We'll Pass On This Orlando Too

UPDATE 2: $3.4 MILLION IN BASE SALARY PLUS $4.6 MILLION IN INCENTIVES FOR HUDSON? THAT'S WAY TOO MUCH.

UPDATE: WELL, THE DODGERS APPEAR TO HAVE SIGNED ORLANDO HUDSON. WHATEVER.

Instead of loading up on pitchers (and no, Jeff Weaver doesn’t count) Ned Colletti seems determined to field a squad entirely made up of second baseman. Though the Dodgers already have Blake DeWitt and Mark Lorretta, Colletti has been courting both Orlando Hudson and Orlando Cabrera. From the article:

The Dodgers, apparently uncertain they can work a deal for second baseman Orlando Hudson, have also begun talks with free-agent infielder Orlando Cabrera.

Cabrera, a two-time Gold Glove shortstop, told the club he would be willing to move to second base, where Blake DeWitt came to camp as the heir apparent to the retired Jeff Kent.

The Dodgers appear determined to land one of them to improve their offense and defense, even while continuing talks to sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

Improve their offense? Really? Below are Cabrera’s numbers for 2008.

Cabrera: 661 AB’s/ .334 OBP/ 8 HR’s/ 57 RBI’s/ 84 OPS+

Yikes! It took over 660 at bats for Cabrera to equal the offensive output that Blake DeWitt posted in only 368 at bats. In fact, if you neutralize the plate appearances to 500 for each of the four players above you get the following:

Cabrera: 6 HR’s/ 43 RBI’s
Hudson: 10 HR’s/ 50 RBI’s
Loretta: 8 HR’s/ 72 RBI’s
DeWitt: 12 HR’s/ 70 RBI’s

How exactly does a team improve their offense by signing lesser offensive caliber players than they already possess? Is anyone at Dodger Stadium running the numbers? We know that the Dodgers have “a little payroll flexibility,” and that Colletti is “big on inventory,” but does a car dealership stockpile 1995 Chevy Saturns when there is a Ferrari available?