BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Finley Is Open to Negotiations

Believing that Whitey Herzog has solid plans for the Angels’ future, pitcher Chuck Finley said Wednesday he is more inclined to sign a long-term contract with the club than to venture into free agency after next season.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Finley said. “You could (get big money as a free agent), but I really enjoy playing here.”

Second baseman Luis Sojo, whose season ended Tuesday when he cut his left thumb and right pinky on a knife during a clubhouse prank, said he was generally pleased with his year. Herzog praised Sojo’s defensive skills Tuesday and said: “I think we can win a pennant with him.”