Big change for Hudson, White Sox
Somewhat lost during a wild weekend at Wrigley Field was the White Sox adding Orlando “O-Dog” Hudson as their new third baseman.
Between Kerry Wood’s retirement, Paul Konerko being hit near the left eye by a Jeff Samardzija pitch and the Sox sweeping their first three-game series at Wrigley since 1999, the Hudson addition was understandably pushed to the back burner.
Monday’s off-day provided the perfect opportunity to examine the Hudson signing in more detail.
Why did the White Sox make this move?
The signing is not yet official, but manager Robin Ventura on Sunday confirmed Hudson will be in uniform when the Sox play the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.
Brent Morel has a bulging disc in his lower back, and a cortisone shot that initially made the pain tolerable wore off in one week. That is not a good sign for Morel.
Before Tuesday’s game, Morel is expected to land on the 15-day disabled list, opening a roster spot for Hudson.
Considering he has a bulging disc and has been experiencing back discomfort since spring training, Morel figures to be sidelined for an extended period of time.
Why Hudson?
Sox general manager Kenny Williams always has liked the 34-year-old veteran, and he jumped on the two-time all-star after the San Diego Padres released Hudson last week.
Hudson has been a second baseman his entire 11-year career in the major leagues, and four Gold Gloves tell you he knows how to play defense.
As for moving to third base, the White Sox obviously feel Hudson can make the transition.
He played third in the minor leagues, so Hudson isn’t completely unfamiliar with the position.
Can Hudson still hit?
That is the biggest question — and biggest concern for Sox fans.
Hudson didn’t do much with the bat this season for the Padres, putting up a hitting line of .211/.260/.317.
The lack of production prompted San Diego to waive Hudson late last week, even though they still owe him $6.25 million.
The White Sox, on the other hand, only have to pay Hudson the prorated portion of the $480,000 major-league minimum, roughly $350,000.
Hudson had a slash line of .283/.357/.417 with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, which wasn’t that long ago. If he even comes close to those numbers with the Sox, the low-risk signing will look really good.
What if Hudson doesn’t hit?
The White Sox can simply release him, or move Hudson to a utility role.
Then what?
Hudson figures to get at least a month of steady time at third base. If he is not hitting, not fielding — or a combination of both — maybe Morel will be feeling better.
Or, more likely, the Sox can purchase Dan Johnson’s contract from Class AAA Charlotte.
Where does Hudson bat?
Ventura indicated that he’s going to stick with Gordon Beckham in the No. 2 spot, so Hudson is likely to hit ninth.
The two could flip-flop if Hudson comes out swinging and Beckham’s average continues to hover around .200.
sgregor@dailyherald.com