N.L.(National league, baseball clubs and player stats)

Arizona Diamondbacks

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DiFelice likely finished with team after arrest in Pittsburgh

C Mike DiFelice's career as a Diamondback likely ended last Thursday, less than 72 hours after being arrested and charged with assaulting two women and a man at a Pittsburgh nightclub. The D-Backs optioned DiFelice to Class AAA Tucson and called up Rod Barajas as the backup catcher. G.M. Joe Garagiola Jr. cited baseball reasons for the move, but CEO Jerry Colangelo's intolerance of run-ins with the law makes it unlikely DiFelice, who had to consent to the demotion, will return. DiFelice came from Tampa Bay in the Albie Lopez deal. He went hitless in his first 20 at-bats with Arizona before singling August 19.... About three weeks ago, manager Bob Brenly began interchanging 1B Mark Grace and 3B Matt Williams in the Nos. 4 and 5 spots in the order. Brenly would bat Grace cleanup against righthanded starters and Williams against lefties, figuring that would best protect LF Luis Gonzalez. Then Grace settled in as the No. 4 hitter--no matter who was pitching. Against Pirates lefthander Joe Beimel last Wednesday, Williams was back in the fourth spot. "It's just a day-to-day thing," Brenly says.

SCOUTING REPORT: CF Steve Finley has endured an odd dropoff from last year's career season. After batting .207 through May 20 and .233 for the first half, he is starting to get some hits. But the power (career-high 35 homers in 2000) has not returned. Finley's swing will get long at times, and he is very much a pull hitter, but the same could be said last year. Defensively, Finley is showing the same form that won Gold Gloves the past two seasons. He covers a lot of ground, getting good jumps.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Williams has adjusted his stance and swing. The changes might cost him some power but have helped him make more consistent contact--and he is driving in runs at a season-best rate. Williams has closed his stance, lowered his hands (he at times begins with his hands above his head) and reduced his leg lift. He generates less force but can wait an instant longer before beginning his swing, giving him time to recognize pitches. And he has been willing to settle for solid hits over long home runs, which still have contributed to Arizona rallies. --Ed Price

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