Last month manager Don Wakamatsu suggested that the team could look to improve their infield defense by moving Jose Lopez to first base and acquiring a “plus-plus defensive second baseman.”  At the time it looked like then-free agent Jerry Hairston, a favorite of Wak, could be the player benefitting from this.  I also took a look at Orlando Hudson.  All of this was back before Christmas.

A few days ago, however, the always reliable Jason A. Churchill relayed a quote from one of his sources, suggesting that the Mariners “are high on Hudson if the market clears the way some more.”

Despite GM Jack Zduriencik’s frugality this offseason, Seattle may be out of money to spend.  Still, the market for Hudson has completely collapsed now that his most promising suitor, the Washington Nationals, seems to be backing down, so Hudson becomes an intriguing option for the Mariners.

Let’s take a look at the market for Hudson:

Orioles – Currently have Brian Roberts.
Red Sox – Have the 2008 MVP playing second base.
White Sox – Could use Hudson, but don’t appear interested.
Indians – Were interested but are now content with internal options and are out of cash.
Tigers – Have Placido Polanco.
Royals – Have interest, but would have to find a way to unload Jose Guillen’s contract.
Angels – Have Howie Kendrick.
Twins – Have Alexi Casilla.
Yankees – Have Robinson Cano.  Were once interested but no longer.
A’s – Have Mark Ellis.
Rays – Have Aki Iwamura.
Rangers – Have Ian Kinsler.
Blue Jays – Aren’t spending money this offseason, but have a fit.
Diamondbacks – Could use him back but are in financial trouble.
Braves – Have Kelly Johnson.
Cubs – Have several second base options.
Reds – Have Brandon Phillips.
Rockies – Were loosely connected early in the offseason.
Marlins – Have Dan Uggla and are cheap.
Astros – Have Kaz Matsui and money problems.
Dodgers – Have Blake Dewitt and are saving all money for Manny Ramirez.
Brewers – Could use him, but don’t appear interested.
Mets – Would love Hudson, but they’d have to dump Luis Castillo’s salary first.
Phillies – Have Chase Utley.
Pirates – Too cheap?
Padres – Too cheap.
Giants – Were interested before Thanksgiving.  Quiet since.
Cardinals – Have Adam Kennedy and limited money.
Nationals – Could jump in later, but seem content going young for one more year

That doesn’t look very promising.  The Mets and Royals would be leading the charge if they didn’t have to move impossible contract first.  If I had to guess where Hudson will end up I might choose the Giants, but right now his market appears completely dead.

Money is tight, I get it, but am I crazy for thinking that Hudson could be had for only $5-8M annually? That’s a pretty sweet deal, but I don’t really see what other options he’s got.

Whether you buy into the metrics or not, Hudson is often regarded as one of the premier defensive second basemen in baseball, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he was the guy Wakamatsu was referring to last month.

I’m not expecting Seattle to make a play for Hudson, but it really wouldn’t surprise me one bit.  Keep your eyes peeled.