D-Backs notebook: ’06 top pick Scherzer on fast track to join D-Backs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A late addition to the Diamondbacks, Max Scherzer may make an early arrival in the major leagues.

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Scherzer showed so much promise at three stops — Class A Visalia, Double-A Mobile and the Arizona Fall League — after signing with the D-Backs on May 31 that they refuse to put a ceiling on his landing spot in 2008.

He will be considered for the starting rotation, presumably if the D-Backs do not acquire Dan Haren or Hiroki Kuroda or others, or as a bullpen contributor, manager Bob Melvin said.

“He’s got great stuff,” said Melvin, who saw Scherzer in the Arizona Fall League, where he was 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 12 2-3 innings.

“He’s one of those fast-track guys, high-profile college guys that’s on the fast track to the big leagues. What he accomplished last summer and in the Fall League would suggest he’s pretty close.

“Whether it’s the bullpen or rotation, we’re still kind of trying to figure out, but I think he gives us options for both.”

Scherzer, the D-Backs’ No. 1 choice in the 2006 draft, struck out 18 and limited Fall League hitters to a .130 batting average.

Micah Owings would be the No. 4 starter and Edgar Gonzalez apparently would be No. 5 if the D-Backs enter spring training with the same cast, although that is not considered likely.

OJEDA REJOINS D-BACKS

Augie Ojeda, who impressed the D-Backs with his play, especially while filling in down the stretch after second baseman Orlando Hudson was out the season after suffering a thumb injury in early September, signed a one-year contract worth about $550,000 Wednesday.

Ojeda hit .274 in 57 games after joining the D-Backs on June 15, and he did not commit an error in 42 regular-season games while playing second base, shortstop and third base. He had six hits in 21 at-bats in the playoffs.

With his signing, Ojeda would seem to project as the one backup middle infielder the D-Backs are likely to carry. Alberto Callaspo, who held that spot when the 2007 season opened, has been mentioned as a trade candidate. He also has an option remaining.

The D-Backs appear to have only one remaining roster spot available for a position player, the one Tony Clark occupied last season.

INTENTIONS ON OWINGS

The D-Backs are considering the idea of at least letting Micah Owings, an occasional first baseman at Tulane, work at first base in spring training as a way to get his bat in the lineup if an emergency arose.

“It’s a hard thing to map out, other than he is a unique player,” general manager Josh Byrnes said. “We haven’t necessarily hatched a plan about how to get him ready for it in spring training, or regular-season usage. That’s a good bat to have around. Maybe there’s a way to use him more.”

SHORT HOPS

The D-Backs had their annual affiliates dinner here Wednesday, rubbing shoulders with the new owners of the Triple-A franchise that will play in Tucson this year and Reno in 2009. It appears likely the D-Backs will continue their affiliation in Reno that season. “It’s possible,” Byrnes said. “It’s good to have Triple-A clubs close, just for roster moves.” …

Luis Gonzalez has drawn interest from the White Sox, Minnesota, San Francisco, Tampa Bay and Texas, according to his agents, although a Giants official said it is highly unlikely Gonzalez will land there despite the fact he has launched several balls into McCovey Cove. …

With the trade of Carlos Quentin, the D-Backs are eligible for today’s Rule 5 draft of players left off major league 40-man rosters, although they are unlikely to participate. Other teams appear interested in Jamie D’Antona and Leyson Septimo. D’Antona hit .308 with 13 home runs, 43 doubles and 86 RBIs at Triple-A Tucson last season while playing catcher, first base and third base. Septimo was converted from the outfield to pitcher at instructional league this fall and has never pitched a competitive inning. …

The Yankees signed Valley native Cody Ransom to a minor league contract Wednesday. Ransom, an infielder who was a ninth-round pick of San Francisco in 1998, attended Chandler High before playing at Grand Canyon University.