Counsell doesn't see return in '07

Nick Piecoro
The Arizona Republic
September 6, 2006

MIAMI - Craig Counsell isn't ruling anything out. He's not angry. He's just telling it like he sees it, and right now, he doesn't see himself with the Diamondbacks in 2007.

"I don't think there's a fit here for me next year," Counsell said. "They've got three guys on the infield that are going to play every day. I guess I don't see the at-bats."

Counsell was referring to second baseman Orlando Hudson, third baseman Chad Tracy and shortstop Stephen Drew, the positions at which Counsell has primarily played throughout his career.
Counsell, 36, would like to find a job playing every day, either at second base or shortstop. He has shown in the past few seasons that he can handle both positions defensively, and he says it doesn't matter which one he's at, just so long as he can play regularly.

Counsell has been with the Diamondbacks since 2000, except for a one-year stay in Milwaukee after he was a part of the Richie Sexson trade.

"Not many people get to play six years in one place," Counsell said. "And obviously, you have the World Series in there. It means something to me. It's not just another team."