ANGELS NOTEBOOK: FINLEY IS FRUSTRATED WITH PLAY.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - In the categories of batting average and on-base percentage, Steve Finley is the worst everyday center fielder in the major leagues as the season nears the one-third mark.

As one of the new guys in the Angels clubhouse, he's probably carrying the burden of their offensive slumber more than anyone.

``I feel like I haven't held up my end of the bargain at all,'' said Finley, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal in December but entered Thursday hitting .199, with a .261 on-base percentage. ``I feel a responsibility. This is a team effort. I know the type of job I'm capable of doing. I expect a lot more out of it.''

Finley was slowed briefly by a groin injury and is switching from the National League to the AL, but he won't cite those as excuses. Instead, he and hitting coach Mickey Hatcher are attempting to find solutions for the lifetime .276 hitter. So far, they've found none.

``I don't have an answer for it. I really don't,'' Hatcher said. ``A lot of it is, he's frustrated. He's really frustrated. I know the guy can still hit and he's going to be fine. But we've got to get him in the right frame of mind. He wants to be a big part of it.''

--Hatcher in no danger: Despite the Angels' major-league-worst on-base percentage, manager Mike Scioscia said Hatcher's job is not in jeopardy. In response to the club's woes, Hatcher told an SI.com reporter that ``they can fire me, if they want. I'm a hitting coach in a slump now.''

Said Scioscia: ``We have a terrific staff. It's not an issue.''

--Big price tag for Sweeney: If the Angels are interested in acquiring Kansas City Royals slugger Mike Sweeney, the price will be steep. Royals general manager Allard Baird told the Kansas City Star that suitors for Sweeney must pick up all of his salary, which would total about $34 million through 2007.

--Draft pick signed: The Angels spent a boatload of money on a 2004 draftee Thursday, but it was not unsigned first-round pick Jered Weaver. Right-hander Steven Marek, a 40th-round ``draft-and-follow'' pick out of San Jacinto (Texas) JC, signed for a bonus in excess of $600,000.