White Sox interested in Figgins

May 21, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

The Chicago White Sox are looking everywhere right now for a lead-off hitting second baseman. The position on the field and in the lineup, might be this teams biggest need right now. Their lead-off hitter, Orlando Cabrera, is hitting a paltry .219. While their second baseman trio, Alexei Ramirez (.207), Juan Uribe (.198) and Pablo Ozuna (.243) are all not getting the job done. One obvious possibility is Baltimore Orioles’ Brian Roberts, but General Manger Kenny Williams isn’t willing to pay the price it would take to get him. So the most interesting candidate comes from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chone Figgins.

According to Chicago Sun-Times, Williams has been making inquiries to numerous teams, who have players who could fit the bill of a second baseman and lead-off hitter. There are actually only a few of those types in the majors right now, that could actually help a team like the White Sox who are in a playoff race. In past years, Figgins name has come up in possible trade talks, even with that being said, he’d still be a tough player to acquire. But in reality his days in Los Angeles could be numbered, I’ll explain that later.

Chone Figgins is currently on the disabled list, but is expected to be activated in time for Wednesday’s game. While no deal or even talks are currently on the table, Figgins is definitely a player that has peaked the interest of Williams. “That’s an interesting name, and a name that I, yeah … they’re a pretty good team and they need … I’m talking about the guys that will ultimately be available, and I don’t know if they will be any better than what we already got,” Williams said . ”Again, the key phrase being that they will ultimately be available. ”

Here’s what could keep Figgins from being available. First, the Angels own his rights till after the 2009 season. He’s currently got one year left in arbitration (2009), and would then be a free agent in 2010. Having him under lock and key for another year at a relatively modest price is something that benefits the free spending Angels. The other problem is who would play third base for the team in the mean time? Matt Brown? Rob Quinlan? Not the best of options. Brown is a solid prospect for the team, but not quite ready for the bigs. He’s currently batting a .077 in 13 at bats, while Quinlan is a .235. Maicer Izturis has also been spending time at third AND leading off, and wow thats been a success he’s currently hitting a .216. Another problem, is Erick Aybar dislocated a finger during Tuesday’s game and is more then likely to spend some time on the disabled list.

The main problem in acquiring Figgins? The Angels are leading the American League West and are in the playoff race themselves. Figgins at the top of that lineup makes that team so much more dynamic, and lets manager Mike Scioscia do more of the things he likes to do, sacrifice bunts, hit and runs, stealing bases.

What could lead the Angels to moving Figgins? The free agent class of 2008. Chicago White Sox 3B Joe Crede will be on the market, and its being reported that the Angels are going to make a huge push to get his services. Crede is pretty much the only viable third baseman on the market next off-season, and I’m sure the Angels would love to move Figgins to short, or have him float around again like when he first came to the bigs.

Here’s an idea. Why don’t the White Sox and Angels talk about a possible Joe Crede for Chone Figgins trade? They could always work out an NBA style sign and trade, come to terms on an agreement and see if the two sides can work out a deal. Yea, I know deals like that are hard to do during the season, as it could give the Angels an advantage come November if the trade isn’t worked out. But you know what, it’s just a thought.

Here’s the Chicago Sun-Times article.

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