Cubs Looking At Orlando Hudson

Most of the rumors so far this off-season involving the Chicago Cubs, are about the Cubs looking at a free agent starting pitcher or first baseman. Up to this point, it appears that the Cubs have first base, starting pitching, and relief help as their top areas of need. However, there have been whispers that the Cubs are not completely set on entering the season with Blake DeWitt as the teams’ starting second baseman.

The Chicago Cubs traded for Blake DeWitt on the trading deadline this past season, when they sent Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot to the Dodgers. On the season, DeWitt hit .261/.336/.373 with 5 home runs and 52 Runs batted in. However, in his 53 games with the Cubs to end the season, DeWitt hit .250/.314/.375 with 4 of his 5 home runs. DeWitt is under team control until the 2014 season. For the Cubs to use DeWitt correctly, that will probably be as a super-utility player. Which would put the Cubs in the position to look for a second baseman.

With the Cubs potentially in a position to add a new second baseman, they have been keeping tabs on Twins free agent Orlando Hudson, according to MLB Daily Dish. At 32, Hudson had a down year with the Minnesota Twins this past season. In 497 at-bats, Hudson hit .268/.338/.372 with 35 extra base hits. Hudson is a career .280/.346/.424 hitter, so that coupled with the fact he is 32, makes believe that he is still capable of producing at a major league level. Hudson is an average fielder, compares to Ryan Theriot as a fielder.

While Orlando Hudson may never be considered as a great player, he still is a valuable player for any team that he is on. While there is nothing special about his numbers, it is more so the little things that Hudson does, that makes him beloved by fans. To be honest, Hudson reminds me a lot of Ryan Theriot. Because, Hudson is a scrappy hitter who his capable of hitting anywhere in a lineup. Hudson will probably get anywhere from $3MM to $5MM on a short term deal.

It shouldn’t even be a question of whether or not the Cubs should go after Hudson, because he would be a great fit for them. Looking at the Cubs current roster, you would realize that they do not have a true leader on their team. Adding a guy like Hudson, would bring that leadership mentality to the Cubs. Also, with young guys like Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney on the Cubs roster, Hudson would provide great mentoring to each. As we advance further into the winter, I’m sure the Cubs interest in Hudson will increase.