"You see guys like Jermaine Dye without a job," Hudson said. "Guy with (27 home runs and 81 RBI) and can't get a job. Pretty much sums it up right there, no? ... A guy like Gary Sheffield, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, can't get a job. ...

"We both know what it is. ... I'm not gonna say it because then I'll be in (trouble)."

Orlando Hudson

I had to shake my head at Orlando Hudson's comments the other day about how racism is keeping African-Americans like Jermaine Dye and Gary Sheffield out of gainful employment.  Hudson's playing of the race card was not only ill-advised, it's untrue.

For example, take Dye's case:

• The White Sox did not offer Dye a new deal because he's an aging (35) ballplayer who has eroded on defense and had a poor second half last year. The Sox opted to add speed to their lineup (Juan Pierre, who is black) and defense (Andruw Jones) and move Carlos Quentin to right field.  And, oh by the way, the man who made the decisions on this, Kenny Williams, is black and his manager, Ozzie Guillen, is Venezuelan.  Surely with a minority hiring record like that, you can't accuse the Sox of being racist.
• The Cubs offered Dye a chance to sign as a fourth outfielder.  Dye refused, saying he wanted to be a starter.Also because he wanted to play for a team that could win a world series sometime in his lifetime (okay, I made that up.)
• The Nationals and Brewers also looked at Dye, offering him a chance as a fourth outfielder.  Dye turned down both offers saying the money was "disrespectful" and not wanting to uproot his family for that amount.

One of the things that GMs are doing these days is bringing in players based on their numbers, not on their reputations.  Jermaine Dye once was a sexy name, especially in 2006, but now he's an older, one dimensional player.  Teams are looking for multifaceted players, those that can play more than one position and contribute off the bench.  They want to pay them a low base and offer them performance incentives.  There is nothing wrong or racist in doing business this way.  For the players who want to show they still have something in the tank, it maybe the only option. 

In this specific instance, Dye would rather turn down a chance to play than take a job and try and compete to be in the lineup.   A few years ago, I was unemployed and had only one offer.  It was in a smaller market for a lot less than I was used to making.  I took it because I needed to work and because my family needed the income.  I suppose if I had the luxury and the finances to turn someone down, I would have, but I didn't.   Sometimes, it isn't about ideal situations or pride, it's about survival.

It's not like Jermaine Dye hasn't had his opportunities.    And if he doesn't take advantage of one, that's his decision and has nothing to do with race, creed or anything else.