D-backs: A.J. Pollock signs

It's official.

A.J. Pollock is a D-back. Or at least he's officially on his way to becoming one.

On Tuesday, Pollock, the 17th overall pick in last month's First-Year Player Draft, signed with the D-backs three days after coming to an agreement with the team. He is expected to begin his pro career this week at Class A South Bend of the Midwest League. As a junior center fielder for Notre Dame in South Bend last year, he hit .365 with a .443 on-base percentage and slugged .610.<p>

He said he is sharing a house with outfielder Marc Krauss, selected in the second round out of Ohio University by the D-backs last month.

"It's about two miles down from Notre Dame and I couldn't have scripted out a better start," he said. "I'm excited. Everything about it is working out right now and I just can't wait to play some ball again."

Pollock said he grew up a Mets fan in Connecticut and considers Mike Piazza and David Wright among his baseball heroes. He also followed the Red Sox.

Now, he has a new favorite team.

"I'm just really looking forward to getting going," he said. "It's a dream come true for me."