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The way of O-Dog

So, the Dodgers have decided to go with Orlando Hudson as their starting second baseman when the 2009 season opens.

After giving it some thought I've grown more accepting of this development, even though signing Hudson means L.A. surrenders a first-round draft pick. By inserting Hudson at second base, the Dodgers have one heck of an infield in Loney, Hudson, Furcal and Blake. L.A.'s never been known for its infield defense, so this should be fun to watch. Let's hope they don't get too cocky.

But Hudson's fielding is only part of what is convincing me that this move could work. Let's see what we have:

A Gold Glove fielder? Check.

An energetic, fun, uplifting sort who teammates love to have around? Check.

A man who swears his left wrist is OK after two surgeries last season (and the Dodgers swear, too)? Check.

A guy with an improving bat, who won't give you a ton at the plate, but hit .305 last year and gets on base at a decent rate (.367 OBP last year)? Check.

Getting the man out of that awful Arizona Diamondback uniform? Check.

Another tactic in the excruciatingly long bargaining session between the Dodgers and Manny Ramirez? Check.

The official word is that Hudson will allow the Dodgers to move Blake DeWitt to third and then Casey Blake to left field. I don't know if that's actually going to happen. It sounds more like a bluff to get Ramirez to sign, but who knows?

Sorry, Blake. I think what it means is you're probably riding the bench or possibly heading to the minors.

I had big hopes for you this season, but I guess the Dodgers didn't. But you never know, Furcal could get hurt and DeJesus may not be ready and Hu might not hit, which means you could play shortstop, unless Blake is in left field and Abreu isn't working and Loretta is playing first for Loney, who (please, no, this can't happen) is injured, and then you're playing third, unless Hudson suffers another one of his injuries and Hu is still not hitting and Loretta is at first or third and Abreu isn't working and Blake is in left field, and THEN you're the guy at second.

Ah, hell. Just get Manny signed, and then all of that doesn't matter anymore.
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Dinged Corners said…
Orlando is an amazing, high-energy, positive player to behold, and he can only be a help. We were admittedly hoping the Mets would somehow get him but this is good too. I doubt we'll ever see him in Albuquerque but you never know.
February 22, 2009 at 4:03 PM
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