Finley Envisions Playoff Rebirth With Indians

Visions of pitching in the postseason danced through Chuck Finley’s head during Thursday’s press conference to announce the Cleveland Indians’ signing of the former Angel left-hander to a three-year, $27-million contract.

“I dream every night about pitching in the playoffs and getting a chance to go to the World Series,” said Finley, whose first return to Edison Field will be Aug. 25-27. “I couldn’t have found a better situation than here in Cleveland. It’s a perfect fit for me.”

Finley, who pitched for only one playoff team (as a 1986 rookie) in 14 seasons with the Angels, said he turned down more lucrative offers to pitch for Cleveland, which is already considered a lock to win its sixth consecutive Central Division title next season. The Indians, whose rotation collapsed in a division series loss to Boston in October, believe he’s the missing piece to their World Series puzzle.

“I think the match with the Indians and Chuck Finley is at the absolute right time,” Cleveland General Manager John Hart said. “This ballclub offers what Chuck Finley is looking for, and that’s ability to pitch in the postseason. It’s a mature club and we’re adding a mature, quality pitcher.”

Finley is 37, but even though he has never had a major arm or shoulder injury, he understands why some would question the wisdom of a team spending so much for a pitcher his age.

“I would strip down buck naked and let you take a look at me right now,” Finley told reporters in Jacobs Field. “I did that the other day in front of about 15 doctors, like I was putting on a burlesque. I guarantee you this, I am as strong and in as good shape as any 26- or 27-year-old guy in this league. I’ve never had any kind of arm trouble.”

Finley, who went 165-140 during a 14-year Angel career, agreed to defer $7 million of his contract without interest. He’ll receive an $11-million signing bonus, $2 million of which is payable now, $2 million in 2002 and the rest in $2.3-million installments from 2003 to 2005. His annual salaries will be $5 million, $6 million and $5 million.