Top Blue Jays’ Draft Picks of All-Time

May 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Toronto Blue Jays ball cap and logo during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Blue Jays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Blue Jays defeated the Texas Rangers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

#9

Colloquially referred to as O-Dog, Orlando Hudson was selected in the 1997 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in the infertile 43rd round.

Five years later at the ripe age of 24, Hudson made his debut with the Jays. He was above replacement level in his 54 game rookie season, hitting to the tune of a 276/.319/.443 slash. As a second baseman he transformed that skill to the field, becoming a first class option up the middle.

He would go on to win four Gold Glove awards in his career, one in Toronto in 2005, two in Arizona before finishing with one in a Dodgers uniform in 2009. Hudson was a two-time All-Star in 2007 and 2009 and compiled an impressive 21.1 WAR over his career.

Hudson certainly wasn’t a hall of famer but he was, without a doubt, one of the premier second baseman in a Jays uniform.