Tim Hudson and the Braves have started negotiating the contract extension that could enable the right-hander the opportunity to continue pitching in Atlanta. Braves general manager Frank Wren and Hudson's agent, Paul Cohen, began negotiations on Thursday and they are expected to continue talking over the course of the next couple of days. "We just kind of got the ball rolling," said a source with knowledge of the negotiations. Hudson has provided every indication that his primary desire is to stay in Atlanta. Last week, the 34-year-old right-hander reiterated that he is not even thinking about the contents of his current contract, which includes a $12 million option and $1 million buyout for the 2010 season. "Truthfully, I've never even thought that the option was an option," Hudson said last week. "I'd rather have an extension than an option."