Arizona Diamondbacks’ GM Kevin Towers confirmed to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com that the team and Kelly Johnson have an arbitration hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 16.  However, the two sides are talking today with the hopes of avoiding the arbitration process.

Earlier this month, Tower said, “This case may be a little tougher. It’s a pretty tough case.”  At the time the sides had not talked since the numbers were filed at the end of January.

Johnson is seeking $6.5 million, while Arizona countered with $4.7 million.  The infielder made $2.35 million in 2010.

Johnson hit .284 with 26 home runs and 71 RBIs in his first season with the Diamondbacks in 2010.