Figgins deal official
Dave · December 8, 2009 at 1:52 pm · Filed Under Mariners
The Chone Figgins deal that we’ve known about since Friday is now in the books and official.
Most interesting comment from Zduriencik at his meeting with the press, per Geoff Baker: Figgins is “an infielder” – won’t commit to him as a third baseman, but apparently will rule him out of left field. Still hard to see Beltre taking a big enough pay cut to make it worthwhile for the M’s after declining arbitration.
Jack then tells Mike Salk on 710 ESPN that Figgins “can play all over the field, but I don’t see that happening, I think he’ll settle in at one position.”
Lopez isn’t a fit for this team, and with a couple options available to replace him, I’d expect to see him move. IMO Lopez is a perfect trade chip for Ryan Doumit. It would almost have to be a three way trade considering the Pirates just acquired Akinori Iwamura. Someone will want Lopez as he will almost certainly outperform his contract. Lopez to team X, player Y to the Pirates, Doumit to the Mariners. Seems easy enough.
Thanks to Kenji for making this deal possible.
Hear, hear!
The leadoff hitter’s job is to get on base, by any means possible. The 2 hitter needs to take pitches so the leadoff hitter has a chance to steal. (I guess every hitter’s job is to get on base, but especially the leadoff).
Personally, I think that Ichiro staying in the leadoff spot is the best solution.
I just have a feeling that too many of his wacky infield hits would turn into a fielder’s choice if there was already a runner on first.
Jeff,
That was exactly the same argument I had with a buddy last night. He insists that Figgins should lead off because his walks would help Ichiro! by giving him a huge hole through which to hit.
My thought is that with Ichiro! leading off and getting those goofy hits, how is it a bad thing if Figgins walks behind him? It puts 2 speedy guys on with no outs, which decreases the chance of the #3 hitter hitting a DP ball.
I wouldn’t find it hopeful or reassuring to have Blalock even if we were putting him at 1B.
Ichiro doesn’t really need that help, though.
Take a quick look at this article on Fangraphs.
I know that and you know that, but he’s a bit stubborn. Even when I got him to admit that Ichiro! isn’t a pull hitter, he still stuck by his original idea. I finally just had to let it drop.
Well, point him at Ichiro’s career splits at B-R:
Ichiro’s batting average with bases empty: .331 (.799 OPS)
Ichiro’s batting average with man on first: .331 (.790 OPS)
I guess he could counter with his average with a man on second (.370) suggesting Figgins first get on and then steal, but Figgins gets CS a lot and there’s less confidence in that average anyway due to sample size. (Plus pitchers that get into that situation with Ichiro at the plate — keeping in mind that man on second must have been from the bottom of the M’s lineup — are probably going to be giving up lots of hits in general).
Jeff, I agree with your assesment (not that you need MY validation). My first thought was to hit Ich #2, but after reflection and the excellent point about his IF hits, most of which go to the L side, I think it would be a big mistake to bat him second.
Looking at them using only basic statistical information, it would seem obvious to have the more patient bat hitting #1, but Ich is such a unique talent at the plate that he should stay in place. He wields his bat like a kendo master, and I long ago quit worrying about him swinging at everything. Chone can act in the lead-off role at #2 by taking pitches, which he does well, and HIS plate discipline will be the irritant at the top of the order.
Should be damned interesting and a whole lot of fun. 117 days.
To address a couple of points from different posters and add my own:
1) A leadoff hitter’s job is to take pitches as well, as he is the first look at what the pitcher has working that day
2) Ichiro’s numbers need to be looked at in context…just because his hits are evenly spread from the leadoff spot doesn’t mean he can’t use the 3-hole…as a leadoff hitter he hasn’t HAD to…if they’re trying to score runs (this is what I’m looking at, not “does it help Ichiro get hits”) and Figgins is on in front of him, he’s as good as anyone at directing the ball, so it’s a good bet he can use that hole more when he needs to.
3) RE: using the 3-hole while hitting behind Figgins, Scioscia said yesterday he thinks Figgins is the best in the league at going 1st to 3rd…why not use that?
4) RE: Ichiro’s left-side IF singles being turned into fielder’s choices – again, context is needed…when a double play situation is in order, middle infielders pinch toward the bag and take a step or two in…this opens up the infield more, it doesn’t close it down