I believe that according to a few metrics Hudson’s defense is in decline mode now and that Ellis is the superior defender. Also, Hudson has been putting up his offensive numbers in the inferior league (not to mention the NL West as well) since leaving Toronto so there’s no guarantee he’s that much of an upgrade over Ellis offensively either. I’d take Ellis over Hudson, even in hindsight.

I’d take Hudson over Ellis.

does that count?

http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/mark_ellis/

I think the best part of the deal is keeping a familar face on the field for the fans and a good teammate/vetran leader in the clubhouse.
   Some of us have learned to root for the jersey and not the names but people like my wife tend to root for players that stick around (For better or for worse her favs are Crosby, Chavez, and Ellis).
   I also think Ellis was smart to take the deal, if he tested the market he might still be a FA. Plus he is not that great of a hitter and is somewhat fragile/unlucky.

instead of testing the market — which likely would have been crappy for him as well as so many other players.

Of course, so is pretty much every FA this offseason who didn’t sign right off the bat. All speculation, I believe he could have received around $10 mil if he had signed by December. However, noone saw this coming so I don’t blame them.
In last year’s offseason, Ellis is worth every penny, if not more.

…in that it presumes a crystal ball was available to foresee the future of the off-season market being as weak as it has become. Qualifiers like “at the time” are kind of like “when healthy”, and are the true indicators. At the time it was deemed a good deal and we really don’t have any reason to question it yet.

As long as his latest injury hasn’t totally drained him of his ability. Even at last year’s performance levels he’s worth the money he’ll be making.

Mark Ellis deserved gold glove in 2007. He has the ability to hit over .300 for a season, with nearly 20-homer pop. Hudson may be the flashier player, but Ellie’s all-around solid and he’s been with this team since 2001. He’s also clutch. I’ll never forget his three-run homer off Eddie Guardado in the 2002 playoffs vs. the Twins. The A’s don’t get to keep many players long-term, and I applaud this signing. Wouldn’t have changed it.

of course, his shoulder is a bit questionable now, but probably not enough to warrant a switch to overrated Orlando. Plus, Ellis has the bonus of being on the A’s long enough that some fans have grown attached. I’d rather keep Ellis, all other things being equal.

Biased? Hell yes. Don’t care what Orlando Hudson could do to improve the lineup, it’s the D that bothers me. Ellis runs roughly a 10-12 point uptick in fielding percentage; something our young starters will desperately need to help bail out of potential jams.

With the A’s putting Cust/Giambi in the field, Ellis is the better defender to help swallow that huge hole on the right side of the infield. Plus, as a trusted veteran defender, our young guns will be much more at ease trying to induce ground balls his way knowing if it’s close, Ellis picks it up.

On top of that Ellis gave us 100 more innings than Hudson last year and still held a higher fielding percentage. Hudson’s numbers like 9, 13, 11 bother me in the “E” column while Ellis’ at 2,5,4 are much more reassuring.

because I’m so incredibly biased that my opinion counts for NOTHING. but whatever.
{tries to be objective}
{fails}

Anyway. first of all, WTH???

Orlando Hudson is both a better hitter and nearly equal if not better fielder than Mark Ellis.

I agree with the better hitter part, I guess. but a better FIELDER?? not so much. He’s nowhere close to equal, and definitely not better. I don’t really know where you’re coming from there.

Well… I’m uncreative. so.. here’s what I agree with.

Ellis is the man. Team leader and professional leader in the club house.

Ellis is worth every penny…He is our club leader

I think the best part of the deal is keeping a familar face on the field for the fans and a good teammate/vetran leader in the clubhouse.

all those quotes say the same thing… oh well.
for the stat proof, just read WhiteElephant’s post, I’m too lazy to quote it. I’m pretty much talking about defense here, I really hope his bat gets better next season.
and of course,

Ellis RULES!

He’s a great defender and a great presence in the clubhouse. His defence saves runs, which is definitely needed. and he CAN hit well, he just appeared to have forgotten last season, and maybe that surgery will help him remember and how NOT to hit so many popups.
I would pick Ellis over hudson, no question about it.

^ all of that, and you think he’s overpaid??? NO. For his sheer awesomeness in defence etc. I think it’s a good amount of money, although I would most likely say more. ;) (millions of dollars… I so wish I played baseball. you play a game and become a millionaire.)

But again, so biased this means nothing.