Towers likes Gregorius at SS, Owings at 2B

SAN DIEGO -- Of course a lot could change between now and Opening Day 2015, but it's starting to look like the D-backs' double-play combination may very well be Didi Gregorius at short and Chris Owings at second.

That would leave veteran Aaron Hill at third base or a utility spot.

"In a perfect world, long term, I think hopefully it's Didi and C.O. with Hilly kind of moving around from second to third," D-backs general manager Kevin Towers said Wednesday. "My gut is that I think it will work. I love both of those guys. Didi is probably our best shortstop defensively. C.O. is probably the best offensive middle infielder we have. He seems to be comfortable at second. We'll have a chance to see him a lot in September and see how he looks."

Though Gregorius lost out on the starting shortstop competition this year, it appears the way he has performed while Owings was on the disabled list has convinced the D-backs that he should be the everyday guy at short.

"We knew we were buying a glove -- a very good glove, one of the better shortstops in the game," Towers said of trading for Gregorius prior to the 2013 season. "One of the better arms. I think he'll hit enough to be able to play every day. His defense is exceptional."

In addition, it sounds like the team would like have to versatile infielder Cliff Pennington back next year, his final year of control before he becomes a free agent.

"Veteran leadership, he can play multiple positions," Towers said of Pennington. "Having him kind of there with those two guys [Owings and Gregorius] is good."