D'Backs Talk: Davis, Tracy, Eric Byrnes

Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes was forthcoming, talking to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic today.  Highlights: Payroll will likely be higher than the season-ending mark of $73MM.  They have about $60MM committed for 2010, assuming Conor Jackson is retained.  GM Josh Byrnes may have $15MM+ to spend. Byrnes has until the December 12th non-tender deadline to decide on Jackson, who must be paid at least $2.44MM if tendered a contract.  Byrnes intends to use that time to gather information, but his comments had a positive vibe. Free agents Doug Davis and Chad Tracy are not expected to return in 2010 (Tracy has a $7MM club option that will certainly be declined).  It'll be interesting to see who the D'Backs acquire to replace Davis. Brandon Allen does not have a lock on the first base job.  Second base will probably be filled internally. Byrnes admitted "the roster crunch on Eric Byrnes is pretty real," implying the could release th...