Pick up Orlando Hudson already, Sabean

This offseason is a heck of a lot more intriguing than the previous few offseasons for Giants fans.  The starting pitching is easily in the top 5 in the MLB (more on that in the near future).  Vizquel’s weak bat is finally out of the lineup, even if it’s being replaced by a Renteria whose career is clearly on the downslope.  The outfield may be lacking power, but the speed and batting average combination is compelling.

I’m concerned about the bullpen, but right now I’m even more concerned about the infield.  You’ve got Pablo Sandoval at first, and it’s hard to know how to interpret his .345 avg in just 145 ABs last year (who knows what that guy’s going to do this season).    You’ve got weak-hitting Burriss and Frandsen platooning at 2B.  You’ve got an old Renteria at SS with Bocock (who batted .143 in 77 ABs  in ‘08) backing him up.  And finishing off that who’s who list of ‘infielders you’ve never heard of’ are Ryan Rohlinger (32 ABs in ‘08) and Conor Gillaspie (5 ABs in ‘08) on the depth chart at 3B.  And the re-signing of utility infielder Rich Aurilia isn’t reassuring.

The Giants apparently are not likely to land Crede.  So when you look at the free agent board, about the only quality infielder still up for grabs is Orlando Hudson.

You know exactly what you’re going to get with Hudson:  somewhere in the .280-.290 range in BA, 10 HRs, 65 RBIs and a decent number of extra base hits.  It’s hard for me to believe that those numbers wouldn’t fill some gaps for the Giants batting in the #6 position.  IMO, Sabean should grab  Hudson, then shop around Burriss for a middle reliever.

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