The Twins front office has taken a ton of heat during the Bill Smith era, and most of it was plenty justified (see: Johan Santana trade, Matt Garza/Jason Bartlett trade, Livan Hernandez, etc.).

Well, today I am more than happy to tip my cap to the Twins front office for a FANTASTIC offseason that culminated with the signing of second baseman Orlando Hudson. According to the Star Tribune’s Joe Christensen, Hudson’s deal is worth $5 million, which brings the Twins’ estimated 2010 payroll to roughly $96 million.

(Actually… the offseason will culminate if and when Joe Mauer signs a contract extension… but that’s bound to happen soon)

Before signing Hudson, the Twins added Jim Thome ($1.5 million), and J.J. Hardy ($5.1 million, avoided arbitration). They also re-signed Carl Pavano for $7 million, which may seem a little steep to some, but rest assured — Pavano is better than his 2009 ERA indicates.

With Hardy at shortstop and Hudson at second base, the Twins are no longer desperate for help at third base. A combination of Brendan Harris and Nick Punto will suffice, until Danny Valencia is ready to join the Big Club.

I just heard a few groans from the “we hate Nick Punto” section, but in reality, if the Twins are rolling out a lineup that consists of Hardy, Hudson, Denard Span, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and occasionally Jim Thome, having Punto hit ninth is hardly cause for concern. They need Punto’s glove more than anything else — despite Hudson’s four gold gloves, Hudson has rated below average defensively every year since 2005.

By increasing the payroll by roughly $25 million, the Twins move into the upper 1/3 of Major League Baseball. Somewhere between 9th and 13th is probably accurate. And why should Twins fans expect anything different? With a new stadium, a successful, winning ball club, and plenty of public interest, the Twins don’t need to sit at the bottom of the payroll rankings.

What’s even better is how the Twins front office went after the two best-possible middle infield options this offseason (in my opinion) for their respective prices/values. Hardy’s offensive numbers will undoubtedly rebound to some degree, but his defense more than covers for his $5.1 million price tag. And Hudson’s .353 wOBA over the last three years is 6th-best among MLB second basemen, behind Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Brian Roberts and Dan Uggla (thanks, Parker).

Plus, with Hudson, the Twins not only found one of the best-hitting second basemen in baseball, they also found a perfect right-handed 2-hole option. You all know how obsessed I am with loading the top of the order with high-OBP guys. Well, Span+Hudson is plenty of OBP for Mauer, Morneau and company to feast on.

Twins fans, go freaking crazy. This is what an awesome offseason feels like.