Ranking the Top 3 Second Baseman in Diamondbacks History

#2 Orlando Hudson 403 G,  .294/.365/.448,  105 OPS+, 10.5 WAR, 2.2 WPA

Orlando Hudson came to the Diamondbacks from the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the 2006 season in exchange for Troy Glaus in Josh Byrnes' first major trade as Diamondbacks GM.  Hudson already had a sterling defensive reputation, and he continued to display that prowess with the glove, especially in his first two seasons in Arizona, registering +13 and +17 defensive runs saved in 2006 and 2007 and winning the NL Gold Glove both seasons.  The talkative Hudson also brought with him  an effervescent personality and ever-present smile. 

It was his bat that pleasantly surprised, however. He'd previously hit for decent batting averages and showed occasional pop, but came to the D-backs with just a 93 career OPS+. That all changed in Arizona, as he became a fixture, batting either 2nd or 3rd in the order for manager Bob Melvin between 2006-2008. Utilizing an all fields approach, Hudson slashed extra base hits all around the yard, and showed increased home run power as well. He was having arguably his best offensive season in 2008, batting .305/.367/.450 when his season was cut short by a broken hand on August 9th.  A free agent after the season, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, Hudson is a player development assistant for the Diamondbacks and can be seen and heard on the back fields at Salt River fields coaching and encouraging young players while still displaying his upbeat personality. 

#3 Jay Bell  616 G, .263/.355/.458, 104 OPS+, 6.8 WPA

Jay Bell was signed by then GM Joe Garagiola Jr. to a free agent contract prior to the team's inaugural season of 1998.  The 32 year old had already proven to be an above league average shortstop over the previous 12 seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He helped give the D-backs legitimacy as a major league franchise, holding down the position for 155 games while playing above average defense and knocking 20 homers while posting a 105 OPS+.

Bell was moved over to second base in 1999, and he posted a stunning career year. Batting .289 with 38 homers, 112 runs scored and 132 RBI, he helped lead the Diamondbacks to the NL West title in just their second year of existence. Bell both made the all-star team and garnered MVP votes for his efforts.  His next few seasons were not up to that level, and by the time the team reached the playoffs and world series in 2001, he was relegated to a utility role.  He will always be remembered for crossing the plate with the winning run in the bottom of the 9th to win the World Series. He also famously hit a grand slam homer that won Gylene Hoyle one million dollars in an improbable promotion. 

As mentioned at the top of the article, the D-backs have been blessed with a rich history at second base. In addition to the players mentioned here in this ranking, Aaron Hill, Jean Segura, Kelly Johnson and Junior Spivey all deserve honorable mention as players that put up at least one stellar season at the position.  Here is the  full list of comparative stats for franchise second basemen.