Trying to get D-backs manager Kirk Gibson to talk about lineup decisions during the season is tough.

Trying to get him to answer lineup questions during the offseason is virtually impossible.

Gibson will have plenty more decisions to make this year when it comes to filling out his lineup card thanks to the work put in this winter by general manager Kevin Towers.

Only time will tell whether the decisions to trade outfielders Chris Young and Justin Upton along with top prospect Trevor Bauer will prove to be good ones, but the GM has given his manager a lot of flexibility for 2013.

"It will allow me to match up to different guys," Gibson said of the roster moves. "It's going to allow me to have a much stronger bench."

Towers and Gibson have made known their preference for veterans on the bench, and they will have them this year with the additions of Eric Hinske and Eric Chavez.

"We have a lot of depth," Gibson said. "I just think overall what it does to our lineup is gives us an opportunity to go different ways."

The starting outfield figures to be Jason Kubel, Adam Eaton and Cody Ross. That leaves Gerardo Parra as the fourth outfielder. However, unlike in previous years where you could count on Young and Upton being in the lineup unless injured, Gibson will be more apt to rest the trio and give Parra his share of playing time.