Bordow: D-Backs should make effort to re-sign Hudson

Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes and second baseman Orlando Hudson had a friendly conversation during batting practice Tuesday.

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I couldn’t read their lips — and believe me, I tried — but here’s what I hope they said:

Byrnes: “Orlando, now that we’ve traded Emilio Bonifacio to Washington for Jon Rauch, we really want to re-sign you before you become a free agent.”

Hudson: “That’d be great. I want to stay.”

Byrnes: “OK, I’ll get on the phone with your agent and we’ll hammer this out.”

Hudson: “Sounds good.”

Unfortunately, odds are you’re not going to hear about Hudson and the Diamondbacks agreeing to a contract extension.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

And maybe not ever.

The minute I heard Bonifacio was dealt, my thoughts turned to Hudson. Bonifacio was the heir apparent, groomed for years to take over once Hudson departed in free agency.

Now, he’s gone, and the Diamondbacks don’t have anyone in the minor leagues who’s ready to be an everyday second baseman.

“We’re certainly aware of that,” Byrnes said.

That must mean Arizona has a heightened interest in re-signing Hudson, right?

Wrong.

It still appears that the Diamondbacks will let Hudson leave as a free agent after this season.

The reason?

What else: Money.

Hudson is 30 years old. This is probably his best and last opportunity to cash in. He won’t get Chase Utley money — the Philadelphia Phillies’ second baseman recently signed a seven-year, $85 million extension — but with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets likely looking for a second baseman in the offseason, Hudson could get a long-term deal worth more than $8 million per year.

And the Diamondbacks just don’t want to commit that much money in a multi-year deal.

Hudson didn’t want to talk about his future. Byrnes sidestepped questions with generalities.

But it wasn’t hard to read between the no comments.

The Diamondbacks won’t have many issues to address in the offseason. Rauch’s acquisition offsets the likely departure of closer Brandon Lyon, who’s a free agent. The everyday lineup is set everywhere but second base.

Byrnes, then, can use his tradeable pieces — pitcher Micah Owings, catcher Miguel Montero — in a package to acquire a second baseman. Or, he could sign a less expensive free agent like Oakland’s Mark Ellis.

They’re reasonable options. But none of them are as attractive as keeping Hudson, who is the club’s most consistent player both offensively and defensively.

Now, I wouldn’t pay Hudson more than $8 million per year. He’s been invaluable to the Diamondbacks, but he’s no better than Baltimore’s Brian Roberts, who is making $7.15 million a season.

But it wouldn’t hurt Arizona to open up a dialogue with Hudson’s agent and see if the second baseman might be willing to sacrifice some money for long-term security with the organization.

If Hudson wants to see what he’s worth in the free agent market, wish him well and move on.

But until that moment comes, the Diamondbacks should put the hard sell on.

Hudson is worth their attention.

And, to a point, their dollars.