PHOENIX -- Steve Finley packed an extra bag for the Diamondbacks' seven-game road trip that begins Monday in Houston, in the event he does not return soon.

"My just-in-case bag," said Finley, who is in the final year of his contract and is the subject of much trade speculation as the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline approaches.

 

"I don't want to be caught naked."

 

Finley packed extra shoes into a second travel bag as he went through his locker 2 1/2 hours before game time Sunday, reiterating that he would not agree to a deal if he could not play center field.

 

As a player with at least 10 years in the Major Leagues and the last five with the same team, Finley can veto any trade.

 

He also signed a box of baseballs for teammates and was given the ball that commemorated his 2,200th Major League hit, as well as the base that marked his 300th career theft. Both milestones came this season.

 

"Personally, I'd hate to see him go," said left fielder Luis Gonzalez, who is to undergo season-ending ligament replacement surgery in his shoulder the first week of August.

 

"We've played together for 10, 11 years."

 

Finley and Gonzalez were teammates in Houston from 1991-1994 and were reunited with the D-Backs in 1999.

 

Manager Al Pedrique said he tries not to get caught up in the trade rumors that follow Randy Johnson and Finley, and to a lesser extent Danny Bautista and Roberto Alomar.

 

"I try not to get too anxious about the situation because I don't like to get my hopes high or too low about it. We have to play one day at a time and whatever happens, happens," Pedrique said.

 

"If we lose Randy, that's part of the business," he said. "We need to move on and figure out how to get it done without the 'big fella.' We will miss him big time, but that's baseball. Today we're here. Tomorrow we can be somewhere else."

 

HOPEFULLY ITS FOR A TRADE TO THE MARLINS !!!!!!!!! (He definatley knows its gonna take place today or tomorrow )

he wants to play CF?

thats not a deal breaker, but it would be better if he played right

 

anyways, GET IT DONE BEINFEST

^^^^story already posted

i hope we dont give something major for this guy cause he already said that he would re-sign with them in the off-season

I just hope this doesn't bring Pierre down cause it sounds like he'll be moving to left field and I don't think he's too thrilled about that.... JP is a team player, but I hope that doesn't affect him in any way.

i dont think Pierre has any problem with playing Left

i dont think Pierre has any problem with playing Left

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Well, I only say that after reading today's Herald. Pierre was saying it would be a big adjustment for him. I'm sure he would do it for the better of the team, but it would suck to have to move over from a position that he's played in every inning this season cause the new guy refused to play any other position...

i just dont think Pierre is the type of player that would get mad over just moving him from center to left........maybe if another player started over him but just moving another position im sure hes fine with it

he wants to play CF?

thats not a deal breaker, but it would be better if he played right

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Where have you been, buddy?

why move pierre to left when we would be great in right running down those flyballs in the alley that cabs always seems to miss.

why move pierre to left when we would be great in right running down those flyballs in the alley that cabs always seems to miss.

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he has no arm.

 

having a strong arm is the #1 most important defensive prerequisite for playing right field.

I like it baby! Que venga ya!!!

FINLEY FINLEY FINLEY!!

Pierre is better off in center because he can cover more area than Finley with his speed.

Pierre is better off in center because he can cover more area than Finley with his speed.

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yup i agree.

i think pierre might be better off in left because of his weak arm

Finley's not as fast as JP certainly, but he moves really well in center.

 

His arm is at least average, which might save a base once in a while, where Pierre in left maybe won't hurt quite as much.

 

I don't think JP loves the idea, but he'd go along with it.

It is my opinion that finley really won't care about his play wherever he ends up. He is obviously commited to going back to zona in the offseason, so why would he care what he does for his 2 month stay with his new team?

Forget Finley, Bring Walker!

I just hope this doesn't bring Pierre down cause it sounds like he'll be moving to left field and I don't think he's too thrilled about that.... JP is a team player, but I hope that doesn't affect him in any way.

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i can see it affecting him, remember that slump he went into when he was first moved to the #2 spot in the line up? he ain't been the same since.

I just hope this doesn't bring Pierre down cause it sounds like he'll be moving to left field and I don't think he's too thrilled about that.... JP is a team player, but I hope that doesn't affect him in any way.

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i can see it affecting him, remember that slump he went into when he was first moved to the #2 spot in the line up? he ain't been the same since.

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have you been watching the games lately? I'm pretty sure he "recovered".

It is my opinion that finley really won't care about his play wherever he ends up. He is obviously commited to going back to zona in the offseason, so why would he care what he does for his 2 month stay with his new team?

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He has already publicly said that he will not play any other position except center field.

It is my opinion that finley really won't care about his play wherever he ends up. He is obviously commited to going back to zona in the offseason, so why would he care what he does for his 2 month stay with his new team?

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i guess he might be concerned with potentially lowering his price as a free agent.

It is my opinion that finley really won't care about his play wherever he ends up. He is obviously commited to going back to zona in the offseason, so why would he care what he does for his 2 month stay with his new team?

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i guess he might be concerned with potentially lowering his price as a free agent.

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Why would it matter if he is already dead set on returning to arizona?

It is my opinion that finley really won't care about his play wherever he ends up. He is obviously commited to going back to zona in the offseason, so why would he care what he does for his 2 month stay with his new team?

476488[/snapback]

i guess he might be concerned with potentially lowering his price as a free agent.

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Why would it matter if he is already dead set on returning to arizona?

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i'm sure you'd agree that whatever contract arizona offers him for next season would be based upon his performance this year as a 39-year-old.

 

and no, i'm almost positive he hasn't said publicly that he's "dead set" on returning to arizona.

i prefer pierre in center than left because his speed makes up for his arm strenth which means he can get to the ball a lot quicker which again makes up for his weak arm meaning that his speed CAN prevent an extra base.