D'backs shouldn't bring back Gonzalez

So Luis Gonzalez has let it be known he wants to play for the Diamondbacks next season and is willing to accept whatever role Arizona might have for him.

It's a nice thought, Gonzalez finishing his career in the place where he became an icon, in front of fans who adore him.

But let's put sentimentality aside for a moment and be practical: There's no room on the roster for Gonzalez.

Assuming the Diamondbacks don't make an offseason trade, they have four outfielders who will demand playing time: Conor Jackson, Chris Young, Justin Upton and Eric Byrnes. Even if manager Bob Melvin keeps a fifth outfielder, he'd likely prefer someone who would be a late-inning defensive replacement or a pinch-runner.

Those aren't Gonzalez's strengths. Plus, he can only play left field, which diminishes his value.

Could Gonzalez strictly be used as a left-handed bat off the bench? Perhaps, but he was terrible as a pinch-hitter last season, hitting .156 with one homer and five RBIs in 45 at-bats.

No, as much as the fans would like to see Gonzalez in a Diamondbacks uniform again, it just doesn't make sense.

One last thing: Gonzalez has put the organization in an uncomfortable position by going public. If the Diamondbacks don't sign him, they'll hear from their fans. It's possible they'll lose season-ticket holders.

But Arizona can't be concerned with the public relations hit it might take. Melvin and general manager Josh Byrnes' only priority should be to assemble the best 25-man roster possible.

And that doesn't include Gonzalez.

Scott Bordow is a sports columnist for the East Valley Tribune, the Daily News-Sun's sister newspaper in Mesa. He may be reached at 480-898-6598 or via e-mail at or sbordow@evtrib.com.