Chone Figgins

The Mariners crossed the thin line between patience and stubbornness long ago concerning Chone Figgins. They were bordering on farcical before they designated him for assignment in November. The team installed Figgins as the leadoff hitter from the beginning last year, hoping to kick-start a bounce-back season and/or rekindle any trade value. After 10 hits in his first eight games, Figgins reverted to form, and by May when he lost his starting job, he had more strikeouts (28) than hits (18). Instead of releasing him and eating his contract, though, the Mariners kept him around, even though his playing time dwindled to just 15 games and 29 plate appearances in the second half (.143 AVG). Figgins likely will land somewhere with a non-guaranteed deal, while the Mariners pay the remaining $8.5 million on his contract.

As hard as it is to fathom, Year 2 of Figgins' four-year deal with the Mariners was even worse than Year 1. Much, much worse. Figgins' OBP, SLG and OPS were lower than any player last year with at least 250 at-bats. Only Adam Dunn saved Figgins from that same distinction with his batting average. Figgins posted the lowest walk rate of his career and stole only 11 bases. He started losing playing time in early June and lost his starting third-base job less than a month later. A lingering hip-flexor injury mercifully ended his season in early August. The Mariners would move Figgins if they could, but you don't get many nibbles on a .188-hitting player who's still owed $17 million. If he's still with the club come Opening Day, it likely will be in a utility role.

Figgins signed a big offseason contract with the Mariners last year and then endured perhaps his toughest year in the majors. Not only did he fail at the plate, but he struggled at second base, after moving from his previous primary position of third base. On top of that, a verbal fight with his manager in the dugout led to Don Wakamatsu's firing. Figgins hit a career-low .259 last season and tied a career high with 114 strikeouts. The strikeouts are offset by his 74 walks - though that number was down from his 101 walks the season prior - and while his contract rate remained unchanged from 2009, his BABIP dropped 41 points. Figgins improved in the second half last year, hitting .350/.402/.417 in September. All the while, he stole 42 bases, matching his previous year's output. Better luck at the plate and a clear head from returning to third base this year should help his game. He could be a cheap target for steals.

The 40 walks were new; otherwise, 2009 was your basic Chone Figgins season. His broad base of offensive skills and strong defense at third base made him an attractive free agent, and the Mariners bought in for four years and $36 million in December. He'll replace Adrian Beltre as the everyday third baseman in Seattle. He won't lead off anymore with Ichiro Suzuki his new teammate, but he'll still be a three-category stud.

Figgins couldn't capitalize on his breakout 2007 season and finished 2008 with a .276 average and only 22 RBI in 116 games. Figgins batted 54 points lower last season than he did the previous year, but part of that can be chalked up to the multiple injuries that plagued him all season. Figgins still stole 34 bases last year, and though his 2007 season looks to be a bit above his norm, he will still be the Angels' leadoff hitter in 2008 and should help your fantasy team with his versatility and speed.

In terms of significance to his team, few players are as valuable as Figgins. He capably plays both middle infield positions and can also play all three outfield spots. Offensively, he is the perfect table setter, as evidenced by his .393 OBP and 41 steals last season. Figgins hit .361 after the All-Star break last season once he was back to full strength after missing most of April due to broken fingers. Look for him to maintain numbers close to his 2007 production and be among the league leaders at least in runs scored and steals.

His '06 season wasn't any different than the previous two, just featuring a ball a week that didn't find a hole. Figgins applies his speed as well as any player in the game; if traded--rumors were rampant this winter--he could score 120 runs batting in front of better hitters. With the Angels, he'll likely move to third base after the signing of Gary Matthews, Jr., but still get time at nearly every position.

Named the Angels 2005 Co-MVP (along with Bartolo Colon) by his Angels teammates, Figgins produces consistently and qualifies at 2B, 3B and OF in most leagues. Figgins turned it up a notch after the All-Star Break with 36 steals and a .300 batting average. Figgins will spend more time in center field this year, with Adam Kennedy back for a full season and the Angels' numerous middle-infield prospects close to being ready.

Figgins is a question mark for fantasy owners in 2005. If he continues to get regular playing time, his speed makes him a valuable asset. If the Angels fill all their positional voids, he may just wind up being a super-sub off the bench. Figgins is a better roto baseball asset (good BA, 34 steals) than he is a real baseball player (.769 OPS and a 94-to-5 strikeout-to-home-run ratio). Still, it’s looking increasingly likely he’ll get playing time nearly every day somewhere for the Angels, which means you'll want him on your roster again in 2005 for stolen bases if nothing else.

Figgins is coming off a nice piece of hitting in 2003, splitting time with Amezaga and DaVanon. The Angels called up Figgins in midseason last year and he added speed to their lineup. Figgins hit .312 in 68 games at Triple-A last year, and the best place for him to learn his trade now is probably the majors. If he gets playing time, he'll post speed numbers for you, but nothing else is guaranteed - bid accordingly.

Mainly a pinch-running specialist last season, with only 12 at-bats in 15 games. Could be final man off the bench, but remains behind Adam Kennedy and Benji Gil on the depth chart.