Dan Hudson Impresses in Diamondbacks Debut

When the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Edwin Jackson to the Chicago White Sox, they received right-handed pitcher Dan Hudson and minor league pitcher David Holmberg . The goal of the deal was two-fold: Reduce existing payroll and set the team up with pitching that can be financially controlled for a longer period of time.

It is no secret that Jackson did not live up to expectations during his time with the Diamondbacks. Arizona had hoped he would return to the dominating form that made him a critical piece of the Tampa Bay Rays 2008 World Series team. Instead, Jackson struggled with his control while pitching in Arizona and especially lately, saw his effectiveness falter.

There were high expectations placed on the shoulders of Dan Hudson while with the White Sox. Hudson was the fifth round draft pick by Chicago in the 2008 draft. He moved quickly through the team’s minor league system, starting in the Class-A South Atlantic League and reaching the major leagues all in the same year.

Going into the season, Hudson was listed as the third best prospect in the White Sox organization. He was the critical piece to make the Jackson trade a reality.

Diamondbacks fans did not have to wait long to see a return on the trade’s investment. Hudson was slotted into the Arizona starting rotation and given the task of pitching in New York’s Citi Field in the final game of the series against the Mets.

The game happened to be the Mets Hall of Fame game where they inducted members of the 1986 World Series championship team. Any thoughts that Hudson would be overwhelmed or intimidated by such a big game quickly went by the wayside.

Hudson threw eight strong innings, allowing only one run on three hits while walking only one batter. Through the first game, he is showing why the Diamondbacks had coveted him so highly in trade negotiations.

No one expects Hudson to remain this dominating. However, if he continues to hold his walk total down, he will be a substantial upgrade from Jackson. He gives the team a strong pitching presence not only in 2010, but for several years to come.