Get used to seeing lots of him early on in the season
In what could be considered quite a shocker, Mariners manager Eric Wedge stated that Chone Figgins would get the majority of the starts at third base in 2012. Not only that, but he’s going to be the teams leadoff hitter as well (announcement coming soon).
Now I’m sure that the majority of you will read this and think it’s some sort of cruel joke. You’ll think to yourself, “is it April Fools already?” Nope! It’s no joke and I fully support what Wedge is trying to do with this move.
Yes it’s true that last season, his second with the Mariners, Chone Figgins had a miserable year. His first go-around with the team after signing his 4 year $36 million dollar deal wasn’t really that bad. Figgins hit .259 and had an OBP of .340, still a decent rate of reaching base. Granted it wasn’t what the Mariners were expecting when they envisioned having baseballs best 1-2 punch with Ichiro.
The conclusion many have reached to explain Figgins’ recent slump has been the move from the leadoff spot. What it seems like Wedge is trying to do with Figgins is instil confidence. Reassure him early on that he still has a major role with the club and that he is needed. What player doesn’t want to feel loved?
For those of you that have children, are teachers or are responsible for managing a group of people, you undoubtedly know that everyone has a different way of reacting to a challenge or trying time. Some people need to be yelled at in order to get their best effort. On the other hand, some need a gentle touch and a pat on the back. Last season they tried the threats of a diminished role. It didn’t work. This season Wedge and the Mariners are trying the loving, caring method. Let’s hope for better results.
The fans that want to see poor ol’ Chone Figgins run out of town will have to wait. The Mariners are committed to giving him this last shot to prove himself. Consider it a chance for the team to build up his trade value and have a better opportunity at sending him off for something in return in a few months.
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I think this is a great move. Why shouldn’t a team with heavily infested fans not put the best interest of one player over the best interest of the organization?
I mean we said we aren’t spending money or doing this or that to improve short term because we are ‘rebuilding’. So this move makes perfect sense. Why play a younger player like Seager or Liddi? Let’s also sign Damon for LF because Carp and Wells don’t do much for the future rebuild either.
It has nothing to do with putting Figgins’ interest ahead of the team. It’s exactly the opposite.
Figgins isn’t worth anything on the bench. This way they can either get statistical value if he plays well, or trade him for something later on if he’s halfway decent. If he sits… The team just wastes millions of dollars.
I disagree. Even if he has half a good season, I don’t see any team foolish enough to believe that will override 2 years of garbage baseball enough to pay any significant portion of his remaining contract.
I understand they aren’t doing this for him personally, but the move doesn’t help the team nor their rebuilding process.
As far as the team just wasting millions of dollars, that ship has sailed.