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I wonder if it just comes down to the scouting side of it. Figgins has better range, Lopez a better arm. A strong arm can make up for less range at 2B as it has for Lopez.
These guys are established at these two positions. It seems very likely that they'll lose some defensive value initially as they are adjusting (and early report confirming that). Being that this is only a short-term switch, I've got to wonder how wise this move is.
It seems very high risk and low reward, especially when considering how it could affect the two players' offensive mindset of the plate.. and Figgins' hammies (he could age earlier playing 2B).