D-Backs notebook: Contract extension for Melvin likely in works

The fallout from the Diamondbacks’ sudden success could lead to a long-term reward for manager Bob Melvin.

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“My bet would be” that discussions will be held on a contract extension for Melvin, a team source said before Game 1 of the NL championship series Thursday.

Melvin, a top NL manager of the year candidate along with Colorado’s Clint Hurdle, has one year and an option remaining on a contract that was reworked last July.

“We recognize the great job he has done,” managing partner Ken Kendrick said.

“We have a lot of things to address once the season is done, but (right now) he’s got his head down and we’ve got our head down.”

General manager Josh Byrnes will have two years remaining on his original four-year contract after this season, and there is some sentiment that the further the D-Backs advance, the greater the chance he could get a new deal.

“You want to keep good people,” partner Dale Jensen said.

SURGERY FOR QUENTIN

The Diamondbacks lost some flexibility in any attempt to add a starting pitcher or two this winter when potential trade piece Carlos Quentin underwent surgery Thursday to repair labrum and rotator cuff problems in his left shoulder.

Quentin’s recovery time is expected to be six months, according to D-Backs officials, which would make him unable to play until mid-April and untradeable until he returns to health, not that the D-Backs are committed to moving him.

With Chad Tracy’s return from right knee surgery also likely to extend into 2008 spring training, however, the D-Backs have lost two potential trading chips as they shop for rotation support.

They will need a replacement for free-agent-to-be Livan Hernandez and may consider acquiring another starter as insurance for Randy Johnson, who underwent back surgery in July. The D-Backs are committed to a trade rather than entering the more expensive free agent market.

Quentin, projected to be the starting right fielder and a middle-of-the-order bat, suffered a labrum injury in a spring training game March 16 against Oakland and was never the same.

He hit .214 with five home runs, 16 doubles and 31 RBIs in 229 at-bats. He was optioned to Tucson for three weeks in mid-summer and later suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for a month.

“You talk about powering through, he powered through this one,” Melvin said. “He needed the surgery and got it fixed, so I think he will be good to go next season.”

SAME TEAM, NEW SERIES

The D-Backs kept the same 25-man roster for Colorado that they had for the Cubs’ series, staying with 14 position players and 11 pitchers.

“It worked last time,” Melvin said. “The only thing we were in between on was 10 pitchers. With a possible seven games, it is even more necessary to have another guy down there (bullpen).”

The D-Backs stuck with Alberto Callaspo over Emilio Bonifacio, in large part because Callaspo provides depth as a fifth outfielder.

SHORT HOPS

Orlando Hudson (left thumb) continues to dress and do conditioning work with the team as it advances in the postseason, but he has not swung a bat yet and the chances of his availability should the D-Backs advance to the World Series are basically nil.

Bonifacio has been with the D-Backs through both postseason series in case a position player gets hurts. According to a rule put into place this season, an injured player can be replaced during a playoff series, although that player can not return in any subsequent series. Yusmeiro Petit and Brandon Medders also are still with the club in case a pitcher is injured.