D-backs targeting INF Aubrey Huff

While a lot can change next week at the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville, as it stands now the Arizona Diamondbacks are probably slated to start two right-handed bats at first (Paul Goldschmidt) and third base (Chris Johnson) going into Spring Training.

Seeking a left-handed bat to platoon with either Goldschmidt or Johnson, it apparently hasn’t taken long for general manager Kevin Towers to reach out to an available veteran.

In need of a backup corner IF, #Dbacks have made contact with Aubrey Huff, source said.

— Jack Magruder (@JackMagruder) December 1, 2012

Huff, a 12-year veteran, is very familiar with the NL West, having played the past three-plus seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Although the former fifth-round selection has won two World Series rings with the Giants (2010 and 2012), Huff’s numbers have dramatically decreased over the past few seasons.

In 2011, he finished last among NL first baseman in OPS (.676), and saw his batting average (.246), home runs (12), RBI (57) and walks (47) all take significant dives from the 2010 season.

Last year in San Francisco, Huff began the season as Bruce Bochy’s opening day left fielder, but injuries and a lack of production (.192 batting average, one home run and seven RBI), reduced him to a minor role during the Giants’ championship run.

As a Giant, Huff has made a living against the Arizona pitching, hitting .321 with seven home runs and 22 RBI.