D-Backs notebook: Eckstein could stay if Hudson leaves

LOS ANGELES -  The Diamondbacks acquired David Eckstein for the stretch run, not with an eye toward the future. But it may turn out that way.

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Eckstein is among the candidates to play second base for the D-Backs next season, several members of the organization said recently, if the D-Backs are unable to retain Orlando Hudson.

"It's Orlando's job," Eckstein said.

The thing is, the D-Backs do not appear to have much of a chance to keep All-Star and Gold Glove Hudson, who will become a free agent at the end of the season - as will Eckstein - and appears certain to test the market.

Moreover, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants would seem to be in the market for a second baseman of Hudson's caliber, and for the Dodgers and the Mets, money never seems an object.

While Eckstein has played 974 of his 998 major league games at shortstop after Preston Gomez convinced the Los Angeles Angels to play him there, he has made a favorable impression at second base in his short time here.

He has looked at home at the position, has extensive minor league experience there and believes that may be his position moving forward.

Eckstein is to earn $4.75 million this season on a one-year deal he signed as a free agent with Toronto, and he might be expected to earn about the same, affordable salary next season.

"It's been such a whirlwind right now," said Eckstein, familiar with the Valley after spending four spring trainings in Arizona with the Angels.

"This is definitely a great club. I don't know what their plans are."

Chris Burke and Augie Ojeda also could be candidates for the second base job, although Ojeda also could fill the role of a super infield sub. Mark Ellis and Mark Grudzielanek are to be free agents this winter.

Manager Bob Melvin likes what he has seen of Eckstein.

"He's been great - everything you expect," Melvin said. "He seems to be right in the middle of everything."

WEBB GOES FOR NO. 20

Brandon Webb, who leads the NL with 19 victories, will make his third try to become the league's first 20-game winner this afternoon. Cleveland's Cliff Lee was the first major leaguer to reach 20, hitting that Monday.

Webb has lost his last two starts, but Melvin was quick to dismiss a report that he has tendinitis in his right arm.

"That's inaccurate," Melvin said.

Webb did have a slight case of tendinitis in early June, when he had subpar starts against the Mets and Oakland. After those two games, he won his next eight decisions.

SHORT HOPS

Justin Upton was given another night off Friday, but Melvin said health was not an issue, and he is planning to start Upton on Sunday against Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw and could put him back in the lineup today. Upton sat out the final two games of the St. Louis series after being struck behind the right ear by an errant pickoff throw to first base Monday.

"The Eric Byrnes Show" was nominated for two Emmy awards for the Rocky Mountain Southwest region. On-air personality Todd Walsh received six nominations for his work on both the D-Backs and Phoenix Coyotes, including one for his interview with Randy Johnson for the segment "In My Own Words: Randy Johnson."

The D-Backs will stay in rotation for the San Francisco series that begins Monday, with Yusmeiro Petit starting the first game against Giants' Cy Young Award candidate Tim Lincecum. Doug Davis will oppose Bary Zito on Tuesday, and Dan Haren will face Kevin Correia on Wednesday. Petit and Davis will be pitching on an extra day's rest.