Former D-back Orlando Hudson thinks Ketel Marte can be a cornerstone
Mar 30, 2018, 11:49 AM | Updated: 1:10 pm
(Photos from AP).
(Photos from AP)
By signing infielder Ketel Marte to a long-term deal, the Diamondbacks are betting he can be a contributor on both sides of the ball.
Former D-backs second baseman Orlando Hudson went a step further, calling him a “cornerstone” on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug & Wolf Show on Friday.
“This kid has grown to be one of the keynotes on the team,” he said. “We see him here for many years to come, to be a building piece.”
Marte signed a 5-year, $24 million deal with the D-backs with team options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Hudson, who played for Arizona from 2006 to 2008, serves the team as a player development assistant. The two worked together during spring training.
“He brings excitement from both sides of the plate,” Hudson said. “He’s got great range, good arm. There’s a reason why these guys locked him up.”
The 24-year-old has already started to blossom. After starting last season in the minor leagues, he got a mid-season call-up and played in 73 games.
On Thursday, he was the Opening Day starter at second base.
Pegged as the everyday second baseman forces him to change positions. With the Seattle Mariners from 2015-2016 and then the D-backs in 2017, Marte played 134 games at shortstop.
Opening Day was the first time he’s played second base at a major league level since 2015.
Hudson said it’ll take some adjustment. Though both positions are in the middle infield, turning double plays is very different.
The shortstop can see the runners and the entire field of play.
“Everything is in front of you so you can maneuver yourself however you feel,” Hudson said.
Second basemen, though, move away from the runners as they go to cover the bag.
“You have no idea where the runner is so you have to maneuver yourself not to get hurt and to complete the double play,” Hudson said.
If there’s anyone in the organization fit to help Marte, it’s Hudson. “O-Dog” won four gold gloves, two of them with the D-backs.
He had a career fielding percentage of .987 and only 84 errors at second base over his 11-year career.
Hudson doesn’t think Marte will have an issue adjusting.
“Him transitioning won’t be a problem because he’s blessed to be that athletic,” Hudson said.
