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D-backs decline Tracy's 2010 option

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By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

11/05/09 2:55 PM EST

PHOENIX -- In a move that was expected, the D-backs on Thursday declined to exercise the $7 million contract option of Chad Tracy for 2010 and instead gave the infielder a $1 million buyout.

Thursday was the first day for players to begin filing for free agency and was also the deadline for the D-backs to decide Tracy's fate.

In addition, the club removed right-hander Daniel Cabrera from the 40-man roster and the veteran elected to become a free agent.

Pitchers Doug Davis and Scott Schoeneweis are the remaining D-backs that are eligible to file for free agency.

Ace Brandon Webb could become a free agent if the club does not exercise the 2010 option on his contract, however it is expected the D-backs will pick it up. Arizona has until five days following the conclusion of the World Series to do so.

The D-backs explored the possibility of signing Davis to an extension during the season, but the discussions did not go far, with the club thinking more along the lines of a one-year deal with an option and Davis looking for a three-year contract.

"I think he's probably done here," D-backs GM Josh Byrnes said at an end-of-the-season session with reporters.

Davis was acquired from the Brewers prior to the 2007 season in a deal that included catcher Johnny Estrada. The team immediately signed him to a three-year, $22 million contract, and he was 28-34 with a 4.22 ERA in 93 starts in that span.

"He pitched very well for three years," Byrnes said. "I think some of what this year showed us, it was a tough year for a lot of people and how they dealt with it, and Doug, which is not totally surprising, was fairly focused on his contract. We'll let him explore that. Right now we're just trying to get better. Right now I think there's a pretty big gap in what we might want to do and what he thinks is out there. I think it's probably going to lead us in a different direction."

Cabrera, meanwhile, was signed as a free agent in August after being released earlier in the season by the Nationals. After a stint with Triple-A Reno, he appeared in six games for Arizona, including one start, and was 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA.

Schoeneweis was acquired from the Mets in a deal last December and compiled a 7.12 ERA in a season that was filled with personal tragedy for him. His wife, Gabrielle, was found dead in the couple's home in May and he twice left the team, once going on the bereavement list following her death and another time when he went on the disabled list with depression.

The D-backs have several other left-handed relieving options, so it seems unlikely they will re-sign Schoneweis.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.