Diary of a Diehard

With 2009 just a few short days away the number of trades and free agent signings has slowed tremendously. Most teams are relatively set from a roster perspective. There will still be some movement as the free agent pool is still quite deep.

The Diamondbacks have made the bulk of the moves they are going to make this off-season. They have a couple of offers out to players but overall the roster is beginning to solidify at least until the beginning of Spring Training.

Starting perhaps a week before pitchers and catchers report there will be a whirlwind of activity as remaining free agents scramble to secure jobs for the 2010 season. There will be deals to be had if teams are willing to accept some risk or sign a player for a single season.

From a Diamondbacks perspective their bullpen make-over is relatively complete. The only remaining question is whether a deal can be struck with the Texas Rangers for reliever CJ Wilson. Arizona has been rumored to have offered catcher Chris Snyder but so far Texas has not been interested.

First base remains a question mark. Rookie Brandon Allen seems less likely with each passing day to be the answer the Diamondbacks are looking for. Instead they are suggesting that left fielder Conor Jackson may get the bulk of playing time at first.

From an offensive perspective that would benefit the Diamondbacks but defensively that will be a challenge both for Jackson and for the team. Given the error totals of Stephen Drew and Mark Reynolds, I would be much more comfortable if the team could find a defensive stalwart to play there.

The Diamondbacks remain interested in Atlanta Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson. This is a more curious move. General Manager Josh Byrnes has been eager to bring Johnson to Arizona since he became GM. The team has an offer out to the free agent and is waiting for a response.

Looking over the Diamondbacks depth chart a few things jump out. Arizona has an abundance of middle infielders especially with the potential addition of Johnson.

From the depth chart it would appear Augie Ojeda and Ryan Roberts stand the best chance of making the team out of Spring Training as the utility player. Rusty Ryal stands an outside chance but could find himself back in Reno to begin the year.

Of course all of this could change with one transaction so your mileage may vary.