Tired of the lack of production from veterans, the Rockies continue looking from within to bolster their bench.
Two weeks after cutting ties with one-time elite pinch-hitter John Mabry, the Rockies designated outfielder Steve Finley for assignment today to clear a roster spot for Triple-A slugger Sean Barker. The Rockies have 10 days to trade or release Finley.
Barker, who turned 27 last month, hit .333 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in 45 games for the Sky Sox. Like Brad Hawpe, Barker spent part of his collegiate career at Louisiana State, hitting .382 in 2002.
Finley, 42, remained solid defensively. His range and arm strength easily adaptable to Coors Field. However, he couldn’t get on track at the plate, hitting .181 in 94 at-bats with one home run and two RBIs.
With the promotion of Ryan Spilborghs, who took Mabry’s roster spot, Finley became the odd man out. The Rockies signed Finley to a $1 million contract at the beginning of spring training that became guaranteed when he made the opening-day roster.
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[...] The Rox DFA Steve Finely. Finely was hitting just .181 in 94 ABs with just 1 HR. That 1 HR was against, you guessed it, the Giants. Now thats the Finely I remember. [...]
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