Money Talks, Hudler Walks to Phillies

Rex Hudler, whose enthusiastic style made him a favorite with Angel fans, signed a two-year, $2.3-million contract Thursday with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Hudler, a 36-year-old utility player, not only was a crowd pleaser with his passion for the game, he was an important part of the Angel chemistry, on the field and in the clubhouse. Hudler hit a career high .311 last season, with career bests in home runs (16) and runs batted in (40) in 92 games.

But those numbers, his personality and ability to play any infield or outfield position, made him too hot a commodity for the Angels to keep.

The Phillies outbid the Cleveland Indians, whom Hudler said offered a two-year, $2-million contract. The deal with Philadelphia includes a $300,000 signing bonus and the Phillies also have an option for a third season or a $300,000 buyout. The Angels’ last contract offer was $500,000 per year, according to Hudler.

“My feet haven’t hit the ground yet,” Hudler said. “I had to go to the gym this morning to burn off some energy and I might have to go back tonight.

“I’m just glad that I was wanted and someone appreciated my style of play. I’m sure a bottle of Dom Perignon will be cracked tonight.”

Bill Bavasi, Angel general manager, said the Angels never got a chance to make a counteroffer, but that it most likely wouldn’t have mattered.

“I not sure the Anaheim Angels got a chance to make their best shot,” Bavasi said. “Rex is a guy we would have liked to have kept. We made an offer and didn’t get a counteroffer from them. But we made it known that we were not going to end up in the range they ended up in.

“In the end, what we would have offered and what he left for, there was quite a bit of difference.”

Hudler, an eight-year veteran, also has played with Baltimore, Montreal and St. Louis and has been a fan favorite at each stop. He was so popular in St. Louis the team held a Rex Hudler Day.

But as much as he loved playing--he once lost eight pounds playing both games of a doubleheader and then passed out on the trainer’s table--Hudler said his decision came down to money.

He was being pursued by the Indians, Dodgers and Orioles, all teams that reached the playoffs last season. Instead, he chose the Phillies, who were 67-95 and finished last in the National League East, 29 games behind the Atlanta Braves.

“We wanted to stay out here and playing for the Dodgers was certainly appealing,” Hudler said. “When an organization like the Dodgers is interested in you, it makes you feel like a valuable player. Philadelphia offered $600,000 to $700,000 more than anyone else. It was a little bit too much money to turn down.”

Hudler’s hustle and attitude was good for public relations, especially after the 1994 strike. His extroverted personality in the clubhouse was in sharp contrast to many of the team’s other players.

“This is a huge loss for the Angels and a huge acquisition for the Phillies,” pitcher Mark Langston said. “Rex is unlike anyone I have played with in 13 years on this level. He has the ability to make people believe in themselves and he’s a pure joy to be around.”

Those traits didn’t go unnoticed by other teams.

“For me, Rex was my No. 1 priority,” said Terry Francona, who was recently hired as the Phillies’ manager. “He was the first name I threw up to [General Manager] Lee Thomas and, to his credit, he went out and got him. The intangibles Rex brings are great. But more than that, he’s a .300 hitter with power and speed and plays everywhere.”