Greene's finger still a source of concern

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Tuesday, February 20, 2007 1:10 AM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Padres shortstop Khalil Greene spent his offseason dealing with the fingers on his left hand.

The 27-year-old spent ample time resting and rehabbing his left middle finger after a sprained ligament caused him to miss nearly all of the 2006 season's final six weeks. He also took time out from that process to put a wedding band on his left ring finger on Nov. 18, when he married Candice Cole in Texas.

But even though he's still experiencing soreness in the injured finger, Greene said it's not a cause for concern. He checked in to Padres camp at Peoria Sports Complex on Monday along with infielder Todd Walker. The team's remaining position players report on Wednesday.

"It's still sore when I swing," Greene said. "It's in a loosening phase. It's hard to gauge because all the weather has been sub-50 degrees. When it was warm, it felt good. ... There's still some sense of soreness, but it's not major.

"It's about normal."

The finger in question limited Greene to 121 games in 2006 and restricted him to only three at-bats and a few assignments as a late-inning defensive replacement in September.

It was the second straight season Greene -- who hit .245 with 15 homers and 55 RBIs -- was limited to 121 games, and the third in which he missed time because of an injury.

That fact was a little frustrating to Greene, who is meticulous when it comes to preparing himself for a season.

"Every year you're going in assuming you'll play through the whole year," Greene said. "I think you take steps to keep healthy but once you get on the field it's a reactionary thing. (The injuries) they've all been reactionary.

"I'm trying to understand that and then continue on."

Walker wants to be here

It didn't take Walker long to establish where he'd like to play in 2007.

The 12th-year infielder arrived at the trade deadline last July and quickly found a home. ÝAnd even though he faces an arbitration hearing today -- the first of his career -- Walker said he's happy with the team.

Walker is asking for $3.95 million and the team countered with $2.75 million.

The veteran said his main reason for staying is that he believes the club has a good shot at a World Series title.

"(Arbitration is) a little uncomfortable part of this whole process," Walker said. "I look at it as nothing personal. It's all business. This is a first-class organization, and I want to play here. ... That's what I've tried to protect. I want to protect myself from going elsewhere. I'm happy where I'm at. The lower your figure the better chance there is you're going to get moved."

Et cetera

Padres general manager Kevin Towers announced the signing of former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Oscar Robles to a minor-league deal. Robles, who played at San Diego Montgomery High, has a .262 lifetime average in 397 major-league at-bats. "We got a chance to see him play a lot two years ago (with the Dodgers) and we liked his versatility," Towers said. "He's sure-handed and he'll give you a good at-bat. He's got a chance at our club because of his versatility." ... Greg Maddux, Dave Winfield and Ozzie Smith were placed on the ballot for the All-Times Rawlings Gold Glove team. Rawlings is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the award.

-- Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.