Who's on Second? The Diamondbacks Need a Second Baseman

Last offseason, following the departure of Orlando Hudson, the Arizona Diamondbacks priority was to find a second baseman. They signed Felipe Lopez to a contract for 2009, but sent Lopez to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline, leaving the Diamondbacks looking once again for a middle infielder.

This year, the Diamondbacks front office downplayed the need for a second baseman, claiming they had internal candidates Rusty Ryal, Ryan Roberts, and fan-favorite Augie Ojeda. These were the same alternatives they had last season. So the question is why are they content to use a combination of these three this year?

As the non-tender deadline passed, the Arizona Diamondbacks were suddenly rumored to once again be in the market for a second baseman. Not just any second baseman, they were interested in former Atlanta Braves starting second baseman Kelly Johnson.

This is not the first time Johnson has been linked to the Diamondbacks in rumors. During the offseason last year, it was rumored that Arizona was shopping outfielder/first baseman Conor Jackson to the Braves in exchange for Johnson. That deal did not come about and now a year later Arizona is talking to Johnson’s agent.

Word came out today that Arizona had made a formal offer to Johnson, rumored to be a one or two year deal. Team officials do not expect to hear a response from Johnson or his representatives until after the holidays.

If they are somehow able to sign Johnson, the team will likely move Augie Ojeda. There have been persistent rumors that the Texas Rangers are interested in Ojeda. A combination of Ojeda and catcher Chris Snyder may land reliever C.J. Wilson, whom the Diamondbacks are interested in for their bullpen.

So for the second straight season the Diamondbacks appear to be going deep into the offseason with question marks surrounding their middle infield. Not necessarily a good sign for a team that relies on their sinker-ball pitchers for success.