Diamondback Jay
Psalms 23:1
PHOENIX -- The news that he had been traded to the Diamondbacks this past week didn't come as a surprise to second baseman Orlando Hudson.
"I heard about the trade that may happen a few weeks before it happened," Hudson said. "I enjoyed (Arizona) when I played here in the Arizona Fall League. It was such a blast then, so I'm happy to be here."
The addition of Hudson means last year's second baseman, Craig Counsell, will move to shortstop until top prospect Stephen Drew is ready. Arizona manager Bob Melvin said that Counsell will likely still be the leadoff hitter heading into Spring Training with Hudson in the No. 2 spot.
Most of Hudson's at-bats last year for Toronto came in the No. 9 spot in the order. Overall, he hit .271 with 25 doubles, five triples, 10 homers and 63 RBIs.
"This is the Major Leagues -- I could hit 13th if they put me there," Hudson said when asked if he preferred batting in a particular spot. "As long as you're in a Major League lineup, your dream come true, it doesn't matter where they hit you at. I just want to help the team in some way shape or form win a ballgame somehow. Just come out have fun and enjoy."
Hudson's enthusiasm is said to be infectious amongst his teammates, who were sad to see him leave Toronto.
"Orlando was a big part of the clubhouse," Jays infielder Eric Hinske said. "He kept everybody loose, and he was good for the team."
The 28-year-old won a Gold Glove last year, when he led American League second sackers in range factor (5.84) and fielding percentage (.991). He also brings some athleticism to a lineup that was lacking in that regard last year.
Hudson underwent a thorough physical on Tuesday as the Diamondbacks wanted to make sure that the ankle sprain he suffered last year while sliding into home plate against the Orioles won't be a problem.
"I'm still doing therapy on that, but everything is good," Hudson said. "It's coming along real well."
"I heard about the trade that may happen a few weeks before it happened," Hudson said. "I enjoyed (Arizona) when I played here in the Arizona Fall League. It was such a blast then, so I'm happy to be here."
The addition of Hudson means last year's second baseman, Craig Counsell, will move to shortstop until top prospect Stephen Drew is ready. Arizona manager Bob Melvin said that Counsell will likely still be the leadoff hitter heading into Spring Training with Hudson in the No. 2 spot.
Most of Hudson's at-bats last year for Toronto came in the No. 9 spot in the order. Overall, he hit .271 with 25 doubles, five triples, 10 homers and 63 RBIs.
"This is the Major Leagues -- I could hit 13th if they put me there," Hudson said when asked if he preferred batting in a particular spot. "As long as you're in a Major League lineup, your dream come true, it doesn't matter where they hit you at. I just want to help the team in some way shape or form win a ballgame somehow. Just come out have fun and enjoy."
Hudson's enthusiasm is said to be infectious amongst his teammates, who were sad to see him leave Toronto.
"Orlando was a big part of the clubhouse," Jays infielder Eric Hinske said. "He kept everybody loose, and he was good for the team."
The 28-year-old won a Gold Glove last year, when he led American League second sackers in range factor (5.84) and fielding percentage (.991). He also brings some athleticism to a lineup that was lacking in that regard last year.
Hudson underwent a thorough physical on Tuesday as the Diamondbacks wanted to make sure that the ankle sprain he suffered last year while sliding into home plate against the Orioles won't be a problem.
"I'm still doing therapy on that, but everything is good," Hudson said. "It's coming along real well."
