Knuckle Curve » orlando hudson

Orlando Hudson Signs with Dodgers

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:17:05 +0000

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Orlando Hudson to a one-year contract worth approximately $3.4 million. Although the Dodgers didn’t have a glaring need for a second baseman, they viewed Hudson as too much of a bargain to pass up.

Hudson gives the Dodgers a former gold glove second baseman who hit better than .300 last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although Hudson doesn’t have much power, he fits in nicely with their current lineup — especially if L.A. is able to re-sign Manny Ramirez.

Prior to signing Hudson, the Dodgers were planning on starting Blake DeWitt at second base. With Hudson at second, DeWitt can be used as a utility man.

Last season, Hudson hit .305 with eight homers and 41 RBIs. He played in only 107 games but the 31-year-old had been relatively durable prior to last year.

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Top Ten Baseball Free Agents Still Available

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:25:51 +0000

1. Manny Ramirez
Could Ramirez be heading to the Giants?

2. Derek Lowe
The Mets are after Lowe.

3. Adam Dunn
Dunn might replace Ramirez in Los Angeles.

4. Milton Bradley
The latest rumors have the Cubs most interested.

5. Oliver Perez
Expect the Mets to retain him.

6. Pat Burrell
The Phillies look to be moving on.

7. Orlando Hudson
Sleeper of the free agent market.

8. Bobby Abreu
Breaking down but still a solid player.

9. Ben Sheets
Risky signing but could reward.

10. Randy Wolf
Could quietly be steal of the offseason.

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Musings on Diamondbacks’ Batting Order

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:50:39 +0000

As I’ve watched the Arizona Diamondbacks play since the start of the season, I’ve been extremely impressed. They are definitely for real in the National League. While it may be early in the season, the team’s stats are superb. Entering the day, the Diamondbacks were baseball’s leader in both runs and least earned runs allowed. That’s a remarkable stat – even with the season in its infancy.

However, I do have a lingering questions regarding Arizona’s batting order. The Diamondbacks top their order with Chris Young, Eric Byrnes and Orlando Hudson. While that is an impressive trio of players, I don’t see the logic in this batting order. Young is fast and has shown a good eye at the plate this season, but the rest of his talents point towards a middle of the lineup type player. Hudson, on the other hand, seems more built to bat second in the order with his high OBP and average power.

To best make use of the talent on the Diamondbacks, it makes most sense to me for Arizona to lead off with the speedy Byrnes, use Hudson as the second batter and move Young to bat third. Additionally, with the way Justin Upton has been mashing this season, it may be time to start thinking about moving him higher in the batting order.

While there is much to be excited about in Arizona, it appears to me that things could be even brighter for the Diamondbacks.

Do you agree? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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