July 21, 200422 yr Finley top trade target as talks heat up By Mike Berardino and Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writers Posted July 21 2004 NEW YORK ? Trade talks involving Arizona outfielder Steve Finley appear to be heating up, and the Marlins are right in the thick of the competition. According to a source close to the discussions, the Marlins, Phillies and Rangers have made the most aggressive bids for the prospective free agent. A National League source who has talked with the Marlins said Finley has become their primary trade target. "That's the hottest one," the source said. San Diego, where Finley played previously and still has a home, had been considered the early frontrunner but has lost ground because it wanted the Diamondbacks to take back outfielder Jay Payton. Finley, 39, can block any trade as a 10-year veteran who has spent the past five seasons with the same team. However, that might not be an issue as his frustration mounts with the last-place Diamondbacks. An industry source told the East Valley (Ariz.) Tribune on Tuesday that Finley appears ready to leave Arizona and probably would not block any trade to a contending team. Earlier this month, a Finley associate said the outfielder would be open to playing for the Marlins, provided they were in contention. It's unknown what the Marlins are offering for Finley, who is still due about $2.85 million this season, but the Diamondbacks have been scouting the Marlins' minor league clubs in recent days. The Marlins also would likely ask the Diamondbacks to pay a significant portion of Finley's salary, something their competitors might not be as adamant about. A bid built around Double-A first baseman Jason Stokes and Double-A left-hander Bill Murphy could get the Diamondbacks' attention. Double-A right-handers Trevor Hutchinson and Randall Messenger, reserve outfielder Abraham Nunez (a former Arizona farmhand) and Triple-A infielder Josh Wilson are other potential trade pieces in a deal that could also net the Marlins veteran catcher Brent Mayne. Even if they don't get Finley, the Marlins are considered the leaders for Mayne, who recently came off the disabled list. The only three untouchables in the Marlins system are all at Class A Jupiter: outfielder Jeremy Hermida, lefty Scott Olsen and right-hander Yorman Bazardo. If they land Finley, the Marlins would likely move him from center field to right. Miguel Cabrera would then bounce from right back to left field, where he played most of last season, with Jeff Conine moving into a loose platoon at first base with Hee Seop Choi. The Marlins have told teams they believe there are only two offensive "difference-makers" available through trade: Finley and Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado, however, is still due close to $7.5 million through season's end. He also can block any trade. David Sloane, his Coral Springs-based agent, says Delgado isn't going anywhere without a multiyear extension. INJURIES Mets first baseman Mike Piazza left Tuesday's game in the second after spraining a wrist in a collision with Juan Pierre. ... Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo left the game in the eighth with back spasms. He is day-to-day. NO THANKS Ready to pitch in the majors again after completing a rehab assignment, reliever Turk Wendell won't be returning to the Rockies. He cleared out his Coors Field locker Monday and reportedly told some teammates he might land a job with the Marlins once he becomes a free agent. Wendell, who considered signing here in the offseason, is not in the Marlins' plans, an industry source said. ... Sidelined right-hander Josh Beckett (skin tear) completed a bullpen session Tuesday without incident. He'll throw another Friday. If the Marlins keep their rotation in order, Beckett would likely start at home July 30 against the Expos. TAKING ON THOME Though he was leading the majors in homers (31) and ranked among the top five among NL hitters in several offense categories, don't look for the Marlins to treat the Jim Thome like Barry Bonds tonight when the two teams play the first of two in Philadelphia. Only eight National League hitters have struck out more than Thome (84). "He's got a few more spots you can pitch to than Barry," said lefty specialist Matt Perisho, who has held Thome to a homer and struck him out four times in five at-bats. and another article.. Trade speculation centers on Finley, Big Unit By Ed Price, Tribune There he was on display again Tuesday, one of the few Diamondbacks stars left from the 2001 World Series winners, giving his usual all-out effort in another losing cause. Steve Finley, that is. Like ace Randy Johnson ? the losing pitcher in Tuesday's 3-1 victory by the San Francisco Giants at Bank One Ballpark ? Finley has been the subject of trade talk between the D-Backs and other teams. An industry source said Finley is likely to approve a trade to a contender, and that Texas, Philadelphia and Florida have been the most aggressive pursuers. In light of the team's losing ways and the swirling Johnson saga, the source said of Finley: ?I think he's ready to go. I think he would not block it.? The Diamondbacks have lost nine straight, the second-longest skid in team history (to the 11-game slide last month). Arizona's six-game home losing streak is a franchise record, and the team has lost 25 of 29 overall, the first such stretch since San Diego went 4-25 early last year (April 26-May 27). Johnson ? who has said he would consider waiving his no-trade clause to go to a contender ? dropped to 10-8 despite allowing only two earned runs in seven innings as two New York Yankees scouts looked on. San Francisco's Jerome Williams (9-6) improved to 3-0 in three career head-to-head meetings with Johnson, allowing just four hits and one unearned run in seven-plus innings. As a ?10-and-5? player ? 10 years in the majors, the past five with the same team ? Finley has the right to veto any trade. But he doesn't want to talk about scenarios. ?It's useless for me to even speculate,? said Finley, tied for sixth in the National League with 22 home runs. ?The only thing that I've asked of the club is that I don't want it to go down to the 11th hour.? Finley is eligible for free agency after the season. Even if the D-Backs deal Finley, it seems he and the team are open to his return in 2005. An NL source told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the Marlins have made Finley their primary trade target. A Florida scout has been monitoring Arizona during the homestand (with an eye on catcher Brent Mayne as well). Florida's available prospects could include Class AA pitchers Bill Murphy, Trevor Hutchinson and Randy Messenger and first baseman Jason Stokes. An official with one team attempting to land Finley would not be specific in what the D-Backs had asked for but said ?they are looking for the best deal they can make.? Much speculation about Finley has centered on San Diego, where he once played and still makes his home. But the Padres apparently have not made competitive offers.
July 21, 200422 yr Conine can play the 3rd outfield spot. The marlins should get someone who could platoon more like Danny Bautista.
July 21, 200422 yr Conine can play the 3rd outfield spot. The marlins should get someone who could platoon more like Danny Bautista. 467974[/snapback] :blink: Finley and Conine would be the perfect platoon. Finley crushes righthanded pitching while Conine crushes lefties.
July 21, 200422 yr Finley is going to turn 40 and makes 7 million a year. If I'm going to give up prospects I would like someone younger. Unless they are only thinking of this year. 467976[/snapback] Whoever we get it's only going to be a half-year rental so it doesn't really matter.
July 21, 200422 yr I wouldnt like to give up on Stokes just yet ... but in order to get talent you must give up talent ::ughie::
July 21, 200422 yr i think we can give up Stokes because Choi has improved as the season has progressed and will get better.
July 21, 200422 yr Finley top trade target as talks heat up A bid built around Double-A first baseman Jason Stokes and Double-A left-hander Bill Murphy could get the Diamondbacks' attention. Double-A right-handers Trevor Hutchinson and Randall Messenger, reserve outfielder Abraham Nunez (a former Arizona farmhand) and Triple-A infielder Josh Wilson are other potential trade pieces in a deal that could also net the Marlins veteran catcher Brent Mayne. Even if they don't get Finley, the Marlins are considered the leaders for Mayne, who recently came off the disabled list. The only three untouchables in the Marlins system are all at Class A Jupiter: outfielder Jeremy Hermida, lefty Scott Olsen and right-hander Yorman Bazardo. The Marlins have told teams they believe there are only two offensive "difference-makers" available through trade: Finley and Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado. 467971[/snapback] wow Bill Murphy isnt an untouchable? and the Marlins think Finley and Delgado are the only 2 difference makers?.... thats a was of bulls***
July 21, 200422 yr All I can say is when it comes to Mike Berardino (who obviously is who the writer, Ed Price, Tribune, is referring to in his piece), YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THE SOURCE and his motivation. Mike is still on his jihad against the Fish. Nothing has changed.
July 21, 200422 yr All I can say is when it comes to Mike Berardino (who obviously is who the writer, Ed Price, Tribune, is referring to in his piece), YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THE SOURCE and his motivation. Mike is still on his jihad against the Fish. Nothing has changed. 468118[/snapback] I actually LOL to jihad comment. I agree.
July 21, 200422 yr Finley is going to turn 40 and makes 7 million a year. If I'm going to give up prospects I would like someone younger. Unless they are only thinking of this year. 467976[/snapback] Read the article chico It's unknown what the Marlins are offering for Finley, who is still due about $2.85 million this season, Thats pretty cheap for a player like him
July 21, 200422 yr If they wait a few weeks, they might be able to get AARP to pick up most of his salary...
July 21, 200422 yr I still believe there's a blockbuster trade on the horizon and when it's done we'll have at least one new starting pitcher (to replace Penny who will be traded) and a frontline starting catcher (you know who). The Marlins aren't going to pay Penny $8 million next season, that you can take to the bank. They can sign Pavs now for less. Because Penny isn't free agent eligible for another year he clearly has the most value.
July 21, 200422 yr getting finley would be big for this club it would platoon steve with choi and move miguel to lf, where he is more comfortable get it done beinfest
July 21, 200422 yr I'm still trying to figure out why they're bothering with Brent Mayne... :blink: 468139[/snapback] me too
July 21, 200422 yr espn sez.... (about the Finley rumors) One source that has been in contact with the Phillies says they would make Marlon Byrd available in a major trade. The Marlins have been dangling outfielder Abraham Nunez (a former Diamondback), while clubs have been asking them about minor-league pitcher Bill Murphy, who just pitched in the Futures Game. Interesting, could this come down to a bidding war with the Phillies for Finley? & to add on the Brent Mayne thing, if Redmond is in fact seriously wearing down then maybe it makes some sense, but he's an awfully weak hitter, so may as well just keep going with Treanor & Willy as backups.
July 21, 200422 yr We'll give them Castro, Oliver, Perisho and Harris. 4 for 1. What a deal. And if you act now you get Nunez as a bonus. Wait there is more this deal also includes Bump. Act now. 468241[/snapback] and peanuts
July 21, 200422 yr There will be a trade in the Marlins future for one simple reason: David Samson. Since the big mouth thinks that he can predict how many games the Marlins are going to win a season, he probably sees the current situation as something that could prove him wrong for this season. Well Mr. Ego isn't going to let that happen and he is going to do everything it takes to get as close to that mark as possible. Now who exactly they are going to go after is anybody's guess, but you have to trust management(especially Beinfest)in what they are doing. Rent-a-player or not, it was the rent a players last season that helped us win the World Championship (Uggie, Pudge, etc), so even if the Fish have to give up one or two names in the Minors, its atleast worth it to try and make a run , especially considering that they are only 2 games out of it. My only concern is that if they go to the minor well too many times, they are going to be in trouble when they really need players. :confused
July 21, 200422 yr Let him talk. If he is right, thats good. If this team can put a couple of winning seasons in a row, it will do better in the long term that just having a winning season every so often.
July 21, 200422 yr Finley doesn't excite me at all. 468299[/snapback] Doesn't turn me off, though. :lol
July 21, 200422 yr Let me repeat something I opined a few weeks ago. I believe part of the Marlins business strategy is to use the July 31st trade deadline and the concept of rentaplayer as a way to employ players that the team could otherwise not afford.
July 21, 200422 yr Let me repeat something I opined a few weeks ago. I believe part of the Marlins business strategy is to use the July 31st trade deadline and the concept of rentaplayer as a way to employ players that the team could otherwise not afford. 468362[/snapback] I'm sure there's some truth to that. If the team can hang in the race through July, they add a mercenary or two for the 2nd half at a reduced price tag.
July 21, 200422 yr Del gado and Finley are the only offensive differince makers...... lmao i still think Beltrain is the best thing out there... and the stro's will be trading em after this week....... I like some you am not turned on by finley commin to da team...... couldnt we just get Batista for less????? im ready to trade Penny, Conine, and Castillo..... for Beltrain and Kent.....
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