Cubs inquire about Chone Figgins
by illini23 on Dec 10, 2008 11:06 PM CST
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PrintThe Chicago Cubs have made trade inquiries about third baseman Chone Figgins, but it will be difficult for the Angels to figure out what they might even ask for in return until they determine whether they can retain free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira or acquire a closer such as Brian Fuentes
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/12/cubs-inquire-ab.html
How outstanding would this be? If we trade DeRosa in the Peavy deal Figgins would be the perfect replace and a perfect fit for the Cubs. He would be our automatic leadoff man. I don't know how much Figgins make or what we would have to give up but this would be sweet.
What a perfect offseason this would be:
-Trade DeRosa/Marquis and others for Peavy in 3-team deal
-Sign Milton Bradley
-Trade for Chone Figgins
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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No thank you.
Chone Figgins is the new Juan Pierre.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Take it back!
I have a man crush on this guy, what can I say. He’s been injured (hand this past year?) the last two seasons, but steals consistently, can play just about every position besides the battery, and can throw the ball further than Pierre. It’s hard to look at his numbers, because he’s missed nearly 90 games the last two years, but he’s a hellva better leadoff hitter than what we currently have.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Ok I take it back.
Taking things back is all in the Christmas spirit, right? (Or day-after-Christmas spirit.)
The comp for me is that
1) we’d have to overpay to get him (uh, why not sign Furcal instead?);
2) he’s probably passed his prime and would disappoint us;
3) if he’s at 2B or CF he’s going to disappoint defensively and if he’s at 3B or RF, he’s going to disappoint offensively.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Yankee Swap
Furcal would be good, but he doesnt provide the defensive flexibility figgins would, and DeRosa isnt above average at every position in which he plays.
I would take Furcal over figgins of course, but that wasnt the reason for the excitement from this poster
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
DeRosa at his worst position is a better defensive player than Figgins is at his best position...
And his best position, left field, is currently occupied.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
You have quite obviously never seen Chone Figgins attempt to play defense...
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
I'll give you he doesnt score a ton of runs
But he can hit for average, steal bases and gets on at about a 350 career clip
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
if he did the first 3 so well
wouldn’t he score a lot of runs?
something is missing in the logic there
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 11, 2008 8:56 AM CST up reply actions
well look at his 05 and 06
he scored over 200 runs, so apparently there is nothing missing in that logic as he’s been hurt the past two years
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I agree
I think the Angels highly overvalue him…sure he has speed…but only like 30 steals with 10-15 CS…Kind of like Theriot…
Actually worse than Theriot last year in terms of Avg., OBP (.367)
Where would we play him…3B or CF I think are his positions
Plus Angels need power hitting which we have none to spare…
I guess they’d maybe want DLee if they miss out on Texeira who looks headed to the BoSox..but that’d be a open up a huge hole on the Cubs
by Bleeding Cubbie Blue on Dec 10, 2008 11:19 PM CST reply actions
I think DeRosa would actually be a power upgrade for that team
outside of Vlad and to a lesser extent Torii, they dont have much thump
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I see him
comparable to DeRo in utility, and trading DeRo’s power for Chone’s speed and leadoff ability. I still favor DeRo in that position, but that’s my $.02.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
If he can recapture his 05 and 06 form
he might be a nice addition, he scored over 200 runs those two years, but he struck out 200 times as well
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Although the price for Figgins is probably too high
if we did trade for him it would be a great fit to replace DeRosa as Starter/utility. But also he would be the player that could get Soriano out of the leadoff spot.
1Figgins
2Lee
or
1Figgins
2Theriot
followed by Ramirez Bradley Soto Soriano would be pretty sick.
Please guys don't wet yourselves.
It just says we asked about Chone Figgins and the Angels said, we don’t know what we need yet since they haven’t done anything yet.
Don’t wet your pants there buddy.
In a perfect world, they miss out on Big Tex and take Derrek Lee for Chone Figgins, but remember this is the same Angels team that asked us for Aramis Ramirez for Chone Figgins so keep your pants dry
How many references to wet pants were really required there?
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
I think
one more would’ve been the perfect amount. He just missed.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Dec 11, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
Figgy is the ideal leadoff man minus the k's.LOL
I agree with everyone, if we lose Mark Derosa, Figgy is a perfect utility replacement.
We could also play him at SS or 2B daily and pick up Felipe Lopez to be the super-sub utility man. He really produced after getting traded to the shit birds.
"Perfect utility replacement"
The problem is that Figgins doesn’t play defense that well after all. If we were actually shopping for a utility guy, I’d rather get Teahen for that role or Jeff Baker.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
"doesn't play defense that well"
Wow, your sleepy or haven’t watched enough Kansas City and Anaheim baseball.
Mark Teahan is a butcher at 3b compared to Chone Figgins. Did you see how well he played 3b in the post season? He robbed a lot of hits from the Red Sox.
I will give you that Teahan is cheaper and maybe a better corner outfielder/1b but no way is he a better CF or infielder then Chone Figgins.
Teahen wouldn't be brought in as a utility guy...
he’d be brought in as the RF. That’s the difference. No one is suggesting that Teahen play CF or IF. Figgins’ only value is as a leadoff hitter.
Teahen wouldn't play middle IF
but there was talk that the Cubs viewed him more as a role player than a starter. Depending on his price, he could make a good 4 corners player who fills the role Fontenot filled behind DeRosa last year.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
"If we were actually shopping for a utility guy, I’d rather get Teahen for that role or Jeff Baker."
I agree with you Southern Cub, but I guess DGU and I have different definitions of utility guy’s are.
To me, a true utilty guy can play all 3b, 2b, SS and spot duty in the outfield if necessary. We all know, pretty much every major leaguer can play 1b.
I wouldn't want Figgins as a utility guy, either...
Just to be clear. I think there’s a difference between being able to play multiple positions and being similarly bad at playing multiple positions. I think Figgins is very overvalued. He’s had one genuinely productive offensive season, and he’s bad defensively wherever he plays.
by SouthernCub on Dec 11, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
Deal with it
Soriano will be our lead off man
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
If they do take Lee off our hands for Figgins…where does he play and who replaces DLee?? and please don’t say Hoffpaiur
Highly doubt anything would happen but what if?
by Bleeding Cubbie Blue on Dec 10, 2008 11:30 PM CST reply actions
Dunn
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
You wish.
Ibanez.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Ibanez at first?
Everyone keeps slagging off on Dunns defense, but i dont see any Ibanez highlight reels, so if Lee was to leave, I dont see why Dunn couldnt do an adequate job
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
The Cubs prefer Ibanez.
Ibanez is one of those guys Jim Hendry likes.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
well, we all know how that can work out
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Plenty of 1B/LF LUMBERJACKS OUT AND AVAILABLE
Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, Milton Bradley, and plenty more out there. 1B is an easy place to fill at least temporary.
We could also sign/trade for a 1B for 1-2 years of service because we all know Aramis Ramirez isn’t going to be playing the hot corner for too many more years. He will end his career as our first basemen.
No lumberjack has won a gold glove before
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Good Point
Very good point, but I am willing to bet Derrek Lee doesn’t win another gold glove in his lifetime.
Your right though, even though he won’t win another GG, his defense will still be missed. I agree, but if we get 40 bombs out of the position, we might have to make a sacrifice.
Teixiera?
he’s got a few
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Tex will not be a Cub
RedSox or Nationals
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
No, I was naming a lumberjack who has a gold glove
though that would be sweet
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay
I sleep all night and work all day
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Any Crazy Lumberjack
Is better than Chone?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Would you make that trade though?
DLee for Figgins
Stick Figgins in CF or RF (Fukudome could move back)
Then use Lee’s money for a replacement???
by Bleeding Cubbie Blue on Dec 10, 2008 11:39 PM CST reply actions
Yes
I would make that trade in a heartbeat.
When was the last time the Cubs had a true leadoff hitter?
Power hitting 1B are a dime a dozen. If we don’t find one this offseason which I am sure we will. Aubrey Huff and Adam Laroche are great fall back candidates. We also could try Micah there for a couple of months and if it doesn’t work, we can get someone at the trade deadline.
I would too…
The Cubs need speed…and athleticism.
I think the trade would work for both sides if they miss on Texeira
The white sox would be all over him too…
They have Dye and Konerko to offer…
U would take DLee over Konerko
but not sure about Dye and DLee
Not sure Jim Hendry would ever make the trade though
by Bleeding Cubbie Blue on Dec 10, 2008 11:47 PM CST reply actions
Yo Bleeding Cubbie Blue
GO2Bed it’s past your bedtime!
D.Lee for Chone
you must be dreaming!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
that link said theyre after bullpen help
which we cant really spare anyhow
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Yes, we know but we were pondering
if they missed out on the Teixera sweepstakes.
Too bad we don’t have the guy we traded for Gregg, he fits the Angel’s relief pitcher mold perfectly.
Yes we can.
We will be trading Michael Wuertz because he’s cheaper and better than Kevin Gregg.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
If it's for the bench
then I’d say why. That’d be a costly bench piece.
If it’s as a starter, I’d say please no. Where do we play him? 2nd? I’d rather see Ryan Theriot/Mike Fontenot/Nate Spears than to deal chips for Figgins. CF? Perhaps, but is his offensive skillset worth us giving him a starting job?
I mean … we’re basically talking about adding another Ryan Theriot. Why?
Because you can never have too much Ryan Theriot!
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
How many runs do the sabrewzrds say a team of 9 Theriots would score?
The Nine Theriots. Good name for a band fantasy team amusement park ride nightmare.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
There was actually a little-known experiment in Beijing done to answer just this question.
Scientists took samples from Theriot’s soul patch and cloned the Cub 2B (who plays SS because he’s not as good as the other two 2B). Now, it must be cautioned that no one knows if scrappiness can be transferred through cloning, so the results of this test should not be viewed as definitive. But this is what happened.
In the first inning the nine Ryan Theriots were spraying dribbler-hits all over the right side of the infield, continually finding the hole. They scored 4 runs on a big first inning. However, in the second inning, the opposition employed a defensive shift, where the SS and 3B moved to the right side of the IF and the LF and CF moved in to just a few feet behind the dirt. After that only three Thericlones made it to first base. All three were caught stealing.
The big problem was putting all nine Theriots on the field to play defense. You’d think their defensive range would have been the problem. They never got the chance. The Thericlone hurler bounced every other pitch, leading to a 5-pitch walk. That’s when the umps started calling balks on the double-clutch in his wind-up. It was very frustrating, but entertaining to see all 9 Thericlones dive for the same ball at the same moment the one time it was put into play. Maybe scrappiness can be cloned.
The reason this experiment is so little-known is that after the game, all 9 Thericlones lined up for press interviews. The reporters weren’t sure what to do. So, the Thericlones began fighting one another for the press spotlight. That’s when the Chinese government intervened.
Long story short, the final report claimed that 9 Theriots score an average of 12.52 runs a game. Some have questioned, however, whether the Chinese government censorship may have skewed the results. Not trying to start a political discussion here, but I don’t think it was the government censorship; that’s not nearly as persuasive as the Thericlone interviews must have been.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Dec 11, 2008 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Sung to the tune of "Subterreanean Homesick Blues"
Pasta diving soul patch double clutch rag arm /
Super scrappy caught stealing dribbler hitting media whore
and etc.
My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.
Rec'd
Now, can you repeat the experiment using Hamsters?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Figgins depending on the price fulfills DeRosa's role as a different player
He is in his 6th year, at $4.5M last year and probably the same salary as DeRosa’s $5.5M, he can in a pinch play CF but essentially is an average fielder and only his versatility enhances his defensive value.
He is much like Theriot but as a switch hitter….he career year was 2007 when he batted .330 and had an .397 OBP but last year with some injuries (hand) he fell to .276 (.367 OBP) or back to his 2006 level performance where it was a fall back from 3 consecutive .290+ years.
The problem is he has primarily moved over to 3B and his time in the OF or 2B has fallen to occasional or spot duties. So if the Cubs acquire him I suspect he is the utility player—-high priced where he might get some starts at 2B or CF and be insurance for Ramirez.
If DeRosa was included Angels would have to pay bigger.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I would do Figging for Lee in a heartbeat
and not blink
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
Yes
If we trade Figgy for Derrek Lee and put Hoffpaiir at 1st base and he fails. We just start the inevitable move a year or two early, Aramis Ramirez at 1B and Chone Figgins at 3b.
or We can acquire an Aubrey Huff or Adam Laroche type player via trade or make Al’s day, Kevin Milll-ARR
PLEASE GOD NO.
Figgins’ career OPS+: 96.
His slugging percentage last season: .318. 318!!!! Every single Cubs position player with more than 50 at-bats slugged better than that – even Ronny Cedeno!
Yes, Figgins can steal plehty of bases, and yes, he has a good glove. I like him very much… as a utility player. Not as an everyday player, and definitely not as a leadoff man. If he doesn’t cost the Cubs much, and if he gets pencilled in for a bench role… I’m okay with it. But Figgins for DERREK LEE??? No, no, a thousand times no.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
When did his glove become good?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
I guess I just remember him being a good fielder.
Didn’t have time to check his fielding stats… if they’re not very good, then one more strike against him I guess.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
Well,
Figgins has stone hands, a Juan Pierre arm, and he takes terrible routes in the OF. Other than that, he’s a good defensive player.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Please, no.
Figgins has had ONE season — 2007 — when he was anything better than league-average. He’s going to be 31 in January. His main skill is his speed, and that’s usually the first thing to go for any player.
I know Lou has a mancrush on him, but I’d stay away.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
did i miss something
when did Chone Figgins become good?
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 11, 2008 11:38 AM CST reply actions
He didn't.
Nothing to see here, move along.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The problem, Al, is that even though Chone isn't good
there may well be something to see here. If we take the Peavy trade capital and spend it on Chone Figgins, it will be a sad, sad day.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I agree completely.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
i will
if you promise jim hendry will!
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 11, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
I think Chone
would be the Chit.
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)
by Fukudometer on Dec 11, 2008 1:23 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
You would be chone-it wrong
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
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