Posted on: Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Ex-'Bow Finegan signs with Cleveland
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
There will be no spring training for former University of Hawai'i shortstop Brian Finegan.
Finegan got a $1,500 signing bonus.
"The scout who signed me told me, 'It's $1,500 with a chance to make millions.' It's all up to me and how hard I want to work for it."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder from Fresno, Calif., batted .339 and led the Rainbows with 47 runs. He transferred to UH from Cuesta junior college in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Finegan said he has been lifting weights, keeping his batting form by hitting off a tee and playing soft toss.
He is the second Rainbow to sign. Last week, pitcher Clary Carlsen signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, who picked him in the 33rd round.
Meanwhile, in a not so surprising move, highly touted California high school outfielder Greg Burns signed with the Florida Marlins, UH coach Mike Trapasso said.
"I'm happy for him and wish him luck," Trapasso said.
Burns was picked in the third round (98th overall). Trapasso said Burns' bonus was comparable to other third-round picks — more than $400,000.
Another UH recruit, pitcher James Parr from New Mexico, signed with Atlanta, which picked him in the fourth round.
Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.
Finegan signed last night with the Cleveland Indians, who picked him in the 15th round of last week's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He leaves today for the Mahoning Valley (Niles, Ohio) Scrappers of the short-season class-A New York-Pennsylvania League, which opens Friday.
