Royals need Orlando Hudson

Before you discard this column as just another opinion from a fan who thinks adding names is how to build a ball club, consider that the addition of second baseman Orlando Hudson could signify a true future for the Kansas City Royals.

Right now, the Royals have basically finished one of their busiest off seasons in the Dayton Moore era. Sure, we're talking about a short era right now. And, sure, Moore has already had off seasons that include the signing of Gil Meche (still a better signing than most casual fans understand) and Jose Guillen (also, a better signing than most casual fans understand). But, this past few months has the Royals poised to be successful for years to come.

Take a look at what the Royals "might" have right now, without signing any other free agents. The team has a very underrated left fielder in David DeJesus, who is finally going to play a position he was meant to play. No, he's not a superstar... but he's an above average ball player.

The Royals also have a legitimate front line worth of starters. This column could be much longer if I listed Meche's and Zack Greinke's stats from the second half, but I'll just say check them out. These two guys were quietly top 10 pitchers from about May on.

Like I mentioned before, we have a legitimate RBI man in Jose Guillen. No, he's not Manny Ramirez. But, he can hit. And, if he's healthy... he will hit. And, now, batting in front of him will be real professional baseball players, i.e. Coco Crisp, David DeJesus and Mike Aviles.

Speaking of Aviles, he joins the large cast and crew of Royals ready to finally break out. However, let's get one thing straight. All of these can't miss kids on the Royals roster will not turn out to be superstars. However, someone will. Billy Butler could develop into the 120 RBI, 35 homerun stroke we know he has. Alex Gordon could develop the sweet swing he showed at Nebraska. Mike Jacobs, Ryan Shealy and/or Kila Ka'aihue could turn out to be a pillar of power at first base. Aviles could turn out to be the real thing, giving the Royals that feel good story with a happy ending that has eluded them for years. Heck, maybe Mitch Maier or Mark Teahen finally figure something out.

Obviously, it's impossible that all of these players develop into the stud they were predicted to be years ago. But, just as the Tampa Bay Rays showed, sooner or later, all of those high draft picks turn into a group of talented players. The Royals are at that point. Someone in that list above will have a break out season in 2009. Just watch. And, someone else will show promise that more is yet to come. I guarantee it.

So, now we finally get back to Orlando Hudson. I've watched carefully what Dayton Moore has been doing with his Royals over the past few years. It's obvious he's building this team up one year at a time. He understands he'll never have a payroll over $100 million. But, he also understands that building a competitive team takes a few years. And, that's exactly what he's doing. He's over paid (just slightly, in hindsight now) for a few free agents. But, he's showing future free agents the Royals mean business. He's drafted smart, targeting players who may not be the next Alex Rodriquez. But, if they pan out to be the next Garrett Anderson, then perfect. And, he's setting the table for years to come.

So, if I'm happy with his year at a time approached, then maybe it's not time to stretch the bank for Hudson after all. Wrong. Hudson would represent that, now and for years to come, the Royals mean business. If you put Hudson at second and in the Royals lineup, and given someone steps up for the Royals, Kansas City has a legitimate shot at winning 85 to 88 games in 2009. Maybe Gordon figures it out. Maybe Greinke builds upon his 2008 success. Maybe Aviles is the real deal. Maybe our stable of first baseman decide to start bopping homers. Maybe Crisp finds his A-game again and catches everything hit to center field. Maybe the Royals prove their basically brand new stadium isn't all for not.

Now, you're a year ahead of schedule. Now, all those other high draft picks the Royals have stock piled are nothing but a bonus. Now, Kansas City can slot itself into AL Central competition for the next five or six seasons, at least. Now, a few free agents start knocking on our door. Now, Kauffman Stadium is home to a real, living, breathing major league franchise.

Or, maybe a few things don't go our way. Maybe someone hits the DL for a month or so. Maybe Meche doesn't improve. Maybe the Royals only win 75 games.

Oh well I say. Why, because Hudson shows the Royals are trying. All Hudson wants now is a one year deal worth approximately $4 million plus incentives. A few months ago, he wanted at least twice that. He's a steal. And, he's the real deal. If things don't go the Royals way, you have his salary off the books next year. Or, maybe you trade him at the deadline and pick up something that could help the Royals next year.

Really, it's a win, win. The Royals need this player. They need to send this message. Yes, Moore is probably targeting 2010 or 2011 as the ideal time to unleash the Royals. But, with this move, future plans aren't getting blown up.

So, before you say this is just another crazy opinion from a crazy fan. Think for a moment. Imagine just what your Kansas City Royals could look like. Then, decide what Orlando Hudson really means to the Royals and their future.