Hudson eager to help White Sox wherever needed
After going 1-for-4 for the Padres last Wednesday — and boosting his batting average to .211 — Orlando Hudson knew his time with San Diego was up.
A day later, Hudson was released despite having $6.25 million left on his salary. But he said he got a call from the White Sox the previous night, before his bags were even packed.
“It was pretty interesting,” Hudson said after officially joining the Sox before Tuesday night’s game against the Twins. “I got the good news on Wednesday. I was like, ‘Wow.’ I hadn’t even left San Diego. It was cool.”
Since he hasn’t played in nearly a week, Hudson wasn’t in the White Sox’ starting lineup against Minnesota. He entered the game in the eighth inning with the Sox trailing 9-1 and handled one chance at third base.
The switch hitter also singled and scored in the ninth.
Hudson took groundballs at third base during batting practice in preparation for a shift from second base, his set major-league position for 11 years.
Also Tuesday, third baseman Brent Morel was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lumbar back strain.
While he hasn’t played third base since he was in the minor leagues, the 34-year-old Hudson is eager to make the change.
“It’s good,” Hudson said. “I guess A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) moved over, Cal Ripken moved over, Omar Vizquel moved over. A lot of guys move over. Nomar (Garciaparra). I guess I’m probably going to join that gang, too.”
San Francisco and Detroit reportedly had some interest in signing Hudson, but the veteran infielder was immediately drawn to the White Sox.
“I’ve known (general manager) Kenny Williams for a long time and know he won a World Series in ’05 by putting together a great ballclub,” Hudson said. “I know he knows the game, and I’m glad he gave me the opportunity to come over here. It’s a sigh of relief.
“Me and my man Adam Dunn, we’ve been together a long time. My man Jake Peavy, we’ve known each other a long time. So, I’m joining my two friends here. It’s always good to come here.”
Manager Robin Ventura said Hudson can play third base, give Gordon Beckham a break at second base and pinch run. But with Morel on the DL for what could be an extended period, Hudson figures to step in full time at third.
“A groundball is a groundball, but it definitely comes a little harder down at third base,” Hudson said. “They might ask me to catch, they might ask me to pitch a little bit, I don’t know.
“Whatever they ask me to do, I’ll go out and perform and help the ballclub win some games and bring some energy. Just have fun and play the game the way I know how to play.”