate in various All-Star Game-related festivities. But when he's at home in the Dominican Republic, he said he watches nearly every Giants game via satellite broadcasts. This has enabled him to scrutinize Hudson this year.

"I like to watch him pitch because he's around the plate very often and gets a lot of guys out with pitches off the plate," Marichal said.

Marichal's remarks prompted a smile from Hudson.

"To say I remind him of himself is truly an honor," Hudson said. "That's a tremendous compliment. He's obviously one of the best pitchers ever to take the mound and one of the best in Giants history. So that's very humbling."