Arizona wasn't sure they'd be able to retain OF-L Steve Finley given the interest in him on the open market. However, the Diamondbacks managed to keep him away from the competition, including division rival San Francisco. Finley signed a two-year, $11.25M contract on Saturday.

While he would have preferred a longer deal, Arizona was understandably wary about committing to anything involving more seasons given Finley already is 37 years old. Finley displayed additional patience at the plate last year, taking more walks and consequently increasing his OBP. If he maintains this improved strike zone judgment, it could significantly aid him in holding his value as he continues to age. He also had some problems with his elbow that could have interfered with his power this year, so we may see a return to closer to 30 HR in 2003, though general age issues could also leave that number in the mid-20's. I have some concerns about his ability to remain healthy through the contract, but the Diamondbacks should receive solid production from Finley as long as he can avoid injury.

Of their unsigned free agents, Arizona offered arbitration to LHP Brian Anderson, CR-R Greg Colbrunn, and 1B-L Mark Grace. I'm quite surprised with the Anderson decision, but the club is worried about their starting rotation next season, as the only starters they have set for the rotation are LHP Randy Johnson, RHP Curt Schilling, RHP Miguel Batista, and RHP John Patterson. Anderson provides the Diamondbacks with insurance in case they fail to acquire someone else. Unless he finds a multi-year deal in the next week, I expect Anderson to accept the arbitration offer.

Arizona has always been fond of keeping several versatile infielders around, so the offer to Colbrunn isn't unexpected. However, he's likely to find considerable interest on the open market and will probably decline arbitration in order to seek a longer commitment and possible starting job on another team. The situation with Grace is just odd considering the rumors of a contract agreement during the post-season.

IF-L Chris Donnels and RHP Armando Reynoso have agreed to return to the organization on minor league deals. Donnels will compete for a job in Spring Training, but I don't see him breaking camp with the team unless they move an infielder in addition to DH-L Erubiel Durazo this off-season. The 36-year-old has consistently displayed solid plate discipline and moderate power, however the Diamondbacks aren't likely to significantly increase the 80 AB he received this past year. Reynoso missed most of last season with a variety of injury problems and wasn't displaying strong skills before that time. If Arizona isn't successful in finding another starter, the 36-year-old will compete for a place in the rotation, but the Diamondbacks should work hard to find an alternative.

Elsewhere in the AL West, the Padres signed CR-L Dave Hansen to a two-year, $1.3M contract. He'll reportedly receive $550,000 in 2003 and $750,000 in 2004. While San Diego doesn't seem in need of Hansen's pinch-hitting skills, the Padres haven't severely overpaid him, and he should be fine trade bait sometime over the course of the next two seasons.

RHP Jaret Wright signed a one-year, $750,000 deal with San Diego on Tuesday. Wright spent last season recovering from shoulder surgery, and while his minor league rehab went fairly well, his major league performances demonstrated significant problems. The Padres don't have room for him in their rotation, so San Diego may try to use him out of the bullpen, since he doesn't appear to currently possess the stamina for starting, having been more or less injured for the past three seasons. I think Wright could pitch acceptably for them as a reliever, but I don't think the Padres needed to sign him, and he seems overpaid.

San Diego has also signed OF-L Brady Anderson, RHP Carlton Loewer, and UT-R Chris Sexton to minor league deals. Anderson sat out the remainder of the 2002 season after the Indians released him in late May. While he's struggled at the plate for the past few years, the 38-year-old has shown solid plate discipline and maintains moderate speed and power skills. He could provide the Padres with an acceptable reserve outfielder for a portion of next season.

Loewer didn't pitch this past season in part because he underwent surgery to remove metal rods that were inserted in his left leg in 2000 after he fell out of a hunting stand and broke both his legs and left ankle while also injuring his shoulder. He's had numerous problems since the accident, but San Diego hopes that he'll be able to realize some of the potential he had when Philadelphia drafted him with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 1994 draft and when the Padres traded RHP Andy Ashby to acquire him with RHP Steve Montgomery and RHP Adam Eaton. However, I doubt the 29-year-old will see the majors in 2003.

Sexton spent last season with the Reds' AAA affiliate at Louisville, where he hit .316 with a .378 OBP and .454 SLG on 131 H, 29 2B, 5 3B, and 6 HR with a 42:41 BB:K and 3/5 SB% in 414 AB. The 31-year-old is versatile in the infield and deserves an opportunity to make the team as a bench player, though several players will likely be competing for the same roster spot.