Felipe Alou Watches Steve Finley Take Grounders

Giants manager Felipe Alou is taking a long look at 41-year-old outfielder Steve Finley as Finley takes grounders at first base. Finley, batting .280 with four triples and three stolen bases, would cut into the playing time of right-handed first baseman Lance Niekro, 27, who has only one homer while batting .228. Finley bats left and therefore would see more favorable matchups against the more numerous right-handed opposition pitchers. However, even though Finley is thought to be in good physical shape despite his age, he would still be regarded as no better than a reserve even with increased time at first.