Padres Trade Rumors: Orlando Hudson

Orlando Hudson never lived up to expectations. With the Diamondbacks, he was a vocal team leader, an above average second baseman, and a solid offensive player. With the Dodgers he maintained his title as one of the clubhouse leaders and had above average results in the field and at the plate. Then there was San Diego.

Hudson under performed last season and failed to be the clubhouse leader the Padres needed to replace David Eckstein. As the team is set to actually pay Hudson more this year, it’s been no secret they want him gone. Let’s look at the rumors related to Hudson this off-season.

October 7, 2011: In one of the more interesting Hudson rumors, Tom Krasovic of Inside the Padres reported the team didn’t think it was too far-fetched to get a deal done where Hudson would go to Boston and John Lackey would come to San Diego. Clearly these rumors died quickly when Lackey underwent surgery that would cost him his entire 2012 season.

November 10, 2011: Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported the Padres were having internal discussions about sending Hudson to Colorado. Clint Barmes was still an option for Colorado though.

November 11, 2011: Bill Center of the San Diego Union tribune thought that while the Rockies were interested in Hudson, the Padres would be unlikely to eat any of his salary. This would make sense considering the club only has to endure one more year. Why eat any of the salary just to make a move now?

November 16, 2011: Tony Renck of the Denver Post reported the Rockies were divided internally about whether they truly wanted Hudson. His thoughts were the club may pursue Martin Prado or Rafael Furcal.

November 19, 2011: According to Dan Hayes of North Count Times, the Padres believed dealing Jason Bartlett would be easier than dealing Orlando Hudson. While Hudson was getting more attention, San Diego probably realized his contract may prohibit any trade from actually happening.

November 30, 2011: The Rockies and Padres were not making any progress in the Hudson trade talks, so the Rockies began leaning harder toward Martin Prado.

November 30, 2011: While the Rockies’ interest in Hudson was fading, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the Mets were not interested at all.

December 15, 2011: John Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal reported Orlando Hudson was “very available,” but he is not getting any hits from other teams.

It’s looking more like Hudson will be with the Padres next season, and the club will be forced to pay his $2 million buyout at the end of 2012. It’s still possible that some team who feels Hudson can provide a needed bump may take another look, but that is seeming very unlikely at this point.