Chicago White Sox Orlando Hudson to play third

The Chicago White Sox signed second baseman Orlando Hudson on Saturday, shortly after he was released by the San Diego Padres. Manager Robin Ventura stated that the long-time defensive whiz at the keystone will play at the hot corner for the Sox.

“(Third base is) probably more of where he would play with Gordon (Beckham) being at second,” Robin Ventura told ESPN Chicago. “He might be able to fill in there later, give (Beckham) a day off here or there.”

Orlando Hudson will replace Brent Morel at third, as Morel is currently on the DL with a bulging disk in his back. Hudson has played in nearly 11,000 innings at second base in his career and has saved a whopping 93 runs at the position since 2003. From 03′-07′, Hudson never had a DRS lower than 13. However, he has never played at a position other than second in his career.

The 34-year-old played in 35 games and took 131 PAs for the Padres this year, and he finished with a meager .253 wOBA. Hudson was worth 1.8 WAR last year after back-to-back 3-3.5 WAR seasons in 2010 and 2011. He is projected to have a 1.5 WAR season and is a slightly below-average starter at the MLB level now that his career is winding down.

Still, Hudson is an average hitter and had a 100 wRC+ (exactly average) in 2011 to match his career total. He is good for a .110 ISO, about five homers, a .245/.320/.353 triple slash, and a .305 wOBA. Although he isn’t a great field anymore, he is still mediocre and rarely makes an error. Hudson’s range has vastly declined with age, and the 2011 season was the first time in which he had a negative DRS in his career.

Orlando Hudson has steadily chased more pitches, but his whiff rate has remained around 6.7% for his career. However, age causes hitters to make weaker contact, and this has led to a dip in BABIP from around .310 to .285.

Follow Joe Soriano on Twitter here. Catch up on everything about the Chicago White Sox at Southside Showdown.