FanGraphs Feature: Figgins Having a Career Year (Again)

"Figgins began his career as an okay hitter, who hit for a high average, drew some walks, and stole a bunch of bases. Since he didn’t really establish himself as a regular until he was 26, his early career performance looked like it would be his peak. Instead, he’s getting better with age."

almost 3 years ago Turks Teeth 10 comments 0 recs |

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Hmm

Very interesting article

W6G

by Figgi4life on Aug 17, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions

I think the choice of whether or not to re-up...

…both Figgins and Abreu in the off-season is the most interesting dilemma the Angels have faced in awhile.

1. Both players are going to be expensive.
2. Both players are getting older; how soon will they break down or enter a decline phase?
3. The Angels lead the MLB in runs scored and RBIs in no small part to their contributions.
4. Both are good clubhouse presences.

Does Abreu’s consistency at the plate and Figgins’ improvement at the plate provide enough buffer against age-related decline? Does the aggregate effect that their plate-patience and selectivity has on the whole lineup compensate for potential injury risks or a decline in speed (for Figgins) or power (for Abreu)?

by Turks Teeth on Aug 17, 2009 3:36 PM PDT reply actions

Then there's Vlad and Lackey.

Ninja’s got some big decisions come the offseason.

#34 Forever
Plugging the upside since 2006.
Never give up, never surrender!

by TheOptimist on Aug 17, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Im sure Ninja will do what's right

We Will Win With What We Got.
R.I.P. Nick Adenhart, Marquis Cooper, Steve McNair, and Frank Grimes, or Grimey, as he liked to be called

by JoseGuillenSux on Aug 17, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Vlad, Lackey and Figgy

Man, those would be some very tough losses. I think if they want to stay, we can come up with something competitive to keep them.

Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Aug 18, 2009 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Figgy Rules

And what a defensive 3rd baseman. I knew he was good defensively everywhere, but who would have thought he would be a GREAT defensive 3rd baseman.

Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Aug 18, 2009 2:32 AM PDT reply actions

All good comments,

but where do you put BWood and SRod?

…….and TEvans who hit his 25th HR last night?

Vlad, Abreu, Figgins, Lackey, Oliver………..all potential type A FAs.

With Fuentes and Izturis as our only notable FAs in 2010, we won’t have the opportunity for so many high draft picks again in a long time. Tough decisions coming.

by wumbug on Aug 18, 2009 4:46 AM PDT reply actions

I am already envisioning the Whining threads

that the site will have this offseason…

by Rev Halofan on Aug 18, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions

He's been great, but his baserunning has been surprisingly bad this year

by mattwelch on Aug 18, 2009 1:21 PM PDT reply actions

Re-sign Abreu first, then Figgins

We have a cheaper replacement for Figgins (BWood) ready to go. No such obvious replacement for Abreu, who has been a great base stealer.

As Matt mentioned, Figgins hasn’t been so great a basestealer this year — could be a sign that he’s beginning to break down. So make Abreu your priority and go from there — obviously the Skankees could decide they want him back. Use the savings to reinforce the starting staff.

Not sure about either Vlad or Lackey, because their recent performance is making what seemed like a no-brainer (dump ’em) a really tough decision.

by davidbrad65 on Aug 18, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions