Tepid on Figgins
By Mike Silva ~ November 13th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
The thought of Chone Figgins at the top of the Mets lineup with a healthy Jose Reyes seems very exciting. That is until you try and figure out where Figgins will play in the field.
I haven’t watched enough of Figgins to give a scouting report on his defense, but defensive metrics indicate he is pretty lousy at whatever position he has played except for third base. I doubt that David Wright is going anywhere. Third base has been his primary position the last two years, but he has experience at all three outfield positions, short stop, and second base.
I don’t see Figgins earning a five year deal, but might be interested in giving him three years only if the Mets fail in their pursuit of a power hitting outfielder named Holliday or Bay. Figgins would not be an acceptable option at second base where I value up the middle defense and most large defensive samples indicate he is unable to provide that. If he is brought on as the left fielder there needs to be a power upgrade somewhere else, most likely first base. That will not be easy to accomplish
A better backup option to Holliday/Bay would be to look into Carl Crawford (if Wilmer Flores is the price I might just do it). He would give you a combination of power, speed, and defense.
As intriguing an option Figgins may be I am pessimistic there is a fit and believe the Mets are better served exploring power options.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I am not so hot on Chone Figgins myself. We saw what happened last year when the Mets tried to put Daniel Murphy in left field. I agree with you that the Mets should be concentrating more on what they set out to accomplish from the start of this off-season; a slugging left fielder, a front-line #2 starter, and an everyday catcher.
Carl Crawford would be the perfect antidote. However, I believe he will be a TB Ray next season.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Do what they should do here.
Move Wright to 1b and sign Figgins and Holliday.
Murphy is not a full timer. Its an embarrassment to have his bat at 1b
November 13th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
figgins sucked against the yanks. just what the mets need, another post season choke artist, well, they aren’t going to the post season any time soon, but I hear this guy wants 10 mil per. I want no part of any 2B not named Utley making 10 mil. And I do not want a left fielder who is a slap hitter.