01/25/2008 6:34 PM ET Notes: Big Unit making progress D-backs manager pleased after watching Johnson throw By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com PHOENIX -- Bob Melvin has watched Randy Johnson play catch lately, and the D-backs manager likes what he's seen. Johnson, who suffered a reherniation of a disc in his back last season and underwent back surgery during the summer for the second consecutive season, is expected to be ready to go when pitchers and catchers have their first workout on Feb. 15. "He's fairly close to throwing off the mound," Melvin said. "He probably will throw off the mound a few times before we get to Spring Training." In 2006, Johnson had his back surgery in October and was not fully healthy during Spring Training last year. This time around, having the surgery in July has allowed him more time to strengthen his back heading into camp. A healthy Johnson would be a big boost for the D-backs rotation. After scuffling a bit in his first few starts in 2007, the Big Unit had a five-start stretch from May 15-June 10 in which he went 4-0 with a 1.52 ERA. He struck out 42 in those games and walked just four. "If last year is any indication, when I'm healthy, I can still pitch," Johnson told MLB.com last month. "I know I can still pitch at that level and get the results that I want." Johnson is entering the final year of a two-year deal he signed when the D-backs re-acquired him from the Yankees in January of 2007, and he is just 16 wins away from recording No. 300. "Just watching him play catch with his arm, it's unbelievable," Melvin said. "He's got the arm of a 25-year-old." Brandon Webb will get the nod on Opening Day, and if Johnson is healthy, it's likely that Melvin would put him in the No. 2 slot in the rotation, followed by Dan Haren, Doug Davis and Micah Owings. That way lefties Johnson and Davis aren't pitching on consecutive days. "We haven't gone down that road quite yet," Melvin said of the rotation alignment. "If everyone is healthy, ideally I'd like to split the lefties up." Tracy swinging: Infielder Chad Tracy had begun taking batting practice. Tracy, who had microfracture surgery on his right knee last year, hopes to be ready by Opening Day, but a blood clot in the leg has complicated matters. Whether he's ready in April or early May will depend on how he continues to progress. "I threw to him last week," Melvin said. "Based on what I saw, I'm encouraged. He hasn't run yet, though, and running will be the real test for him. We're going to take it one step at a time and not rush him." The club has explored the possibility of signing a veteran first base/third base type player to a Minor League contract as insurance. Eric Hinske is one player they've looked at, but a baseball source said there were at least two others that were also under consideration. Numbers: There will be a No. 34 playing first base for the D-backs in 2008, it just won't be veteran Tony Clark. Clark, who was told by the club last month that it was pulling its contract offer off the table, wore No. 34 during his three years in Arizona. This year the number, as well as the first base position, will belong to Conor Jackson. "It's the number I had worn my whole life until getting to the big leagues because Tony obviously had it," Jackson said. "Another reason I wanted to wear it though is it's a nice way for me to pay tribute to him." Jackson has been working out locally at Athlete's Performance and is in a workout group with among others Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Carl Crawford. "They all talk about the American League East and what a tough division it is," Jackson said. "I tell them to come out here and see the pitching in the National League West. Once again this year, the pitching in our division is going to be ridiculous." The D-backs beefed up their pitching with the addition of Haren. "Our starting staff, are you kidding me?" Jackson said. "Our staff is sick. I'm excited for the season." Bang for their bucks: The Biz of Baseball, which is part of the Business of Sports Network, released an analysis recently that showed only the Rockies and Indians spent their player payroll money more efficiently than the D-backs in 2007. Fan Fest: The D-backs will host their fourth Annual Fan Fest on Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST. The free event will include autographs and photos with current players, coaches and broadcasters along with interactive games. The event will take place on the Gila River Plaza and main concourse of Chase Field. Autograph sessions featuring current D-backs players will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Each session will consist of two players autographing one item per person for one hour and will require a $5 donation to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Players will also participate in 30-minute photo sessions. For more information as well as updates, please go to www.dbacks.com/fanfest. --

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