Hudson coming to the twins?

[Jigger Here]

The Twins are in the final stages of negotiating a one-year, $5 million contract with free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, according to major-league sources.

Several hurdles remain before the deal will be completed, including Hudson passing a physical, the source said. But Hudson clearly has chosen the Twins, and the momentum for an agreement continues to build.

The Nationals long were thought to be the front-runners for Hudson, but overplayed their hands by waiting for his price to drop. The Indians also were interested, but were unable to trade right-hander Fausto Carmona to clear payroll.

Hudson, the National League Gold Glove winner at second base last season, figures to be a welcome addition for a team with a strong defensive tradition. He also should fit neatly into the Twins’ batting order, hitting second in front of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.

The signing of Hudson likely will result in the Twins using Nick Punto and Brendan Harris at third base. The move also will serve as further evidence of the Twins’ commitment to winning at a time when they are trying to sign Mauer long-term.

Hudson, 32, made the All-Star team after getting off to a hot start for the Dodgers last season, but lost his starting job to Ron Belliard in September. He ended up appearing in 149 games and posting a batting/on-base/slugging line of .283-.357-.417 with nine home runs and 62 RBIs.

Some scouts and executives believe that Hudson has not been the same both offensively and defensively since undergoing surgery to repair his left wrist in 2008.

hope this gets done cause will greatly improve it, have harris at 3rd andpunto back to his utility hole and gives twins there #2 hitter, also shows Mauer willing to spend to win.

1. CF-Span

2. 2B-Hudson

3. C-Mauer

4. 1B-Mornuea

5. DH-Kubel

6. RF-Cuddyer

7. LF- Young

8. SS-Hardy

9. 3B-Harris

[DonBo]

We got him! Channel 5 just reported it's a done deal. Love it.

[rayguy]

Now bring up the rookie at third and let him have his shot, and sit Nicky boy down.

[Spearing Machine]

WoW! I wonder if this new stadium kicked the pohlads in the butt to spend a little money this year. I think they have spent more this year than in the last five years combined. Go Twinkies!

[harvey lee]

Now maybe we could get real lucky to sign Mauer and a very good left handed starting pitcher. Then they will have a much improved team hopefully.

[thehawk]

WOW is right. The tight wads finally opened up the purse. Go Twins!!

[kyleharty]

This is encouraging; nice to see them going after free agents and upgrading. Always a Twins fan but this gives me a little more optimism and excitement for next season.

[Harmonica Bear]

Yes, very good signing! Solidifies the infield with quality defense. Solid 2-hole guy as well. Gardy has to be giddy!

It'll be interesting to see what we (the Twins) do with Castilla. I heard on the radio this morning he was out of options. With Harris and Punto having mulitple year deals. I can't inmagine they would send him packing, too much talent and too young to just give up on. And you hate to let him rot on the bench as a late inning pinch runner for Thome.

I think that also means Valencia isn't ready and he won't see the bigs until Sept. barring god-forbid unforseen injuries.

[Scott K]

It is funny how just signing Hudson, has now got me excited, and now I have high hopes for this year.

[TR21HP]

It's a real nice signing for the Twins. A perennial gold glover with a 285 average and some pop in his bat. Hopefully he and Hardy can jell in spring training and be solid up the middle.

[mrklean]

slowly but surely they are getting stuff done, i read that washburn might retire now because he isnt getting the money he wants???? are you kidding me he had a 7 ERA and he wants like 8 million a year. He needs to suck it up take a pay cut like hudson did and eat some innings up for us

[Scott K]

I have heard the Twins re offered him 2.8 million, and I think that is his highest offer that is currently on the table. Thats what he gets for turning down the previous offers.

It must be nice to not want almost 3 million dollars to throw a ball about 30 games at an average of 6 innings.

[Harmonica Bear]

At most 3000 pitches. $1000/pitch..,.......

[Scott K]

Ya, he is to good to accept that little bit of money

[SledNeck]

great pick up for the Twins, hopefully Hardy pans out for us or were back to square one

[jparrucci]

Although it is a decent signing, it is not exactly like bringing in Babe Ruth here people. He is a middle of the road offensive player, and a very good defensive player. He does not steal bases, which I think at this point should be a rerequisite for whoever is hitting in front of Mauer. Having to worry about either giving up the easy stolen base, or having to throw Mauer fastballs drastically changes a game. With Chone Figgins or somebody like that hitting in front of Mauer and causing havoc on the basepaths, Mauer is a .400 hitter. I guess we have to settle for an average 2nd basemen.

[Scott K]

Would you rather Punto be in there?

[SledNeck]

Would you rather Punto be in there?

has punto ever been on base before? I just always remember seeing him walking to the dugout dejected as FSN is going to commercial

[Jigger Here]

To bad didn't get this deal done sooner, then maybe woulda packaged Casilla and Perkins for Kouzmanoff before he got traded to Oakland.

[Scott K]

I see the players we added this year as being a good upgrade from last year. We were a pretty good team last year, so I see us as being a better team. I still dont know if we will compete with Boston and the Yankees, but do you really expect us too? Without a salary cap MLB will be always be lead by a handfull of teams, with an occasional appearance from a different team.

[Harmonica Bear]

IMO the only thing really keeping the Twins from competing with the Yanks/Red Sox/Angels is starting pitching. Our bullpen can hold its own or at least stay steady enough for the most part. Now we could really use a bonifead ace.

[Scott K]

I agree with a #1 starter, but it will not happen. We dont have $12-15 million left to spend, and there isnt anyone available that is better then who we have now, without trading away our future.

[mskyfshntchr]

IMO the only thing really keeping the Twins from competing with the Yanks/Red Sox/Angels is starting pitching. Our bullpen can hold its own or at least stay steady enough for the most part. Now we could really use a bonifead ace.

Not last year. Our starters did very well at the end of the year and in the postseason. The bullpen was the DEATH of the team.

This year it looks like we will have enough quality arms and hopefully won't have that problem. Since Duensing, Liriano, Manship, etc. are battling for the 5 spot--whoever doesn't make it should give us a good arm or two in the pen, including a LH power type arm.

[sticknstring]

I like this deal a lot. You've got a good defensively-minded hitter that can get on base. He's not a huge threat to steal, but still an improvement over what we had. Sacrifice Span to 2nd & let M&M mop up. Other than the 3B hole, the lineup is looking pretty mean.

Span

Hudson

Mauer

Morneau

Cuddy

Kubel

Hardy

Young/Thome

Harris/Punto/Tolbert/Valencia

I think SP is and always will be a question mark but if guys can stay healthy, Baker, Slowey, & Liriano make a pretty good 1-2-3.

[Scott K]

Imagine that line up now with Crede at 3rd! If they can sign him to a 1 yr, 1 million dollar contract with some insensitives, even if he gets hurt, we could just cut him. But if he doesnt get hurt, it sure takes any weakness out of our line up!!