D-Backs notes: Other options if Slaten's not ready

TUCSON - Left-hander Doug Slaten threw off a mound for the first time Sunday, and while the Diamondbacks believe he will have time to get ready for the start of the season, there is some doubt.

“I don’t think it’s definite with him,” general manager Josh Byrnes said.

If Slaten is delayed, the D-Backs could break camp with both Dustin Nippert and Brandon Medders in the bullpen. Both are out of options, and there appears to be room for only one if there are no health issues.

Medders is fully aware of the situation, and understands the D-Backs could trade him rather than risk losing him on waivers.

“Number one is to make this team, and not go through waivers or get traded,” Medders said.

“I would much rather be here. We’ll see what happens. I look at it as I am pitching for 30 other teams, too.”

Medders, 27, has had solid numbers in most of his major league time.

He was 4-1 with a 1.78 ERA in half a season with the D-Backs in 2005 and was 5-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 2006. He scuffled a year ago, when he was 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA and gave up nine home runs in 29 1/3 innings before being returned to the minors.

GOING DEEP

It took four years, but Conor Jackson finally batted against Brandon Webb and his state-of-the-art sinking fastball.
The two had not been scheduled to face each other in spring training batting practice until Monday, when Jackson hit a home run over the fence in right-center.
“It was a wind-aided fence-scraper, but I’m not going to let him forget it,” said Jackson, adding, “I’ve heard about him when guys (opponents) get to first base. I finally got to see him.
“It’s nasty.”

TESTING, TESTING

The D-Backs underwent their first mandatory drug test Monday morning.

“It’s a great thing. They can test me every day, I could care less,” outfielder Eric Byrnes said.

Asked if it were necessary, Byrnes quipped: “Did you watch the offseason?”

The tests are invasive, however, with a monitor from the testing agency required to view the delivery of a urine sample.

“I’d prefer not to have a grown man standing there looking … but if they have to do it for the greater sake of the game, I’m in,” Byrnes said.

“They watch the whole thing.”

SHORT HOPS

Chad Tracy reported no knee soreness after doing very limited running Sunday. He is expected to begin working in the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill Wednesday. …

Randy Johnson is expected to throw again Thursday, Melvin said, although it has not been determined if he will throw batting practice. …

The roster for the split-squad exhibition game Sunday in Hermosillo, Mexico, has not been announced, but right-hander Edgar Gonzalez already knows he will go. He is looking forward to it.

Gonzalez plays winter ball in Hermosillo and expects he will need 20 or so tickets to cover family and friends. Manager Bob Melvin and Josh Byrnes will be on the trip, and president Derrick Hall and general partner Jeff Moorad also are expected.