Posted by Brian Joseph on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Waiting to sign has proven costly for free agents this year. Add Orlando Hudson to the list of players you can ask about that growing phenomenon. The former Arizona Diamondback second baseman finally inked a deal today with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $3.4 million with $4.6 million in incentives for the 2009 season.

Hudson, a three-time Gold Glove winner, will cost the Dodgers a first-round Draft choice this season giving the Diamondbacks the 17th overall selection in the upcoming June selection process.

The addition of Hudson makes him the heir apparent to the spot vacated by Jeff Kent’s retirement at second. Originally, it looked as if Blake DeWitt would step into that spot but now that belongs to Hudson. DeWitt will now likely compete for a starting position at third which would push Casey Blake to the outfield if he was successful in his bid.

Hudson hit .305 in 107 games in 2008. His season ended early after the switch-hitting infielder needed surgery to repair his left wrist in August.