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A couple of notes on the D-backs signing of Kelly Johnson today and what it could mean going forward:

-- D-backs manager A.J. Hinch had lunch with Johnson on Wednesday and is optimistic about Johnson rebounding from a sub-par 2009.

"He's a nice addition for us," Hinch said. "He knows how to put together an at-bat. He's a high character guy and a good worker."

Johnson was 7-for-9 in the stolen base department last year and Hinch could see that total increasing.

"He wants to run a little bit more," Hinch said. "He's a good base runner and could be a better base stealer. It's something he's going to work hard on."

-- As to what the signing means for other infielders on the roster I think some have been a little quick to say that Augie Ojeda is certain to be traded.

The team signed Johnson with the idea that he is going to be the starter at second so that would push Tony Abreu into a backup role, which in fact could make Ojeda the odd man out. It's also possible that the team could keep Ojeda and give Abreu some additional time in Triple-A.

Hanging onto Ojeda at least during the spring would make sense. The D-backs learned the hard way last year that a perceived surplus at a position can disappear in a hurry. Remember when we talked last spring about how Bob Melvin was going to find playing time for all his outfielders?

As for Ryan Roberts, he'll still get a chance to earn some at-bats both at second and in left field. If Conor Jackson ends up playing a lot of first base, Gerardo Parra and Roberts could be a good combination in left.

-- As far as whether the D-backs are done with their winter moves, it's hard to say. They are almost right at their budget for 2010, but they could end up spending a little more than they planned if a quality free agent is still sitting there in late-January/early-February and is willing to sign for a big discount.

The team could also have some money to spend if it deals catcher Chris Snyder and the $4.75 million he is owed next season.

-- The addition of Johnson along with a return to health of Conor Jackson should help lengthen the D-backs' lineup. Both are players that know how to put together good at-bats and work deep counts.

The D-backs have solidified their bullpen and given their starting rotation a new look this offseason.

Their work, however, is not done yet.

With about $3 million left in their budget, the D-backs have an offer out to free agent Kelly Johnson and expect to hear in the next couple of days whether the former Braves' second baseman will accept it.

Johnson is a player the D-backs have long liked. Though he has played some outfield, Arizona appear to be interested in Johnson as a second baseman.

If Johnson were to accept their offer and get the starting nod at second, the D-backs could shift Tony Abreu into a utility infield role. That would make infielder Augie Ojeda expendable. The team learned during the Winter Meetings that there is interest in Ojeda so moving him would probably not be a problem.

The D-backs could also elect to keep Ojeda initially and give Abreu more seasoning at the Triple-A level.

Even though signing Johnson would put them at their budget, the D-backs could wind up with some wiggle room if they were able to trade Chris Snyder and the $4.75 million he is owed next season. The D-backs had agreed to trade Snyder to Toronto earlier during the offseason in exchange for first baseman Lyle Overbay, but the Blue Jays backed out of the deal due to concerns about Snyder's surgically repaired back.

The D-backs will also continue to monitor the free agent market to see if one of the prices fall for some players as Spring Training approaches.

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