I started typing this out yesterday since then both Geoff Baker and Jeff Sullivan at Lookout Landing have posted some thoughts about our 2B Chone Figgins. I will go ahead and submit the post for those who would like to comment about what should or could be done with Figgins.
Of all the moves our Zduriencik has made over the last couple of years the one move that he and the Mariner fans may come to regret the most is his free agent signing of 32 yr old Chone Figgins. The original vision was to have Chone offer a one two punch at the top of the order that apply immense pressure to the opposition’s pitching and defense (I’ve heard of this strategy numerous times over the years, and other than a game here or a game there I’ve never seen it have long term success. However, a team that is capable of consistently driving the ball that will place pressure on the opposing pitchers). The other great attribute Chone was supposed to bring to the team was his outstanding defensive abilities.
Chone’s contract while not completely onerous is still a large amount of change representing about 10% of the M’s payroll at 4yr $36M with a potential 5th yr vesting option at $9M.
Chone’s positive impact on the team this year has been negligible. While he has added more athleticism up the middle, his defensive abilities cannot be described as stellar / lights out. Last year with the Angels, he could be classified as an elite defender at third base, worth about 16 runs more than the average third baseman with his glove alone. But this year with the Mariners at 2B, he's been worth about five runs less than the average fielder. Offensively, he is seeing more pitches per plate appearance than any other time in his career and he has stolen quite a few bases this year (with a career high success rate) but with the bat his OBP is only .324 – well below last year’s career high of .395 and with only a .590 OPS (65 OPS+) he is not adding much value with his bat and not providing the top of the order catalyst the M’s GM expected to receive with this addition.
I do not see Lopez coming back next year, so Chone would probably be moved over to 3B with Ackley manning 2B. Even if Chone’s bat does rebound some to resemble a career OBP/SLG/OPS averages 359/378/737 this would still only be a 96 OPS+. Is this worth $9M/yr? Chone would also be occupying a position which would ideally provide some power to the lineup. The only two everyday players who are currently on the M’s roster which pose a power threat and look to be back next year are Smoak and Branyan. The total team numbers put up this year shows that the M’s need to have players who can drive the ball and not just hope they can string a bunch of singles together.
Z’s move to acquire Figgins may prove to be his albatross. It is easy to say in retrospect but both strategically and from a resource perspective, I’m not sure if it was the best use of funds. In Z’s defense who could have predicted Figgin’s would fall this flat even with factoring in the position change.
Now the question which remains is what is Z going to do with Figgins over the next 3-4 yrs?