Orlando Hudson, Cubs 2011 Starting Second Baseman?

There is no doubt that by now for most Cubs fans, all their attention is focused on the offseason and the improvements that are neccesary for the Chicago Cubs to compete in the 2011 season. Among things the Chicago Cubs are expected to address this off-season are Left handed power hitter (Biggest Priority), starting pitching, and second base. During Bruce Levine’s chat last week of ESPN.com, he provided some hints as to who may be the Cubs starting second baseman in 2011.

When Levine was asked who would be the Chicago Cubs starting second baseman for next season, he responded with the name of Orlando Hudson. For one reason or another the Chicago Cubs have been linked every off-season to the O-Dawg and from the sounds of things this off-season will be no different.

On the season with the Minnesota Twins, Hudson is hitting .274/.341/.379 in a little bit over 450 at bats on the season. Of his 125 hits, 32 of them are extra base hits which include 22 doubles, 4 triples, and 6 home runs. Orlando Hudson has always been an interesting offensive player. Because he was one of the rare players that can find success in just about any spot in the lineup, obviously excluding the 3-4-5 spots. In a way he reminds a lot of former Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot. Because, he is sort of a slap hitter with a lot of singles and infield singles.

He is an average defender, he will make the occasional play that will make him look like a gold glover but other than that he really is not anything special. To be honest, It probably would not hurt or help the Cubs defensive abilities next season.

Orlando Hudson will be 33 when the season starts next year, which may not be ideal for what the Chicago Cubs are looking for. But, Hudson would be a good mentor and player for a lot of the young players that will probably be with the Cubs next season. I’d imagine if the Cubs are going to offer Hudson a contract, it will probably be a 1 or 2 year contract at about $5MM or $6MM.