Chone Figgins News: Pro Sports Daily

For Angels, Bay, Lackey and Figgins are all in play

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday is not coming. Jason Bay might be coming. John Lackey and Chone Figgins are not coming back -- not together, anyway. Those were the highlights of the state of the Angels address delivered by owner Arte Moreno on Thursday, after baseball's owners concluded their meetings here. The free-agent shopping season opens today, with owners citing an uncertain economic forecast in suggesting players might linger on the market well into the winter. Yet Moreno left one thing absolutely certain: The Angels have no interest in outfielder Matt Holliday, perhaps the best position player available in free agency. "He is not going to be an Angel," Moreno said. "We are not looking at Holliday ..."

Angels focused on own free agents

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November 19

MLB.com

"The waiting game continues for the three-time reigning American League West champion Angels. With six players eligible for bids when free agency's doors swing open at 9:01 p.m. PT on Thursday night, the Angels have much to resolve before forging on with the shaping of their 2010 roster. Ace John Lackey, offensive catalyst Chone Figgins and cleanup man Vladimir Guerrero all are ready to start fielding offers along with bullpen glue Darren Oliver, versatile Robb Quinlan and comeback-minded Kelvim Escobar. "I don't think anything's changed from our perspective," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who is in constant contact with general manager Tony Reagins. "Those guys are all priorities for ..."

Amazin's 'absolutely in' on Chone

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November 12

New York Post

"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday's or Jason Bay's, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years and $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field ..."

Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins

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November 12

New York Daily News

"Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday. Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 this season and staying healthy, GM Omar Minaya may have a difficult time moving Castillo. Castillo is midway through a four-year, $25 million deal that blocked the Mets from signing free agent Orlando Hudson last winter. Castillo had met with team officials at the end of the 2008 season to apologize for his performance and request to remain with the team. The Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs are interested in Castillo and are attempting to rope in a third team such as Tampa Bay or Texas as a way of ..."

Phillies apparently looking at 3 for third base

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November 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Ruben Amaro Jr. is not offering any hints about whom he'd like as his next third baseman, but there are indications it could be one of three players.People who have spoken about the subject with the Phillies general manager believe his wish list is headed, in some order, by Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Adrian Beltre. All are free agents.Amaro spent the last three days at the general managers meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. Before heading back to Philadelphia yesterday, he termed the meetings "a recon visit," in which he met with other teams and agents before the off-season wheeling and dealing begins in earnest."We had several discussions on ways to improve the club," Amaro said.Amaro ..."

Phillies like the third-base market

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November 12

Philadelphia Daily News

"Two years ago, the Phillies acquired Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros during the general managers' meetings. But that was an exception, rather than the norm. Although Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he had discussions with several teams about trades since arriving at the O'Hare Hilton on Monday, he never expected to leave the Windy City with a revamped roster."This is more of a recon mission than anything else," Amaro said as he waited in line to check out from the hotel late yesterday morning.What has the recon yielded?First and foremost that the Phillies like their odds of upgrading offensively at third base, most likely through free agency. Although Amaro said he has had ..."

Mets 'absolutely in' on Figgins, could replace Castillo

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November 11

New York Post

"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years at $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field and try ..."

Versatile Figgins drawing plenty of interest, especially from Phillies

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November 11

SI.com

"Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources. The two-time defending National League champion Phillies are said to be intent on pursuing Figgins hard as a potential replacement for Pedro Feliz, whose $5.5 million option was declined. Agents were jolted that a seemingly reasonable option such as that was rejected ("That's what we've come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?" asked one incredulously). But the reality is that the Phillies ..."

Angels still trying to keep Figgins; will wait on Vladdy

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November 10

SI.com

"The Angels are trying to keep free agent and leadoff man extraordinaire Chone Figgins in the fold. They've been talking to him about a contract for two months, and Angels GM Tony Reagins said he's "hopeful'' that something can get done. Meanwhile, White Sox GM Ken Williams said Figgins is out of their price range. Reagins said he doesn't expect to make a quick deal with free agent Vladimir Guerrero, but doesn't rule out one later. That possibility might depend on Guerrero not getting what he wants elsewhere first, then coming back to the Angels later."

ChiSox not confident about Figgins

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The White Sox need a leadoff man, but the team still expects that free agent Chone Figgins will be out of their price range. Figgins could fit for the Sox at third, with the White Sox moving newly acquired Mark Teahen to right field, or in left field. Rival scouts and executives view Teahen as a below-average defender at third, but the Sox likely will keep him in that spot and seek an outfielder who could hit at the top of the order. If the Sox added no one, they could use Gordon Beckham at leadoff. Another option could be top outfield prospect Jordan Danks, who could emerge as this year's Beckham from the farm system. The expectation, however, is that the Sox will add a leadoff man."

Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option

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November 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."

Figgins a tough decision for Angels

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November 8

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."

Could Oakland A's go after Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero?

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November 8

Contra Costa Times

"Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero, a pair of free agents from the Los Angeles Angels, could be offseason targets of the Oakland A's. At least that's part of the speculation of Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Where would Figgins fit in with the A's? Would adding the injury-prone Guerrero be just another in a line of the A's failed signings of declining All-Stars?"

Angels facing roster dilemma

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October 27

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"Last year, Mark Teixeira, Frankie Rodriguez and Garret Anderson were in the Angels' graduating class of sixth-year seniors. They were the free agents who left and probably were taking the Angels' AL West title with them. The Angels went to spring training anyway, and went a step further in the playoffs than they did in 2008 and, probably, wound up a better team. It's not a half-empty, half-full thing. It's the hole-in-the-water theory. Eventually, it gets filled. This year the class is bigger and more substantial. The hole is deeper, too, and there's a water shortage. The possible free agents are John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Darren Oliver. Those are vital ..."

Slumping Figgins stays at the top

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October 25

Orange County Register

"Angels manager Mike Scioscia had an off day and a long cross-country flight to think about what to do with his lineup and the ineffective table-setters at its top. His solution was to change nothing. The lineup posted for Game 6 before it was postponed by rain Saturday had Chone Figgins (2 for 30 in the post-season) at leadoff with Bobby Abreu (3 for 21 in the ALCS) still second. With Saturday's rainout, Scioscia will have some more time to think about changes to an offense that has hit .231 with 17 runs in the first five games (seven in the Game 5 victory). But he didn't sound like a manager in the mood for change. "We considered a lot of things yesterday on the plane fight and as we got ..."

Weight program gives Figgins a lift

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September 12

Orange County Register

"It takes a lot of iron to build an iron man. The Angels' smallest player, Chone Figgins, might be the team's most frequent visitor to the weight room. It's a daily habit Figgins credits for helping him get his 5-foot-8, 180-pound frame through the rigors of the long schedule. "I lift every day. I truly lift every day," Figgins said. "For me, it's all about getting the kinks out. I know guys who get sore as the season goes on. Everybody does. But if you get the kinks out - I believe - that's how you avoid getting hurt or really getting worn down." Figgins said the daily workout is a commitment he made in 2001 after being traded late in the season to the Angels organization. "In the minor ..."

Chicago White Sox setting table for off-season moves

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September 11

Chicago Tribune

"Addressing the White Sox's priorities for 2010 will be more complex than simply signing Angels free agents Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu to fill their leadoff and left-handed run-producing concerns. General manager Ken Williams is placing his immediate thrust in this season's final 21 games toward seeing if the Sox can make a late push toward the American League Central title and aligning the team quickly for what could be an unpredictable off-season. "First, I have to let this play out and see how we finish, what that means in terms of next year's projections. Once marketing and sales gives us all the information, [Sox Chairman] Jerry Reinsdorf will give me a budget number," Williams ..."

Chone Figgins is a wanted man

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September 10

Los Angeles Times

"Speculation has already begun in Chicago and New York. The White Sox need a versatile defender who can lead off, the Cubs need more speed and on-base ability at the top of the order, the Yankees want a leadoff man to push Derek Jeter to the second spot. And Chone Figgins, the Angels' third baseman and leadoff batter extraordinaire, is at the top of each team's winter shopping list. "It's always good to be wanted," said Figgins, who will become a free agent after the season. "But when you find a home, you want to stay here. I love what this organization is all about -- winning, playing hard. I love being here." The Angels hold exclusive negotiating rights to Figgins for 15 days after the ..."

Angels' Chone Figgins may be on Cubs' radar

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September 7

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs spent the winter of 2007-08 unsuccessfully trying to acquire leadoff man Brian Roberts from the Orioles. Now they may spend the 2009-10 off-season trying to sign free-agent leadoff man Chone Figgins from the Angels. Asked if Kosuke Fukudome would be his leadoff man in 2010, Lou Piniella replied: "It's a possibility. I would think that we'd probably try to add more speed, but we'll see. That's just a conjecture, nothing more, nothing less. But if not, certainly Fukudome would be a candidate." Figgins, a switch-hitter who can play second, third or any outfield spot, is hitting .303 with a .399 on-base percentage and 39 stolen bases in 55 attempts. Fukudome is hitting .300 in 100 ..."

Scioscia goes to bat for Chone Figgins

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September 7

Los Angeles Times

"Angels Manager Mike Scioscia asked the Kauffman Stadium official scorer after the Angels' 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night to reconsider an eighth-inning decision to rule Chone Figgins' one-hop smash off second baseman Willie Bloomquist's glove an error. But Scioscia will not appeal the call to the commissioner's office, which has a five-person scoring committee that can overrule a scorer's decision as it did in May, when what was originally ruled a Howie Kendrick inside-the-park home run against the Royals was changed to a four-base error on right fielder Jose Guillen. "That was a travesty, but it's their discretion, and we'll live with it," Scioscia said of ..."

Injured finger sidelines Longoria

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July 14

MLB.com

"An infection of his right ring finger has forced Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria out of his All-Star Game start tonight, and he will be replaced in the starting lineup by Michael Young of the Rangers. The Angels' Chone Figgins, meanwhile, has taken Longoria's place on the roster, becoming the 30th first-time All-Star on hand for the 80th Midsummer Classic, in St. Louis' Busch Stadium. Young, who had been voted onto the AL squad by the players, went into the break hitting .308, with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs. This is Young's sixth consecutive All-Star Game, but he will be starting for the first time. Figgins leads the AL with 68 runs and is tied for the lead with seven triples, while hitting .310."

Juan Pierre and Chone Figgins remain fast friends

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June 19

Los Angeles Times

"Juan Pierre was the first guy to the ballpark every day. Chone Figgins wasn't far behind him. Pierre and Figgins were the last guys to leave the ballpark too. No reason for their teammates to suspect anything. Probably another round or two in the batting cage. But it's no fun hitting on an empty stomach, and there's no money at the lowest rungs of the minor leagues. And after every game, as players showered and dressed, concession workers wouldoff a few unsold hot dogs for the coaching staff. So, with the same combination of observation, patience and instinct that would help them develop into two of baseball's premier stolen-base artists, Pierre and Figgins would wait out their teammates, ..."

Chone Figgins discovers that no change is the best change

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June 2

Los Angeles Times

"Chone Figgins led off the first inning of a recent game against the Chicago White Sox with a wicked liner to first baseman Paul Konerko for an out. Earlier in his career, maybe even earlier this season, Figgins would have tinkered with his swing in his next at-bat or two, thinking he had to do something different to get a hit, but that thought never crossed his mind that day. The Angels third baseman kept the same approach and singled twice in his next three at-bats, another example of the maturity and consistency that has helped the 31-year-old become one of baseball's best leadoff hitters. "To hit line drives and not get results stinks more than anything," Figgins said. "You'd rather ..."

Figgins confident in his role

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February 23

Orange County Register

"Chone Figgins figures it's just good to be wanted. "To me, it's always a good thing if another team wants you. It's never a bad thing," Figgins said of hearing his name pop up in offseason trade rumors. Figgins' contract status (he can be a free agent next winter), top prospect Brandon Wood's conversion to third base and the Angels' perceived need for more power at the position than Figgins provides gave some teams the impression that Figgins might not fit into the Angels' plans for 2009 and could be had in a trade. That never materialized - nor did a reversion to a multi-position role. Had the Angels not signed free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu on the eve of spring training, Figgins could ..."

Figgins fighting distractions to get in groove

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July 21

Orange County Register

"Chone Figgins got in trouble with his father last weekend. The younger Figgins left the Angels to fly to Florida and be with his father who was hospitalized after having two seizures, brought on by his hypertension. Figgins missed the Angels' final two games before the All-Star break. "He hated that I missed baseball," Figgins said with a smile. "I guess that's where I get that from, wanting to play every game. "He was glad to see me. But in a way, he was mad at me." Figgins said his father, Charles, is only 50 but first began having health problems in 2006 when he suffered a stroke. He recovered from that but continues to battle high blood pressure and had seizures that landed him ..."

Chone Figgins Working His Way Back

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June 9

Orange County Register

(scroll down)

"Angels infielder Chone Figgins came out of his weekend workouts feeling fine and will start a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday. Figgins will play five innings Monday then increase that on Tuesday and Wednesday before being re-evaluated. He could rejoin the Angels as soon as their weekend interleague series against the Atlanta Braves."

Chone Figgins may be headed back to Angels' disabled list

May 27

Los Angeles Times

"The Angels took Chone Figgins off the disabled list six days ago, but they might have to put him back on it. Figgins played one game before aggravating his right hamstring injury, and he has not played in the five games since. That missed time would count if the Angels put him back on the disabled list, so they could activate him as soon as June 6. "We're going to have to make a decision in the next couple days," Manager Mike Scioscia said."

Figgins off DL, Aybar on it

May 22

L.A. Daily News

"The Angels swapped one injured infielder for another again Wednesday, activating third baseman Chone Figgins from the disabled list but placing Erick Aybar on the DL with a dislocated pinkie on his right hand. Aybar suffered the injury when he made a diving stop of a ground ball up the middle in the first inning of Tuesday's game. X-rays were negative, but Aybar was examined by a hand specialist in Toronto on Wednesday. "You can imagine how I reacted (to being told he would need to go on the DL)," Aybar said through an interpreter. "Hopefully, it's just one week. I want it to be as fast as possible so I can get back and play." According to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Aybar is ..."

Chone Figgins comes off DL, but Erick Aybar goes on it

May 22

Los Angeles Times

"It's as if there's a revolving door to the disabled list for the Angels, who gained third baseman Chone Figgins on Wednesday but lost shortstop Erick Aybar, who is expected to be out about a month because of a severely dislocated right pinkie finger. The speedy Figgins, out since May 4 because of a right hamstring strain, was activated and plugged into the leadoff spot for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays."

Chone improvement?

May 21

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox general manager Ken Williams chose his words carefully. On one hand, there has been increased speculation that his interest in Los Angeles Angels infielder Chone Figgins has grown. On the other hand, he knows the reality of prying free a player like that in a trade right now is all but impossible. A source close to the situation said that Williams started sending out feelers more than two weeks ago to teams that had leadoff hitters also capable of playing second base -- at least all the teams that don't have Brian Roberts on their roster, because that bridge was crossed back in the spring, and Baltimore is asking for everything that's not nailed down in return. But the hot ..."