A player drafted in the 43rd round—an extremely late position that barely exists in today's draft—rarely makes it to the major leagues, much less has an eleven-year, decorated career. However, Orlando "O-Dog" Hudson defied these expectations completely. Coming out of Spartanburg Methodist College as a late-round pick in 1997, this switch-hitting second baseman relied on his exceptional defensive skills and a lively, energetic personality to reach the Rogers Centre field. His impact transformed how Toronto fans perceive defensive skill in the middle infield.

His transition to the big leagues was a masterclass in athletic adaptation. Stepping into the starting second base job full-time during a highly productive 2003 campaign, Hudson immediately established himself as a dynamic, run-saving force. He combined a steady .268 batting average with a superb 1.5 defensive bWAR, turning the area behind first and second base into a complete dead end for opposing hitters.

He elevated his defensive execution to an elite, league-leading apex during a brilliant 2004 campaign. That summer remains Hudson's individual masterpiece in a Blue Jays uniform. He completely paralyzed opposing offenses, leading the entire American League with an astronomical 2.7 defensive bWAR, making spectacular diving stops and acrobatic, high-leverage throws. At the plate, he added genuine mid-lineup value, setting career-highs with 32 doubles, 12 home runs, and a .270 average. While the national media inexplicably bypassed him for a Gold Glove that autumn, his spectacular efficiency had already cemented him as one of the premier second basemen in the game.

Justice finally arrived during the 2005 campaign. With the same elite range and a pristine .991 fielding percentage, Hudson officially captured his first American League Gold Glove Award.

Yet, with the front office eager to inject elite power into the middle of their lineup, the veteran infielder was packaged in a blockbuster trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2005, along with pitcher Miguel Batista, in exchange for third baseman Troy Glaus. Hudson would immediately continue his spectacular, gold-standard defensive showcase in the desert, eventually earning three more National League Gold Gloves and consecutive All-Star selections, cementing his legacy as a true defensive icon of his generation.

In Toronto, Hudson accumulated 437 hits, 88 doubles, 23 triples, 35 home runs, 201 RBIs, and a 7.5 dWAR.

Before the 2006 Season, Orlando Hudson was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the D-Backs were not disappointed with the defensive presence he would bring to their infield.

Already a Gold Glove winner in Toronto, Hudson would win two more Gold Gloves (2006 & 2007) with Arizona.  Hudson would also hit 150 Hits in back-to-back years, both of which saw him bat over .280, and he was a nice spark to their 2007 NL West Title.   The O-Dog would also go to the All-Star Game in 2007 and had 442 Hits for Arizona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic voting. What you have to do when you have too many choices and not enough time or opportunities to realize all those choices.

Sounds like voting for the Baseball Hall of Fame for the last few years, doesn't it?

The good news is that since the Shutout of 2013, when the eligible members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) could not muster the 75 percent of the vote necessary to elect any one ballot candidate to the Hall of Fame despite a wealth of candidates from whom to choose (I counted 14), the BBWAA has sent a dozen players to Cooperstown. Based on that trend, and barring any unusual or unforeseen wrinkle, the writers are certain to elect at least one player for 2018.

Orlando Hudson was a two time All Star with 1,319 career Hits, but it was his glove that he was most known for, as the Second Baseman won four Gold Gloves in his career and led the league in Assists for a Second Baseman three times and in Range Factor/Nine Innings for his position five times. Hudson would retire with an overall bWAR of 30.9.



The Bullet Points:
Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Darlington, SC)

Eligible In:
The 2018 Vote

Position:
Second Base

Played For:
Toronto Blue Jays
Arizona Diamondbacks
Los Angeles Dodgers
Minnesota Twins
San Diego Padres
Chicago White Sox

Major Accolades and Awards:
2 Time All Star (2007 & 2009)
Gold Gloves (4) (AL) (2005) (NL) (2006, 2007 & 2009)
World Series Rings (None)

Other Points of Note:
4 Top Ten Finishes (Triples)

Notable All Time Rankings:
None