Hudson ready for next move

Orlando Hudson is having a pretty good offseason.

He celebrated the birth of his third child, and construction of his new home in Darlington is scheduled for completion in the spring.

The only thing left for the Darlington native is to find a place to play next season. Hudson, a free agent, is without a team for the second straight season going into January.

Last year, Hudson was coming off season-ending wrist surgery in 2008 and had to go through a a rigorous rehab procedure.

“Not too many teams were interested last year,” Hudson said this week.

The Dodgers took a chance on Hudson, signing him to a one-year incentive-laden deal in February. The second baseman delivered by making his second All-Star game appearance and winning his fourth Gold Glove.

Hudson hit .283 with nine homers and 62 RBI for L.A. But he struggled down the stretch, hitting only .237 in September, and was replaced in the starting lineup by Ronnie Belliard in the Division Series against Philadelphia.

After the season, the Dodgers didn’t offer him arbitration, making him a free agent.

“He (Joe Torre) felt I was tired and beaten up,” Hudson said. “I don’t think so. My body felt fine.”

Hudson, though, is confident he will work out a deal soon and said he has drawn interest from the Nationals, Cubs, Mets and Giants.

Last season, Hudson said he always wanted to play for the Mets but that might be unlikely since New York was unable to deal second baseman Luis Castillo during the offseason.

Washington might be a possible destination for Hudson. Yahoo Sports and MLB.com reported Wednesday that the Nationals are in talks with the 32-year-old on a one-year deal possibly worth $9 million.

Hudson already has the endorsement of Nationals infielder Willie Harris, who helped Hudson in the offseason with his “Around the Mound Tour” to promote baseball to black youth.

“It would be a lot of fun to play with a guy full of energy,” Harris told MLB.com. “He is like (outfielder) Nyjer Morgan. But Nyjer is a little quieter than Orlando. They are pretty much the same as far as being competitive.”

In the meantime, Hudson continues to train daily in preparation for the season and is ready to host his second charity event this weekend in the Pee Dee.

The event includes a bowling night Saturday at Southgate Bowling Center in Florence and basketball game Sunday at Darlington High School.

Proceeds go to benefit Hudson’s C.A.T.C.H (Curing Autism through Change and Hope) Foundation, which helps youth with autism.
Hudson has had similar events in Arizona and Los Angeles but wanted to bring one to the Pee Dee, where he spends most of his offseason.

“It’s always good to do something with the home folks, Hudson said.

Hudson said his desire to help autistic children came about when he was in high school and saw how students were treated. He made a promise to his mother if he made it in the major leagues that he would do his part to help out autistic children.

“Autistic children are just like any other kids and deserve to make their lives better, get jobs and be a normal part of society,” Hudson said. “I’m happy to do whatever I can.”