Second base first priority for D-Backs

The impending loss of Orlando Hudson via free agency makes second base the first priority as the Diamondbacks begin to chat up other teams at the annual general managers' meetings this week.

Teams rarely make trades at this point, although the talks that take place could lead to action at the winter meetings early next month in Las Vegas.

"Primarily, we have to deal with second base somehow," D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes said from the meetings at Dana Point, Calif. "Other than that, we will be a little bit patient."

The D-Backs have talked about moving Mark Reynolds from third base to second, but that seems more of a Plan B at this point in the team-building process, even though Reynolds is all for it.

Still, "it could be either," Byrnes said about adding at second base or third.

If the D-Backs moved Reynolds, "we would have to find a third baseman we liked.

"In our assessment, there is probably more selection at second base," said Byrnes, who remains wide open.

The D-Backs will consider a trade or a free-agent signing, Byrnes said, and have both younger and veteran players in their sights.

The top potential veteran free-agent second baseman, Mark Ellis, recently signed a new two-year contract with Oakland and is off the market.

Ray Durham and Craig Counsell are veterans available.

The Pirates will listen to offers for Freddy Sanchez, who grew up in the Boston system and thus is very familiar to Byrnes. But Sanchez will make a total of $14.1 million through a 2010 option, and the D-Backs do not want to spend that much on a second baseman.

"I don't think there will be a lot of deal-making," Byrnes said, "but there will be conversations we will continue down the road."

The D-Backs' decision at second base could play into Randy Johnson's return, too.

Johnson has not filed for free agency, the only one of the D-Backs' seven candidates who has not filed.

The D-Backs have budgeted about $3 million to $5 million for Johnson, who is expected to seek a one-year deal in the $10 million range.

"We'll have a little better idea once we get back from the meetings," Byrnes said of Johnson's possible return.

Even if Johnson does not come back to get his300th victory in Arizona, Byrnes said the D-Backs are unlikely to go after a starting pitcher.

"I think we're comfortable," Byrnes said. "There are a lot of ways to solve that. If Yusmiero Petit ends up as the leading candidate" for the final spot in the starting rotation, "we could see that."

Second basemen on the market

FREE AGENTS

Player Age 2008 team Chatter

Craig Counsell 38 Milwaukee A poor year led the Brewers to decline his option, but he always plays well in Arizona

Ray Durham 36 San Francisco, Milwaukee Switch-hitter still has pop but would have to play for less than the $7.5 million he earned last year

David Eckstein 33 D-Backs The D-Backs expressed early interest in bringing him back after adding him Aug. 31.

Mark Grudzielanek 38 Kansas City Missed the final two months of 2008 with ankle injury

Felipe Lopez 28 Washington, St. Louis Good offense, spotty defense; the Cardinals appear to want him back

Nick Punto 30 Minnesota A great defender all over the infield with good speed but very limited power

POSSIBLE NAMES OF INTEREST

Player Age 2008 team Chatter

Chris Getz 25 Chicago White Sox Considered the Sox's second baseman of the future, with Alexi Ramirez moving to shortstop

Howie Kendrick 25 Los Angeles Angels Ideal combination of skill, affordability ... and Angels know that, too

Brian Roberts 31 Baltimore Consummate leadoff hitter will make $8 million next year before free-agent eligibility in '10

Freddy Sanchez 30 Pittsburgh Two-time All-Star probably too costly at $6.1 million in 2009, $8 million option in 2010