D-Backs notebook: Webb, team backed out of extension in June

Brandon Webb confirmed he would have received about $54 million through 2014 on a contract extension that was negotiated but then tabled in June.

Webb said talks broke down over smaller issues, after the money and terms were agreed upon, and it appears unlikely talks will resume during the season.

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“We did make progress working toward an agreement on Brandon Webb,” D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes said in an e-mail. “Negotiating in-season is always delicate, and we could not resolve enough issues to justify continuing the process in-season.”

Webb is to make $5.5 million in 2009, and the D-Backs have an option that is worth $9.5 million and growing for 2010.

Webb already has earned an extra $1 million on his 2010 option by finishing in the top five in NL Cy Young Award voting in both 2006 and 2007, and he could add $500,000 more to the option if he finishes in the top five this season.

HAND IN HAND

Randy Johnson’s dominant run on the mound has coincided with the substitution of Chris Snyder behind the plate.

After Miguel Montero primarily caught Johnson in the first half of the season, it has been Snyder behind the plate in four post-All-Star break starts.

Johnson has gone 3-1 with a 0.66 ERA in 27 1/3 innings pitched in that span.

Snyder’s defensive prowess is the main reason he is the everyday catcher.

“Snydes, with anybody (on the mound), is an easy fit,” Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s very aware of the opponent. He’s really come quite a ways here in recent years, and I think he’s as good as anybody as far as calling a game.”

GETTING CLOSER

Justin Upton took swings in the batting cages under Chase Field with his teammates before Wednesday’s game and could be headed for a rehabilitation trip in the minor leagues in the next few days.

“He will probably go out about the time that we do,” Melvin said.

The Diamondbacks begin a six-game road trip on Aug. 12 in Colorado.

Upton hasn’t played since July 8.

Arizona can afford to take its time bringing back Upton because Alex Romero has been a capable fill-in at right field since the injury.

MAD NO MORE?

Bob Melvin earned the moniker “The Mad Scientist” from broadcaster Mark Grace last year after the success the team had with his various lineups.

In 162 games, Melvin put out 146 different batting orders.

The nickname has stayed with him this season, even though Melvin doesn’t believe he’s done nearly as much tinkering.

The D-Backs have used 96 lineups in 113 games this year.

“When you flip-flop two guys in a spot or have one (reserve) in there, it makes for a new lineup,” Melvin said, “but it’s not like I’m making wholesale changes every day.”

SHORT HOPS

Doug Slaten (knee) pitched in his second rehabilitation game Wednesday and will likely be activated in the next two days. The Diamondbacks have been without a left-hander in the bullpen since Slaten was placed on the disabled list on July 19. …

Randy Johnson had his way of getting even, stepping off the rubber as Doug Mientkiewicz entered the batter’s box in the first inning. The pair exchanged words last time they faced when Johnson thought Mientkiewicz was taking too long to get in the box between pitches.

TODAY'S GAME

Braves at D-Backs

When: 6:40 p.m.
Where: Chase Field
TV/radio: FSN Arizona/KTAR (620 AM)
Line: Arizona 140-150
Records: Arizona 59-55; Atlanta 52-62
Probable pitchers: Atlanta right-hander Charlie Morton is 2-5 with a 6.56 ERA. He was called up on June 14 when John Smoltz went on the disabled list, but he has just three quality starts in eight games.
Arizona right-hander Yusmeiro Petit is 1-2 with a 3.03 ERA. He was slotted into the rotation after Micah Owings was sent to the minors, and he gave up three runs in five innings in a loss to the Dodgers in his first start since the move.

Series at a glance: Injuries have hit the Braves hard, but they expect to get 3B Chipper Jones back from the disabled list on Friday and recently welcomed back All-Star catcher Brian McCann, who missed seven games with a concussion. Jones was flirting with .400 for awhile and is currently hitting a major league best .369. ... The Braves traded cleanup hitter Mark Teixeira to the Angels on July 29, effectively waving the white flag on the season. Atlanta is 3-6 since the trade. ... Tim Hudson leads the team in wins with 11, but is out for the season after recent surgery on his right elbow.