Figgins: Perfect Fit for Seattle

Later today, the Seattle Mariners are expected to announce the official signing of third baseman Chone Figgins to a four year, $36 million dollar contract. While the Mariners were one of the biggest surprises in 2009, they were a team carried by defense and pitching. If they had received a league average offense, the 85 win team would have won more games and may have challenged the Angels for the American League West crown. While the Mariners lacked power during 2009 (finished 11^th in the American League with 160 homeruns) and still lack power with this addition, acquiring Figgins is exactly what the offense needed. Figgins is not only a perfect fit for the Mariners, he is just another example of why the Seattle Mariners organization is in great hands. 2009 was a quantum leap after a 100 loss, 2008 season; 2010 is shaping up for an even bigger step.

Runs, Please!

The fact that the Mariners won 85 games with their offense is a tremendous credit to Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners’ front office to properly evaluate defense and build a pitching staff. The offense was that bad. The 2009 Mariners finished last in the American League (14^th) and 28^th overall with 640 runs scored. Only the offensively challenged Pirates and Padres scored less runs. One could say that the minus-50 run differential and 85 wins is an equation for some good luck, but it was the fact that the Mariners had the best defense in the game (85.5 UZR) that helped overcome such offensive inadequacy.

Not only did the Mariners finished with worst on base percentage in the American League (.314), they finished with the second worst batting average (.258) and slugging percentage (.402). Their 7.1 walk percentage ranked 29^th in the Major Leagues, meaning that not only were they a powerless team, they were an impatient team. Of their players with 450 plate appearances or more (six), only three (Ichiro Suzuki, Franklin Gutierrez, and Russell Branyan) had on base percentages higher than .330. When Russell Branyan was lost for the season in late August to injury, their lineup became even more putrid as only Gutierrez and second baseman Jose Lopez posed any sort of power threat. Heading into the offseason, Zduriencik had to address the offense while continuing to build the pitching staff. It seems that step one is already complete.

Perfect Fit

As the hot stove season began, many focused on the likes of Jason Bay and Matt Holliday as the two premier free agents available. While they are good players, their salaries and long-term contracts are going to likely make them a poor value. Because they are not classic power hitters and have shown some signs of regression and some warning signs about consistency of performance, the two will be getting paid for skills they don’t have (difference making power) and/or will likely lose in the near future (even more defensive skill). In reality, Figgins is the better value and most likely the better player. Sure, he won’t crack double digit homeruns like the other two, but he will get on base more, play better defense, and will likely age better. Considering his contract is approximately half the amount that Bay and Holliday will sign for, the Mariners are getting quite a bargain.

Figgins, who will be 32 years old at the start of the season, is coming off of the second best season of his career in 2009. The switch-hitting speedster hit .298/.395/.393 with 30 doubles, 7 triples, 5 homeruns, 114 runs scored, 101 walks, 114 strikeouts, and 42 stolen bases. He would have led the Mariners in on base percentage, runs scored, triples, stolen bases, and walks. In fact, the next closest Mariners’ player, Ken Griffey Jr., had 63 walks. Of course, there always has to be a red flag when a player has a career season right before hitting the free agent market. There is no such worry about Figgins as his 2009 wasn’t even his best overall season (2007 was). Figgins does, however, seem to be learning the value of a walk. His walk total has risen in each of the past three seasons while his walk percentage has risen during every season of his career. Because mediocre power is quite overvalued, especially in this market with a lack of true power threats, the fact that Chone Figgins has finished in the top 25 for MVP voting in four of his six seasons as a full-time player often goes ignored.

To further demonstrate Figgins value, one should consider he is replacing Adrian Beltre at third base (unless the Mariners decide to utilize Figgins’ versatility to their advantage). Beltre has been a solid third baseman throughout his career (yet, he never lived up to his contract), but he suffered through an injury-riddled season and finished with a .265/.304/.379 batting line. Figgins, even in a down season, outplays that stat line. Although Beltre has been one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, Figgins has evolved into an above average defensive third sacker. His 16.7 UZR was third best in Baseball, slightly ahead of Beltre’s 14.3. Because the Mariners get a defensive player in Figgins who is equal to the one he is replacing coupled with the fact that he is a better offensive player, the upgrade is significant for the Mariners.

The Ichiro Effect and Setting the Table

Undoubtedly, Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most exciting players in the game. He is already a certain Hall of Famer who has amassed 200 hits in each of his nine seasons. As he led the American League in hits for a fourth consecutive season, there was one glaring mark on another outstanding season. Part of his game is predicated on speed. He stole a career low 26 bases and was caught nine times. Surely, 35 year olds are prone to stop running or to slow down a bit. But, another factor may have contributed to Suzuki’s poor base running season. As previously stated, the Mariners were one of the least patient teams in the league. Working the count was not a priority for the Mariners’ lineup thus leaving Suzuki in some poor running counts. With Figgins bringing a more patient approach and being able to work the count, Suzuki may return to the 30-35 stolen base range, which is where he spent the majority of his career. Perhaps he is truly slowing down, but having a legitimate number two hitter who can work the count will surely provide the answer.

For Figgins, having Suzuki on base in front of him will also be a benefit. Instead of leading off  like he did in Los Angeles, Figgins will benefit from Suzuki’s presence on the base paths, much like Johnny Damon did hitting second for the Yankees this season behind Derek Jeter. Figgins will likely receive more fastballs from some distracted pitchers. It suits his game perfectly and will allow the Mariners to create some run opportunities via the hit and run more often. With the two speedsters at the top of the Mariners’ order, there will be many opportunities for the middle of the order to bat with runners in scoring position, which will be quite different from 2009. Now, Zduriencik has to fill out that middle of the order (details, details).

Value and More Work

Chone Figgins is not a superstar player; he is simply an above average player whose skills should age well, even if he does run less or becomes less successful on the base paths. He can work the count, take a walk, and get on base. $9 million dollars may sound like an exorbitant amount of money; four years may sound even crazier. But, with backup middle infielders and 38-year-old catchers getting two-year contracts, the length and the inherent risk is minimal. Additionally, Figgins’ versatility plays a significant role in the signing. He is an outstanding defensive third baseman, but has proved to be average (or close to it) at every position he has played. He may even get better at another position if he played there more consistently. Having Figgins on the roster allows Zduriencik the flexibility to bring in quality players regardless of position as Figgins can be moved if the situation arises.

Step one for the Mariners is complete. Jack Zduriencik still has to find a starting first baseman (perhaps bringing Branyan, a free agent, back), a starting left fielder, and another starting pitcher (Rich Harden?) in order to give the Mariners a chance to compete for a playoff berth. If the Figgins signing is any indication, Mariners fans have quite a bit to look forward in 2010. If Zduriencik can find the offensive answers, the Mariners have more than enough talent to compete. Chone Figgins is a large part of that answer.

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