D-Backs content with roster logjam going into '09

If you think the Diamondbacks have a logjam at the corner infield/outfield spots and must make a trade to unblock in the offseason ... well, think again.

The D-Backs said they will be comfortable bringing back Conor Jackson, Eric Byrnes and Chad Tracy in 2009 to compete for time at left field and first base.

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Manager Bob Melvin also said he now sees Jackson as primarily a left fielder who might occasionally play first, a scenario that would set up a direct battle between Jackson and Byrnes for the starting job alongside Chris Young and Justin Upton that Byrnes vacated because of hamstring injuries this year.

And with improved health expected to enable Tracy to play more third base along with Mark Reynolds, the D-Backs could have four players for three spots, with production determining playing time.

"It could give us some competition and some job-sharing, which might be a good thing," general manager Josh Byrnes said.

"With four guys for three spots, a lot of it (playing time) is going to be on merit," said Melvin, whose D-Backs concluded a frustrating 2008 season with a 2-1 victory over Colorado, pushing them over .500 at 82-80 and getting Randy Johnson career victory No. 295.

"That may be a good thing. They could push each other," Melvin said.

A sense of urgency appears to be the D-Backs' theme going into 2009.

"I think we have to create more questions and more urgency," said Melvin, whose 2008 starting group was basically set entering spring training last February, a circumstance that may have led to too much security for a younger group.

"Maybe this year coming in, being kind of a set lineup, maybe I should have pushed that a little more. Maybe there should be more competition. Going into spring training next year, competing for jobs is going to be important."

Eric Byrnes, who injured a hamstring in a spring training foot race and was bothered the rest of the season before being shut down in July, said he welcomes the idea.

"I never expect to be given a job. I know I have to earn it," Byrnes said.

"I look at it as a good problem. Good teams have excess guys, and they should. I'm not concerned about that. In my mind, if I show up (in spring training) and play like I can, it is not going to be an issue."

Byrnes' three-year contract extension in 2007 includes a full no-trade clause, which would seem to preclude a deal. He did leave some wiggle room, however.

"No one wants to be where you are not wanted. Never say never," he said.

"At the same time, it would have to be some sort of perfect situation for me. I signed to play here. That's why the no-trade clause was so important. I've been shipped off before. But until there is an indication for this club, and there hasn't been ...

"All that other stuff is so distant. That's not my focus. My focus is on getting read to play. I have confidence in myself that I am a pretty good player when healthy."

The D-Backs also have talked about Reynolds playing some second base, where they will be searching to find a replacement for Orlando Hudson, expected to test the free-agent market.

"It could be my last time in this clubhouse," Hudson said. "That's a question" for the front office. "Hopefully, I'm still here."

The D-Backs also will let Adam Dunn explore free agency.