Hudson lauds shortstops

Maybe many years after he retires, over a cold beverage or two, Tim Hudson will give an edge to Andrelton Simmons or Brandon Crawford. The pitcher laughed Thursday when asked to weigh one shortstop against the other.

“It’s a dead heat,” Hudson said. “It depends on whether a lefty’s pitching or a righty’s pitching. I’ll take either one.”

On Friday, Hudson will face the Braves for the first time with the Giants. He pitched for Atlanta from 2005 to 2013 and was Simmons’ teammate for two seasons. This is Hudson’s second season as Crawford’s teammate.

“They’re two of the best going right now, no question about it,” Hudson said. “One thing about ( two- time Gold Glover) Simmons that always stood out was his arm, the kind of plays he can make because of his arm.

“Crawford has a real good arm, too, but he also makes a lot of really tough plays look really easy, balls in the hole, balls up the middle. How he works with the second baseman is something special, too.

“Both have something you can’t teach to any infielders: instincts and athleticism.”

Hudson’s best Braves memory?

“Bobby Cox’s last year. It was really cool to see how everybody in baseball respected him and appreciated what he brought to the game. You very rarely get to play with or for somebody who has that kind of impact on baseball. It was a lot of fun to be a part of.”

In Cox’s final game, the Giants eliminated the Braves in the 2010 Division Series, and Giants players, before celebrating, emerged from their dugout to salute Cox. “Classy move,” Hudson said. “I understand now why they’d do something like that. It’s the kind of organization this is. It was something we really appreciated as a team.” Peavy update: Jake Peavy, who gave up six runs and nine hits Wednesday in a rehab start with Triple- A Sacramento, will make at least two more minor- league appearances before joining the Giants, manager Bruce Bochy said. Peavy has been sidelined since April 18 with a back strain.