Christmas came early M's Fans! Just announced from several media sources, the Mariners have signed speedy, switching-hitting thirdbaseman Chone Figgins to a 4 year, 36 million dollar contract. For those of you unaware of how this acquisition vastly improves our team, here's a bunch of reasons in no specific order:
-With an on-base percentage near .400 in 2009 and last year's highest amount of walks, Figgins will make a great addition to the top of the lineup. Instead of wasting Russell Branyan or Franklin Gutierrez in the number 2 spot, Figgins can bat after Ichiro and present the Mariners with more opportunities to drive runs in.
-Figgins' potential to create more runs will help take some of the pressure off the pitching staff, giving them bigger leads to protect.
-Figgins has stolen at least 30 bases each year since 2004, more than any Mariner last year. Thus, he brings much needed speed to the lineup.
-Figgins can play all positions of the outfield, second base, and shortstop as well as third base. For now, it appears the Mariners plan to have Figgins replace Beltre at third, but if Matt Tuiasosopo can handle the hot corner, Figgins can be shifted to any of these other spots without having to learn a new position. Offensively, Figgins can always fill in the lead off spot if Ichiro needs a day off or is injured.
-When the Mariners signed Figgins, the Angels also lost a key member of their lineup in their lead off hitter and thirdbaseman, thus giving the Mariners a leg up on their biggest threat to an AL West pennant.
Meanwhile, Adrian Beltre has still not decided whether or not he will stay with the M's. With this signing, it appears doubtful, but while Beltre's fielding and occasional power threats may be missed, I believe Figgins has more upsides. He may not top 7 home runs, but he will reach base at least 200 times and score at leasy 100 runs. Plus, his base running and fielding will not be too shabby either.
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