PHOENIX -- The D-backs have had informal conversations with the agent for free-agent infielder Ramon Vazquez and are expected to have more detailed discussions later this week.

"We've talked a few times," Vazquez's agent Melvin Roman said. "But nothing specific yet. I think we are scheduled to talk later this week."

The D-backs' top priority this offseason is finding a second baseman to replace Orlando Hudson, who is all but certain to leave via free agency.

Vazquez, 32, played 70 games at third, 26 at short, 11 at second and one at first for the Rangers in 2008. He is regarded as a good defender and as a left-handed hitter who would fit nicely in a right-handed heavy Arizona lineup.

He had the best offensive season of his eight-year Major League career last season when he hit .290 with a .365 on-base percentage. His OPS+ (a weighted measure of on-base percentage plus slugging) was 111, which means according to that statistic he was 11 percent better than the league average at the plate.