From the Arizona Republic’s Bob McManaman :
The Diamondbacks are happy with young Chad Tracy at third, but they also are targeting free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus (above) from the Anaheim Angels in the event Sexson leaves. If Arizona can entice Glaus – no small feat – then Tracy could be asked to play first or move to the outfield.
3B Shea Hillenbrand is arbitration eligible this winter, along with four other Diamondbacks.
“There are so many different scenarios that could play out, it wouldn’t be fair to him,” General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said, when asked to define Hillenbrand’s future. “The bottom line is we know there are a number of areas where we need to improve, and we’re actively talking both to free agents and to other teams in terms of trades about those areas.”
Arizona’s roster won’t start to be defined until the club handles the Richie Sexson issue. It is believed the Diamondbacks’ most recent offer – two proposals each worth at least three years – is their last.
If Sexson balks, they likely will turn their full attention toward Glaus, who has Sexson-type power-hitting abilities. They also are interested in third baseman Tony Batista, who hit .241 with 32 home runs and 110 RBIs for the Expos.