Lopez signing fills D-Backs' primary need

LAS VEGAS • With the addition of second baseman Felipe Lopez, the Diamondbacks left the winter meetings by answering their primary need.

Lopez, whose $3.5 million contract will become official when he passes a physical exam, adds a left-handed bat (he is a switch-hitter) against right-handed pitching, can defend at second base, runs well and can hit at the top of the lineup.

He will replace Orlando Hudson in a starting lineup that is now full.

“Until a contract is signed, it’s not something we’re going to comment on,” D-Backs assistant general manager Peter Woodfork said.

If Lopez passes his physical, the D-Backs have 11 of their 13 position players set for 2009, with their primary need a late-inning pinch-hitter.

They already have had talks with Tony Clark and seem prepared to offer him a contract in the $700,000-$800,000 range to return as a pinch-hitter and first base reserve.

The other spot could go to a fifth outfielder, a third catcher, or an infielder capable of playing three positions.

With the addition of Lopez and the return of Ojeda, the D-Backs seem unlikely to tender a contract to infielder Chris Burke, one of the seven players the D-Backs must decide on by Friday night’s deadline.

“I would be excited to come back. I would love to make up for the season I had last year,” said Burke, who hit .194 in 165 at-bats after being acquired with Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez for Jose Valverde last winter.

Left-hander Wil Ledezma and catcher Robby Hammock also are candidates to be non-tendered. Players who do not receive an offer become free agents.

SCRATCH ARTHUR RHODES

Seattle agreed on a two-year contract with Arthur Rhodes, removing another name from the D-Backs’ left-handed relief options. Joe Beimel and Brian Shouse remain on their radar.

“We have a lot of options,” assistant general manager Peter Woodfork said. “There are ongoing discussions.”

Closer Chad Qualls and setup men Tony Peña and Jon Rauch appear to be the late-inning relievers, with Doug Slaten the only veteran left-hander in the mix.

Daniel Schlereth, the D-Backs’ 2008 No. 1 draft pick out of the University of Arizona, also could be on the fast track, but he has pitched only one-half of a minor league season and would not appear likely to start 2009 in the major leagues.

EXTRA BASES

The D-Backs took catcher James Skelton in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft Thursday, and consider him a candidate to make the opening day roster, although that would mean they carry three catchers.

Skelton, 23, does not have a catcher’s body – he is 5-foot-11, 165 pounds – but has hit .300 in each of his last three minor league seasons with Detroit after signing as a 14th-round pick in the 2004 draft.

He hit a combined .303 last year with 10 doubles, five home runs and 21 stolen bases. He profiles as a selective, patient hitter, with 179 walks against 176 strikeouts in his minor league career.

“We do know he can hit,” D-backs player personnel director Jerry Dipoto said.

“The catch/throw part of the game is a work in progress. This was a unique opportunity to get a guy who has plus offensive skills.”

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