D-Backs notebook: Reynolds would welcome move to 2nd base

If the Diamondbacks want Mark Reynolds to move to second base next season, they will not have to do much convincing. “I love second base,” said Reynolds, a third baseman his first two seasons here.

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“I’m definitely open to it.”

The D-Backs expect to lose Orlando Hudson, their three-year starter at second base, to free agency in the offseason.

And while they have spoken to David Eckstein about possibly returning to play second in 2009 and also have Augie Ojeda and Chris Burke under control, moving Reynolds would give them a way to get more at-bats for Chad Tracy and, perhaps, Miguel Montero.

After another year removed from right knee surgery in 2009, Tracy said he expects to be fully capable of playing third base, his original position.

His knees have forced him to play almost exclusively at first this year.

Catcher Montero has been taking ground balls at third for a month, although he said Friday he would rather not change positions.

Reynolds, 25, is more amenable.

“I’ve been a middle infielder my whole life. It’s more comfortable for me,” said Reynolds, who has a major league-high 34 errors, 33 at third base.

“At second base, you can see where the catcher sets up, and you know what pitch is coming a little more often. Third base is more of a reaction position. You are almost in the game more at second base.”

Reynolds played shortstop at the University of Virginia and started there in the D-Backs’ minor league system after being a 16th-round draft choice in 2004.

He played 136 games at shortstop, 116 at third, 23 in the outfield, 21 at second at eight at first in his four minor league seasons.

AN UNWANTED RECORD

Reynolds leads the major leagues with 202 strikeouts, three more than Ryan Howard going into the last game of the regular season today.

If Reynolds does lead the majors in strikeouts, he will become the second player in history to lead the major leagues in strikeouts and errors in the same season.

Shortstop Roy Smalley had 114 strikeouts and 51 errors for the 1950 Chicago Cubs.

Reynolds’ 34 errors is the most in the major leagues by 10.

FINISHING STRONG

After being eliminated from playoff consideration Thursday, the D-Backs reset their goal to finish above .500, and at 81-80 can hit it today. “The .500 line in baseball is a line everybody aspires to,” manager Bob Melvin said. “You feel it’s more of a successful season if you are over .500. I’d certainly like it.”

SHORT HOPS

Edgar Gonzalez, who has missed the last three months while rehabbing a right elbow injury, said he hopes to pitch for Hermosillo in the Mexican Winter League this offseason.

Chad Qualls converted his seventh straight save opportunity since taking over the closer’s role Sept. 12 with a 1-2-3 ninth inning Saturday.

Stephen Drew has hit safely in 13 of his last 15 games.