FanHouse SteveFinley

Say it ain't so, Steve, say it ain't so! Finley became an NL West legend this year when he signed to play ride the pine for the Rockies, completing his cap-wearing circle of every team in the division. But alas, after a forgettable start to 2007 which included only 17 hits in 94 at-bats and one home run, Steve Finley has been designated for assignment. The Rox have 10 days to trade or release Finley (which would then make him available for yet another NL West team!).

To recap the merry-go-round, Finley was a hero in San Diego, being a key piece to their 1998 World Series puzzle. After that, Steve won a ring in 2001 with Arizona. In 2004, he was traded at the deadline in time to deliver one of the biggest home runs in Dodger history which knocked out the Giants and secured the division title for LA. His stint last year with San Francisco was certainly forgettable -- he hit just six home runs and batted .246 in 426 at-bats. And Steve Finley's Rockie career was even less spectacular. But nobody can ever say he didn't make the rounds.

Will some other team find a hidden treasure in Finley? Or will the aging outfielder be resigned to hanging it up? At 42-years-old, I'm sure Finley can't be too far from retirement. Getting cut by Colorado has to be a sign.

Here's a look around the NL West and what final roster moves your team made to prepare for Opening Day:

Diamondbacks: Infielder Brian Barden and utility man Robby Hammock made the squad. Hammock showed promise in '03 and '04, but missed all of '05 because of shoulder surgery. Right handers Dustin Nippert and J.D. Durbin won the final spots in the bullpen. (via East Valley Tribune)

Dodgers: Matt Kemp made the club as the final outfielder, beating out Larry Bigbie and James Loney (who hit .414 in Spring and didn't take the news well), presumably because Kemp's a right-handed hitter while Bigbie and Loney are lefties. Wilson Valdez will replace Rafael Furcal on the opening day roster. Furcal will start the season on the DL retroactive to March 23rd. Rudy Seanez is the final pitcher on the 11 man staff. (via LA Times)

Giants: They're going with a 12 man pitching staff, the seven men in the bullpen will be Armando Benitez, Vinnie Chulk, Kevin Correia, Brad Hennessey, Steve Kline, Jonathan Sanchez, and Jack Taschner. Scott Munter and candidate for the closer job, Brian Wilson, were optioned to Triple A amongst others. Todd Linden made the team as a bench player, Mark Sweeney was placed on the DL to start the year, and Jason Ellison was traded to the Mariners. (via Giants official site and Contra Costa Times)

Padres: Mike Thompson and Kevin Cameron made the final two spots in the bullpen. Cameron is a Rule 5 draft pick from Minnesota. Paul McAnulty will be the final bench player. (via San Diego Union-Tribune)

Rockies: Veteran John Mabry (pictured) beat out Ryan Spilborghs and Alexis Gomez for the final bench spot. Mabry is a left-handed pinch hitter who can fill holes as a corner outfielder and corner infield. Jeff Baker and Steve Finley are the other bench players in the outfield. Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez were awarded the final spots in the bullpen as well. (via Denver Post and Rockies.com)