Arizona Paper: Cubs Scouting Steve Finley
The Arizona Republic reported yesterday (Mark Gonzales, “Changes brewing at BOB,” 6/29/2004) that the Cubs had someone scouting the Diamondbacks’ Steve Finley during Monday’s game. I don’t doubt the reporting that the Cubs had a scout at the Diamondbacks’ game, but I do doubt whether the Cubs have interest in Steve Finley. Finley is having a terrific year, as he’s currently 3rd in the majors among centerfielders in EqA. But centerfield is not the Cubs’ problem. Corey Patterson has been above average, and is “only” 10 runs behind Finley in Equivalent Runs (which amounts to a difference of about one team win). Finley would be an upgrade this year, but not enough of one to make a large difference. The Cubs need a shortstop, and they need Kerry Wood back.
There’s another possibility: The Cubs could be considering Finley for leftfield (a swap of veterans, with a Cubs prospect thrown in, perhaps), with Moises Alou struggling (sub-.200 batting average in June). That seems equally unlikely, and really wouldn’t be much of an upgrade either, assuming Alou begins hitting again.