Daniel Hudson proved he was a workhorse for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. The 25-year-old right-hander tossed a career-high 222 innings en route to a 16-12 record and 3.49 ERA in 2011.

Hudson's success for the defending NL West Champion D-backs last season coupled with his staff leading 2.57 ERA this spring solidified him as one of the top two aces in the rotation to start the year. While Hudson will fill the No. 2 slot behind ace Ian Kennedy, the D-backs' hurler doesn't put much stock into the opening day rotation set-up.

"A lot of stuff gets built up too much about the opening rotation to start the season," Hudson told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Tuesday. "It's really not that big of a deal. I could be starting five and I really wouldn't be too upset as long as I am getting my 33, 34 starts in. The only time it really matters is late in the year. Sometimes guys have the hot hand and they are pitching on 3, 4 days rest and going every couple days and then obviously in the playoffs as well."

Hudson has earned his stripes as an established veteran in a highly-touted D-backs rotation. Some pundits think Hudson has the potential to be a 20-game winner in this league. Hudson believes the team surrounding him plays a pivotal role in the personal numbers he'll accumulate over the course of a year.

"I like to embrace expectations," Hudson said. "I don't necessarily think that there's a certain number that I necessarily have to get to by means of any stats or anything like that. Wins are so predicated on the team around you and if I didn't have such a good team around me they probably wouldn't be saying that, they wouldn't expect 20 wins."

All Hudson can control is taking the ball as deep into a game as possible to help give the D-backs the best chance to win every fifth day.

"Whatever happens happens," Hudson stated. "I am just going to try to shorten the game for the bullpen and keep the team in it as long as possible."

If last season was any indication, the D-backs know they have an innings eater in Hudson who is chomping at the bit to get the year started on a winning note.

"The ball feels great coming out of my hands," Hudson said. "I've had a few good outings in a row. It feels good to take that momentum into the season."