Hudson chooses LA for '09

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a one year contract with free agent 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson. The deal calls for a 3.38 million dollar base salary with a additional 4.6 million in possible incentives. Signing Hudson also means the Dodgers will have to give the Diamondbacks a 1st Round draft pick in the June draft, due to Hudson’s Type A free agent status.

This is an extremely good move for Los Angeles. A move that could put them atop the weak NL West even if they don’t resign Manny Ramirez. On the field adding Hudson gives the Dodgers a Gold Glove 2nd baseman and combining with SS Rafael Furcal should give them one of the best double play combos in the league. The signing also allows them to move Blake Dewitt to more of a utility role. Combining Dewitt with free agent acquisition Mark Loretta gives the Dodgers two quality super-subs. Both Dewitt and Loretta not only provide quality bats off the bench but both are capable of playing every infield position.

Offensively Hudson seems to be the ideal player to pencil into the #2 spot in the order. Hudson, a excellent contact hitter with gap-to-gap power should combine with the speed of Furcal to give opposing pitchers fits and provide plenty of RBI opportunities for the 3-4-5 hitters in the lineup. Hudson and Furcal will also give the Dodgers two switch hitters at the top of their lineup, something that will give opposing teams a variety of matchup problems late in games.

With the recent signing of pitcher Randy Wolf and now Orlando Hudson the Dodgers are poised to repeat as NL West champs. While there is still questions about their pitching staff, especially after the loss of Derek Lowe, their offense should put them over the top. The signing of Hudson gives LA one of the deepest and most versatile squads in the league. If LA does manage to bring back Manny Ramirez, watch out because the Dodgers will be a force to be reckoned with come October.

-Robb Lennahan