Tim Dierkes - MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that Orlando Hudson has only played in 10 of the last 18 Dodgers games, with Ronnie Belliard starting eight.
There are questions abound that Hudson is being benched not for his play, but for his pay. He has an incentive laden contract that pays him $10K for every at bat from 576 – 632 plate appearances. Hudson has earned $7.63M on a contract that was $3.38M at seasons start.
This benching might hurt Hudson’s status this off season, where he will once again be a free agent. My Take? This could be advantageous for the Mets. The Mets, if smart, will look to replace Luis Castillo at 2B, and if so, O Dog would be a nice way to go. He has been well known to be a player full of energy, and leadership abilities…two qualities this team is lacking. We have written many times (Here, Here, and Here) of our desire for Hudson in Flushing, and with his perceived reduced salary for 2010, it will be a great time for the Mets to swoop in and claim him.
Someone like Hudson might help tighten the infield. Castillo’s contract, coming off an offensively productive season, might not seem so exorbitant now. Maybe the Met could use Luis to fortify their minor league system, while employing Hudson at 2B.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have something to look forward to in 2010 after such a dismal 2009? O-Dog would be a nice addition to a team that lacks, yet needs leadership.
Other Sources: Cott's Baseball Contracts
No comments:
Post a Comment