Orioles sign Kyle Hudson to minor league deal

If the Orioles lose Trayvon Robinson on a waiver claim, they may have another outfielder to take his place in the minors. The Orioles signed Kyle Hudson to a minor league deal yesterday. His contract doesn't include a spring training invite, so he'll report to the Twin Lakes Park complex. Kent Qualls, the Orioles' new director of minor league operations, confirmed the signing today when reached by phone. "Some of our people in the organization like him a lot, "Qualls said. "He's definitely a speed guy. We just like his ability and we like his makeup." The Orioles selected Hudson, 26, in the fourth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Illinois. Hudson's only major league experience came in 2011, when he went 4-for-28 with two RBIs, three runs scored and two stolen bases. The Texas Rangers signed Hudson as a free agent on Jan. 28, 2012 and traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays two months later for future considerations. The Phillies acquired him on May 16, 2012 for Rich Thompson, and he was granted free agency in November. Hudson batted .264/.335/.286 with five doubles, two triples, 25 runs scored and 22 stolen bases in 109 games last year at Triple-A Durham and Lehigh Valley. He's never hit a home run in 2,073 minor league plate appearances. Meanwhile, executive vice president Dan Duquette texted the following quote about pitcher Todd Redmond, claimed off waivers earlier today: "Todd Redmond is durable, has excellent control, is very competitive and should be ready to compete for a major league job."