July 16, 2007

D-Backs notebook: Salazar victim of numbers game
Jack Magruder, Tribune

MILWAUKEE - Three days after making arguably the best catch in Chase Field history, Jeff Salazar found himself the victim of a squeeze play that will cause him to return to Triple-A Tucson.

Jeff DaVanon will be activated today following the expiration of his 20-day rehabilitation assignment, and Salazar is the odd man out despite hitting .333 in his six starts.

“There are times during the season when you make moves that are very difficult,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He played well enough to stay. He has to keep his head up. We like him in this organization.”

“That means a lot,” Salazar said when Melvin’s comments were relayed.

“Maybe I made an impression on them. Maybe they have a place for me. I’m hoping to get back up.”

Salazar took a home run away from Brian Giles when he leaped three feet over the right field fence in the fifth inning of the D-Backs’ 8-3 victory over San Diego on Friday, and he also threw a runner out attempting to score from second base on a single.

He was promoted when Carlos Quentin was optioned to Tucson on July 6.

DaVanon has not played all season after undergoing ankle and shoulder surgeries last year.

DaVanon, a switch-hitter, could be used in a platoon with Scott Hairston, with Eric Byrnes playing left or right depending on the other starter.

DAVIS RETURNS
Doug Davis, who won 34 games from 2004-06 in Milwaukee, visited the Brewers’ clubhouse before the game to say hello to old friends and also bumped into general manager Doug Melvin.

“I wouldn’t mind coming back,” said Davis, whose contract with the D-Backs does not expire until after the 2009 season.

“I wouldn’t mind staying where I am. Playing in Phoenix is a lot closer to home. I’d much rather stay where I am at.”

Wednesday’s starter, Davis said he is eager to hear the fans’ response, adding, “I did pretty good here. I didn’t leave as a free agent. I didn’t leave (like) a Carlos Lee.”

KNEE AGGRAVATING TRACY
Chad Tracy, who played most of last season with tendinitis in his left knee, has a similar pain in his right knee and expects to get an MRI when the D-Backs return from this road trip.

“It’s a little more painful than the other one. It doesn’t hurt to hit. It hurts a little bit getting out of the (batter’s) box, slowing down and preparing for ground balls a 100 times a game. You have to play through things,” Tracy said.

Tracy said he would consider a cortisone shot if the pain persists.

SHORT HOP
The D-Backs continue to negotiate with their top two draft picks, right-handers Jarrod Parker (ninth overall) of Norwell (Ind.) High and Wes Roemer (50th overall) of Cal-State Fullerton, and appear to be close to signing Roemer.

The eighth player taken, Vanderbilt closer Casey Weathers by Colorado, signed for $1.8 million, although a high school player may expect to receive a little more since he has the leverage of a college scholarship.

Teams have until Aug. 15 to sign their draftees or lose them.