Bloomquist declines option but hopes to stay

PHOENIX The Diamondbacks want Willie Bloomquist back, and he would like to return. But it is not quite that simple. Bloomquist on Monday declined his mutual option with the D-backs that would have paid him 1.1 million in 2012, making himself a free agent. At the same time, Bloomquist would like to continue to negotiate with the D-backs with the goal of adding at least one more year to a contract. Bloomquist appears to have some leverage. Signed last winter to serve as a multi-positional reserve, Bloomquist was thrust into the starting lineup when Stephen Drew suffered his season-ending broken left ankle in mid-July and responded well. He hit .266 with 10 doubles and 20 stolen bases in 97 games while providing a spark at the top of the order, accentuating that by going 7 for 22 in the leadoff spot in the NLDS against Milwaukee. He committed only five errors at short. Drews situation plays into the matter, since there does not appear to be a definitive timetable on his return at this point. You had a significant fracture to the ankle, with plates and screws in there. Everybody heals differently. Our hope is that he is ready in spring. Were cautiously optimistic hell be ready, but we have to be prepared if hes not, D-backs general manager Kevin Towers said in a postseason conversation with the media. The D-backs also announced Monday that they have accepted their mutual option on catcher Henry Blanco and have declined the options on second baseman Aaron Hill and left-hander Zach Duke. Blanco is to make 1.15 million this season. Right-hander Jason Marquis, shortstop John McDonald, first baseman Xavier Nady and first baseman Lyle Overbay filed for free agency Sunday, as expected. The D-backs would like to retain first base depth behind starter Paul Goldschmidt, and they are expected to speak to Overbay about returning in 2012. Overbay signed a one-year, 5 million free agent deal with Pittsburgh last winter, and it is likely his pricewould not be that steep this time after he hit .34 with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 121 games. He did have better success after signing with the D-backs in mid-August after Nady suffered a broken hand, hitting .286 with a homer and 10 RBIs in 42 at-bats while supplying the winner hit in two consecutive victories in reunion weekend inearly September.The move on Hill was no surprise to either side, because Hill was to be paid 8 million in 2012, the option year on his four-year, 12 million contract signed with Toronto in 2008. Hill received a 1 million buyout, and both sides expect to keep talking on a multi-year contract that would keep Hill close to home. Hill, from Visalia, Calif., said after being acquired from Toronto on Aug. 23 that he likes the area. He was an integral part of the D-backs stretch drive, hitting .315 with 12 doubles, two homers and 16 RBIs in 33 games with the D-backs while also adding a strong defensive presence.Follow Jack Magruder on Twitter