For the past three years, the Dodgers have had the misfortune to watch Orlando Hudson excell for the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but today, the tides have turned as the Dodgers agreed to terms with the second baseman on a one-year contract. Hudson will make a guaranteed $3.4 million plus another possible $4.6 million in incentives.

The Dodgers and their fans already know what Hudson brings to the table: he is a defensive wizard, an offensive catalyst at the top of the lineup and a strong clubhouse leader — but is he worth it?

But despite his numerous positive attributes, the Dodgers paid a lofty price when they signed the second baseman as they must now forfeit their first round draft pick in June to Arizona. Also, Hudson’s characteristics as a player — low to marginal power, average speed, plus defense — sound very comparable to Blake DeWitt’s. The addition of Hudson impedes the growth process of the Dodgers’ young infielder, forcing the organization to either place him in Triple-A, a level that he is clearly beyond, or on the bench where he would be seldom used.

One player Hudson will not pose a threat to is Manny Ramirez. The addition of Hudson does not by any means put the Dodgers out of the running to re-sign the slugging left fielder who carried them into October last season. If anything, it helps their chances as they sealed one more hole and now have one less priority. The Dodgers still have plenty of free cash and Manny still only has his same two suitors.

Overall, the Hudson deal is a quality move by Ned Colletti and company. At a low salary and with capable backup behind him, he is certainly low-risk, and with big-game potential and clubhouse intangibles, he is high-reward as well.