WHY?...WHY?...No Orlando Hudson...WHY?
So if you haven't heard: Orlando Hudson is now a Twin. Minnesota ponied up $5 million and a 1 year contract to have Hudson play 2nd base. Hudson made his second all-star team, and ultimately won his fourth Gold Glove Award this season while with the Dodgers. BUT...for a second straight offseason, teams held off on him until the end. I don't get it! What I really don't get though, is why the Mets didn't snatch up a guy who is a bonefide veteran infielder.
The Mets weren't even in the hunt for the 32 year old second baseman who batted .283 with 35 doubles, six triples and nine home runs in 149 games with the Dodgers last season. A switch-hitter, he has a .282 career batting average. UGH! I am so angry ...not even a decent attempt. Couldn't the folks at Citi Field find $5 million? I know there is the issue with the money/time left with Luis Castillo but eat the dough and get someone who can do something! Not every trade is the best one but you don't stop making your team better just because you made one bad deal in the past. So now Hudson goes to Minnesota and the Mets will have to settle...let's hope Castillo stays healthy at least...
|
The Huddle is operated by WPIX-TV, New York |
|
| Search Blog
|
Comments: 4
Bonafied Veteran Infielder?
Yes, he is a veteran. Yes, he is an infielder.
Orlando Hudson was being referred to by his teammates last season in Los Angeles as "SLOrlando" Hudson. There is word that he has lost a step. We already have a second baaeman that has lost a step, Luis Castillo. Do you want to have two aging second baseman.
Orlando Hudson even lost his starting second baseman job to journeyman Ronnie Belliard.
When the Dodgers were playing meaningful October baseball, Orlando Hudson was on the bench. He wasn't deemed better than Ronnie Belliard. Now, let's not get Ronnie Belliard confused with an all-star.
Even if you signed the mediocre aging second baseman, what do you do with Luis Castillo. He is still owed at least $12M over the next two years. If they sign SLOrlando for $5M, now the Mets have two aging second baseman that have lost a step or two for $17M. Does not sound like good baseball business.
At this point,is Orlando Hudson any better than Luis Castillo? Again, Hudson lost his job to Ronnie Belliard. What does that tell you about the deteriorating skils of Orlando Hudson. Alsd, Hudson has a history of getting injured. Just what we need at Citi Field, another injury prone player.
Look, at this point, I will take another aging veteran who by the way has had decent seasons the past four years that included an All Star and a couple Golden Gloves. Point is, the Mets have no depth. Maybe Castillo is better NOT working every day. Hudson would have given Manuel a tandem at second base like he is expected to use at first base. My only point is that there is really no one other than Castillo at the second base spot. $5 M in professional sports is not so much to pay to have depth and maybe some leadership. Belliard might have been an inside move or a money issue or a simple, "I like him better than you" scenario. What is clear is that the Mets need to take chances on anyone and Hudson is another example of how they really have not this offseason.
First, I must point out that Orlando Hudson's teammates with the Dodgers called him Slow Dog, a parody on his nickname O-Dog. He was not referred to as SLOrlando, but you get the point. They thought he lost a step or two in Los Angeles.
In the world of the 2010 New York Mets, apparently $5M is too much.
As for depth, that is why the Mets brought Alex Cora back. You do not build a baseball team in this era with two second baseman. One starting second baseman and a utility player like Alex Cora.
Why tie up $17M with two second baseman. If you told me Hudson could play all the infield positions, then that might be a better argument (couldn't really do that because Alex Cora will serve as the utility infielder). With the emergence of twelve and thirteen men pitching staffs, you must have versatile players coming off the bench. Having two players who can ONLY play second base does not make baseball sense.
If we take your example of depth, why not have another shortstop in case Jose Reyes, coming off a season long injury, gets hurt. There are only 25 players on a roster. Sometimes, I think the way people talk they think you can use your entire 40 man roster on any given day.
I hope I have made a compelling argument as to why Orlando Hudson would not be a fit on the Mets.
In addition, the oft-injured Slow Dog skills have eroded. Much like our Luis Castillo, he is not the same player he was in Toronto or Arizona. Again, he was on the bench during the playoffs last year in Los Angeles.
He is a better fit in Minnesota where he can assume second base, while utility man Nick Punto (their starting second baseman in 2009, but career utility player) can return to his familiar role.
How can you speculate on Ronnie Belliard. Joe Torre thought he was better, or would not have played him in the most important games of the year.
Orlando Hudson simply is not any better than Luis Castillo.
Orlando Hudson is more proof that the Mets have made a good baseball decision this offseason.
Chances? Haven't we taken enough in Queens. I do not understand all this talk. Why throw money at mediocrity. What chances should the Mets have taken?
How many years have the Mets won the Hot Stove Championship and fizzled during the season.
Big Victory for Puerto Rico over the Dominican Republic yesterday afternoon 7-3 in Venezuela during the Caribbean World Series. I am capturing the excitement on my twitter page.
http://twitter.com/JamesPiccoli
The Records:
Dominican Republica 3-1
Puerto Rico 2-2
Mexico 2-2
Venezuela (Host) 1-3
Drama builds as Mexico takes on the Dominican Republic at 3:30 and Puerto Rico plays the host team, Venezuela, at 7:30.
With the Jets losing in the AFC Championship Game, I have no interest in the Super Bowl.
Basketball here in New York is atrocious.
Even though I watch every New York Islanders Hockey Game, the Islanders have lost six in a row and 7 of 8, after winning 6 of 7 early in January.
My lonely sporting eyes turn to Beisbol.
Afterall, Baseball is my true passion. The other sports are just to fill in between Baseball Seasons. New York Is a Baseball Town, so I am sure many are watching the exciting Caribbean World Series on the MLB Network. You watching?