The Diamondbacks enter the offseason with a couple key objectives, which include finding a top-end starter to complement ace Brandon Webb and veteran Livan Hernandez, and deciding if they need to invest in a quality cleanup hitter or trust a fairly capable lineup without a proven slugger. If they decide they need both, the moves likely would occur through trades, not free agency.

BIGGEST NEEDS: Arizona has the defense, but it doesn't have the starting pitching to lead a group of mostly young position players and a bullpen that remains slim on postseason experience. With Miguel Batista probably leaving through free agency, there isn't a difference-maker among the rest of the candidates, and the Diamondbacks may have to part with some of their better prospects to fill this need. Webb and Hernandez aren't enough. Not nearly.

FREE AGENTS: LF Luis Gonzalez, INF Craig Counsell, UT Damion Easley, RHP Miguel Batista.

Gonzalez was told on Sept. 15 that his $10 million club option was not going to be picked up and the team had no plans for him next season, but he wants to be an everyday player and hopes to sign with a team in the NL West, potentially the Padres. There is interest in bringing back Counsell, but only for a super utility role, as shortstop and second base will be occupied by Stephen Drew and Orlando Hudson, respectively. Counsell has said he probably will pass on the offer and try to sign elsewhere if there's a chance to play every day. Easley likely will return in the role he played this year, as a bat off the bench and a player who can make starts at shortstop, third base and right field. Batista and his representatives have had preliminary talks with the club about returning, but it is thought he will sign elsewhere for more money, with the Mets possibly being an option.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 2B Orlando Hudson, C Johnny Estrada, OF Eric Byrnes, RHP Luis Vizcaino, RHP Claudio Vargas, RHP Juan Cruz, RHP Brandon Lyon, RHP Jorge Julio.

Hudson likely will receive a multiyear extension after basically having the best season of anyone on the club. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. Estrada is gone. He will be traded despite a stellar offensive season that saw him hit .302 with a career-high 11 home runs and finish with 71 RBIs. He has too many enemies on the club. Byrnes will be replacing stalwart Gonzalez in left field and is also eyeing a multi-year extension. The only pitchers who could be out of the loop are Cruz and Julio. Cruz is certain to gather interest from several clubs, but Julio has fallen off the radar some because of his wildness.

IN LIMBO: Estrada, Vargas, Cruz and Julio can't be sure of their futures, and ditto with left field prospect Scott Hairston, who has seen a job open in left field with the departure of Gonzalez, only to learn it will given to Byrnes. Estrada's situation is sure to be solved in the form of a trade, and he's already stated he would like to moved to Philadelphia, if possible. If not, destinations could include San Diego, if Mike Piazza doesn't re-sign, and perhaps San Francisco, which is near where Estrada was raised.

PROSPECT WATCH: CF Chris Young didn't get as many at-bats or starting assignments as some of the other youngsters among the position players, but the Diamondbacks have seen enough to know he can handle the job in center next year. He rates out on the plus side of every aspect of his game, and he could mature into a power hitter as well as speed burner with top-notch defensive skills. C Miguel Montero is thought of so highly in the organization, the club is willing to part with switch-hitting starting C Johnny Estrada, who was among the team leaders in RBIs. Montero was a September call-up and made several starts down the stretch. It looks as if he will be the man in 2007, with Chris Snyder helping provide a 1-2 punch. RF Carlos Quentin was promoted in July, and it wasn't long before the Diamondbacks agreed they would be better served trading Shawn Green away -- he went to the Mets -- to open up daily playing time for the rookie, who experienced his share of highs and lows during the second half.

MEDICAL WATCH:

1B Tony Clark, who had right shoulder surgery, should be fine by the time the team reports to spring training. He has one more year left on his contract.

OF Jeff DaVanon underwent surgery to repair a left ankle injury, and he will be ready in time for spring training. He has a player option to return to the club in 2007, and has indicated he plans to exercise it. He also had a cyst removed from his right shoulder late in the season.

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