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.