Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Finley?
The Phillies have reportedly expressed interest in Diamondbacks / Dodgers Centerfielder Steve Finley. A few thoughts:
- Finley is a terrific centerfielder and would fill the Phillies biggest defensive hole (provided that they re-sign Polanco). Given how often flyballs are hit at Citizens, an upgrade in centerfield could have a significant effect on the Phillies overall defense and the quality of the Phillies pitching staff. (See yesterday's post.)
- Offensively, he'd be a good fit: .272 GPA and just 82 K's to 61 walks, not bad for a guy who hit 36 home runs last year. I'd like his OBP (.333) to be higher, but he'd hit well for the Phillies in the two hole.
- The big minus here is his age. Finley will be 40 on opening day next year. The Phillies would be nuts to ink a long-term deal with him, but a one-year deal like the one they gave Millwood would make sense.
If the Phillies re-signed Polanco and got Finley they'd be in a good spot for 2005. I'm a little startled to see the Phillies move so quickly on the free agent front. This is usually a timid team when it comes to the off-season.
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