The O-Dawg(left)-photo courtesy of Olivia Ruhland
It’s funny. I was never a real big Orlando Hudson fan, even for the majority of last season. You know the saying, “you never know how much you love someone until they’re gone.” Well, he did not die or anything, but this is a statement that resembles my take on the O-Dawg.
Although I am extremely happy for him in Minnesota, it saddens me that he will never be wearing Dodger Blue. An autograph session, along with interviews I have watched after severe O-Dawg withdrawals has made him one of my favorite players in the major leagues.
He is a flawless defender, with a range better than Derek Jeter, and quite arguably one of the best second baseman in the game right now. Which is what gets me. How could the Dodgers let someone go, someone who gave so much energy and toughness to the Dodgers.
Instead, Joe Torre benched Hudson through most of the playoffs, and started Ronnie Belliard. It makes me upset to think that a utility player would be used over a starter. It’s baseball. It is extremely difficult to be consistent every year. Every player goes through their slumps.
To me, a .286 batting average and a little less than 10 HR’s was not a slump for the O-Dawg. He’s a second baseman. What he provides is defense and a .300 10 HR, 50 RBI year. That’s all he needs to provide, and he has a bad month and you bench him? It is not right. Now you look at Belliard and see him how he really is: not an everyday player, and a utility player. That’s all he will ever be too. He doesn’t hit for any power, he is extremely inconsistent and his defense is mediocre at best.
No player deserves what the O-Dawg went through. I truly miss him, and wish he could have had a better experience in Los Angeles. I will always be rooting for you Orlando. Go Twins!