Chone Figgins Appreciation Thread

but one that sticks out is the game i was at vs. the astros where figgy went 6-6 with a walk-off 3B. im glad that his last season w/us was his first All-Star season.
sad to see him go best of luck gonna miss you

nselbe7 - December 5, 2009 reply

sorry, you beat me

hittheg - December 5, 2009 reply

Ahh man, that's what I was gonna' say too

Thanks to Rev for taking the time to make this post. Figgy really blossomed in the Angels organization. I wish him well in Seattle.

But, now let’s figure out how we’re make the 2010 Angels the best ever and leave Seattle and the others in the dust.

10 27 02 - December 5, 2009 reply

I was there...great game.

figgifig - December 5, 2009 reply

just me and the bartender

way up here in the mountains of new york state…i jokingly ask to put the angels on xm in which he complies. we proceed to listen to figgs hit number 6 to win the game. we still talk of that night

adirondackangelfan - December 5, 2009 reply

+1

Wally's World - December 5, 2009 reply

I remember that game

And the day afterward I customized an Angels jersey and decided to put #9 on the back of it because the game

TheAntiSox - December 5, 2009 reply

walk-off triple

to complete his cycle

and of course, his winning smile

hittheg - December 5, 2009 reply

Favorite memory of Figgy is...

Figgy as an Angel. Amazing dude. Totally epitomized the Angel ideal. Love him to death.

chairmanofthebar - December 5, 2009 reply

Figgins was my favorite Angel, but.....

And I don’t know the details, so maybe someone can fill me in. But if he left just for an extra million or two, I’ll be hoping we drill him with a fastball on his Beetlejuice look-alike dome.

bc56274 - December 5, 2009 reply

DO THE MATH

we offered 8 mil a year for 3 years.

The Mariners offered 9 Mil a year for 4 years with a chance to get a 5th year at that rate.

That is at least $12 million more and could be $21 million more. That is not just “an extra million or two” it is a bowl-over-Arte amount of money.

Rev Halofan - December 5, 2009 reply

exactly

figgifig - December 5, 2009 reply

Get real, If the money was closer he would have stayed.

In my opinion, the Angel’s lowballed him.

Wally's World - December 5, 2009 reply

I think the Angels

offered him what they thought he was worth.

Jay Cal - December 5, 2009 reply

Or more likely

what he was worth to the Angels.

jjackflash - December 5, 2009 reply

He will be sorely missed

I don’t care for the Mariners, but I wish Figgy the best of luck as a player.

I really hope people at the Big A don’t start booing him when the Mariners are in town.

~MMP~ - December 5, 2009 reply

No way

I’m sure he gets a standing O the first time back.

10 27 02 - December 5, 2009 reply

For sure

mattwelch - December 5, 2009 reply

until he hits a walk of triple

then he’ll be booed.

Jay Cal - December 5, 2009 reply

we'll just but in a lefty

dude can’t hit Fuentes or Oliver

MH252525 - December 5, 2009 reply

Uh

Fuentes? *shivers
That name put chills down my spine. Thanks for reminding me of the the dinosaur

Figgi4life - December 5, 2009 via mobile reply

My first Angels game in '05

vs. the Nationals… Figgy was playing left field, scored a run and maybe had a RBI. The team scored 11 runs, which meant… chicken wings! So before the bottom of an inning, a fan shouted out “Thanks for the chicken wings, Chone!” Figgy smiled, laughed, and gave the guy a thumbs up. It was great. :)

…Not to mention his outstanding play over the years.

HawaiiHaloFan35 - December 5, 2009 reply

I'll miss Figgy as an Angel, that's my memory.

This stings more than not signing Teixeira last year. Teixeira is nothing more than a money grubbing asshat. There was no sentiment there, just the need for his bat and glove. However, Figgy helped make history in ‘02 and personified the Angel’s philosophy with his solid defense, base stealing and small ball. I guess it was his time to go so now I’m ready to watch Wood wash away this sting just as Morales did.

Now that he’s with our division rival to the north, he’s the enemy. Besides, the Rangers are in a whole world of suck right now. It looks like Seattle is going to be our competition for the division. I can’t root for him unless we’ve already cliched the division or Seattle is in the cellar.

I have faith in you, Arte. Let’s not regret this.

Teixeira Who? - December 5, 2009 reply

Figgy's infectious smile is what ill miss

plus all those throws he looked like he couldnt possibly make,those easy “trust your hands” swings, the amazing plays at no only third base, but 2nd, short, in left, in center, and in right(catcher or first base anyone?), the clutch hits out of nowhere, and the i’m stealing that base no matter how many times you look at me, always leaning towards the next base before he goes. Oh, and making barry bonds bobble the ball.
Thats what i will miss about our offenses(and defenses) spark plug.
Good luck chone, you will be missed

AnaheimHalos61 - December 5, 2009 reply

Favorite Figgy moment

The turn around in his career that he made after talking with coach Haynes. It seemed like Figgy was a different dude on the field, a much better player, especially at the plate.
Figgy owes Haynes a couple of mil.

LosAngel - December 5, 2009 reply

Sorry Mr. Haynes...

Figgy probably isn’t reading this, so you’re not getting any money from him. LOL

thetooth - December 7, 2009 reply

my favorite Figgy moment

I was at the game in 2002 when he got his first major league hit. At the time he was mainly coming into the games late as a pinch-runner, so to see him get the start and get his first hit was pretty special…

bighead - December 5, 2009 reply

Came here to say that, beat me to it

LiteUpThatHalo - December 5, 2009 via mobile reply

Figgy: too many good memories

The fact is that there are way too many good memories that I’m not going to go into any specifics. He was a terrific player during the Angels most successful period in franchise history. Figgy was an important contributor during the six-year run (2004-2009), a 972 game span during which the Angels compiled a .583 winning percentage (94.5 wins a year).

I want to quantify what tremendous value Figgy brought to the Angels. FanGraphs assigns a dollar value to WAR. As per FanGraphs, “It is a backward looking value statistic that quantifies the replacement cost of a certain level of production based upon the market price for that value.”

During Figgins time with Angels (2002-2009) he provided $73.8 million of production (source), that is, what the Angels would have had to pay in free agency to buy that kind of production.

What he was actually paid by the Angels: $16.985 million (source)

The man deserves to be paid. Do not begrudge Chone. He’s earned the right to reap the benefits of free agency.

Finally, an editorial:
Some people are going to complain that Chone is “greedy” or that he’s just chasing the money. But remember; baseball is not so much a sport as it is part of the entertainment business. At the end of the day, baseball is competing for your entertainment dollar along the likes of TV shows, movies, and music. While I may think it’s absurd that the cast of ‘Friends’ were each paid a million dollars per episode (I think it’s a vacuous, insipid program) , I recognize that there are people who are entertained by the program and as such, the actors were paid market value due to the popularity of the show. Lucky for Angels fans this decade, Figgy and the team provided LOTS of entertainment. Figgy is an entertainer who will be paid market value for his services. I wish him well.

Fan Since 1981 - December 5, 2009 reply

Agree.

There’s NO ONE who walks away from $12m to $20m. This is not about loyalty to an employer or fans, it’s about responsibility and accountability to one’s family. Pure and simple, Seattle wanted Figgins more than Arte and Ninja did. If someone wants to be mad, direct the anger to the Angel’s front office.

I have nothing but appreciation and respect for Figgins, and the results he delivered while a member of the Angels.

mustard_man - December 5, 2009 reply

Agree mustard man. And I agree with "Since 81"

Everyone basically knew what the market would bear and what the numbers were that Figgy
and his agent were looking for. At the end of the day the Angels simply chose to go in a different direction. THEY are the reason Chone is no longer an Angel — not Figgins. Everyone knew it would take 4/36 to sign Chone. So — the Angels offered 3/24. That is a polite way of saying “thanks for your service but no thanks.” It ’s not like an extra 4 million was going to break Arte.

This is the way business is conducted. A team offers a solid, stand-up guy like Figgins, who has been an good soldier for years a little less than he’s worth. He can see the writing on the wall. The bottom line is: If the Angels had wanted to retain Figgins they would have. He said all along that he wanted to be here and his price was by no means unreasonable or unfair.

So be it. Farewell Chone.

You will be missed. Believe it Angels. He WILL be missed.

Jack Frost - December 5, 2009 reply

Absolutely

If Chone were my son and he turned that down to stay with the Angels for $15MM less I’d be so mad I could spit. This is probably the only big contract of his career and he needs to maximize his earning potential. I loved Chone and my favorite memories of him are the 2002 post-season where he electrified us with his speed. Also being an east-coaster, the fact that he OWNED the Yankees and the O’s was FANtastic. Being in the stands as a visitor, wearing the gear and watching Chone shred the opposition brought absolute satisfaction.

Thanks for the memories. I’ll miss you Chone and wish you well except against us.

Moondoggy - December 5, 2009 reply

Come On

Sure the Angels wanted Figgins back; otherwise, they would not have offered him arbitration nor would they have offered a contract. They just didn’t want to pay him as much as another team did. That’s due in part to the fact that there are other players the Angels would like to add. Teams are composed of more than one player. And as pointed out above, it’s not a difference of $4 million, but somewhere between $12-$20 million.

Chone had a choice. He could have stayed with the Angels if he had wanted to. $24 million is more than most of us will ever dream of seeing. But I would have been a bit perplexed if he’d left $12 million sitting on the table, and I do not begrudge him in the least for taking the M’s offer. I probably would have, too, given the choice.

jjackflash - December 5, 2009 reply

My bad on the math, but who knows, if the Angels offered 3 years at 9 mil

instead of four maybe Figgins takes it. My real point jj is that Figgins did want to be here. It wasn’t like he went somewhere else for less! In reality, 9 million per year for a player producing like Figgy is a BARGAIN in the current climate of MLB. I think the Angels will live to regret not locking Figgy up. Just my opinion.

Jack Frost - December 6, 2009 reply

At least he has earned his money, unlike his friend Juan Pierre.

figgifig - December 5, 2009 reply

my fave Figgy moment

happened nearly every at-bat. Figgy led the league in incredulous grimaces every time the ump made a call he didn’t agree with. A ball an inch inside and Figgy’d act like it was gonna knock him over. Then he’d bug his eyes, shake his head & act like the ump was out to get him.

squarefootnatlpark - December 5, 2009 reply

No specific moment but I like to think about...

his whole story. we picked him up in a seemingly meaningless trade. he first got our attention as a pinch runner who I think most of us didn’t count on being anything more than a bench player with good wheels. he was a natural 2nd baseman but when we needed him we turned the 5 foot nothing guy into a third baseman and he turned himself into an all-star 3rd baseman. I think the story what appeared to be a role player who played his way into earning a huge payday while doing whatever his team asked of him will be what I remember. with that said, seattle overpaid and our front office is making a wise decision.

thejd - December 5, 2009 via mobile reply

Agreed with this on all counts

I’d also like to add it was fun to see him grow as a player.

He went through a span there where he didn’t appear to be the best teammate and they seemed to have problems with him hustling, but we forgot about that fast.

We thought he was a dreadful leadoff hitter and by the time he was done here he had made himself into a pretty dang good leadoff hitter if not one of the game’s best.

People wrote about how you can’t win with a player like Figgins at 3rd and he proved to be very valuable as a 3rd baseman.

He was never able to bunt, until..err, wait, I don’t think he ever really did learn how to bunt.

I’m glad to see him get the money he deserved. His stolen base % seems to be on the decline, it is time for Wood to sink or swim, and we have a very capable leadoff hitter in Aybar so I think our management made the right move whether it was by luck or skill.

thewebb - December 5, 2009 reply

I was thinking of writing the same as both of you.

Does anyone remember Gary Pettis? His career started just like Figgins. He can up in ’82 and helped the Angels win the western division. His blazing speed was a treat to watch. Unfortunatley, Gary never contributed that much offensively (although he was a highlight reel on defense playing center field). Among other things, he never learned how to bunt or hit the ball down into the turf (like a contemporary of his,Willie Wilson) and take advantage of his speed.

After a couple of years of watching Figgins, I thought he was a rerun of Pettis with some minor differences (for example, Figgins is/was more versatile on defense). But as time passed, Figgy actually grew as a player. Though he never learned to bunt, he found other ways to contribute, such as learning how to draw walks. He figured out this game better than Pettis, and helped the Angels in the ways you describe above.

I have enjoyed watching Chone Figgins grow and develop. I don’t know how much he will be missed in the future, but that cannot be used to deny his contributions to the Angels since 2002. I wish him the best in his time with the Mariners. And I hope we continue to kick their booties in the division!

sothball - December 5, 2009 reply

I've been a life-long Angels fan

But I only have one autograph from a player. Thanks for being so cool Chone. He’s a class act all the way. You will be missed (and cheered upon your return to the Big A). Thanks for all you’ve done for our franchise.

PitPerc - December 5, 2009 reply

I have way too many memories of Figgy to list, so I will be sentimental and say that my best memory of Chone is my first memory of Chone, during the 2002 WS, when Scioscia put Figgy in as a pinch runner on first, and he stole second and flashed that smile. That is the best smile in all of baseball.

I will miss you, Desmond. I wish you could stay a Halo forever. Good luck to you.

TSamn15 - December 5, 2009 reply

He's always been one of my favorite angels, and i love his style of play. Got to meet him after a game at Hooters. Class act.

and long live his chonies!

Chone's Chonies - December 5, 2009 via mobile reply

Figgy Memory

I’m not totally giving up that he’s gone but….
I don’t have any one memory of Figgy but I love watching him make those next to impossible plays at 3rd base. He would catch the ball behind the bag and be pulled out of bounds and still throw to 1st and make the out. He is amazing to watch.

I know he doesn’t have the greatest offense during the playoffs but without him we may not have made it to the playoffs.

If Figgy leaves I’m going to miss him.

angelsfan777 - December 5, 2009 reply

By the way Rev -- Thanks for the appreciation thread. Great Idea.

Jack Frost - December 5, 2009 reply

how big do you think brandon wood's smile is today?

thejd - December 5, 2009 reply

I'll miss the Chonester

I’ll cheer for ye in the Great North West, but the rest of the team … bah.

eyespy - December 5, 2009 reply

Not to piss on any parades, but...

Is this deal actually done? The latest news was that Figgins and the Mariners had an “agreement,” which is not the same thing as a signed contract. It would be surprising if the M’s closed the deal before the Beltre situation was resolved, unless they know something about Scott Boras that we don’t. Either way, even MLBTR hasn’t posted word yet.

Suboptimal - December 5, 2009 reply

It

~MMP~ - December 5, 2009 reply

It's not done yet.

But its hard to say if the Angels are gonna try to compete with the Mariners at this point.

~MMP~ - December 5, 2009 reply

No

I think they may have narrowed the gap, at best.

Slasher52 - December 5, 2009 reply

Good luck to you Chone

I don’t blame you for taking the money. Your priority is you and your family. Good luck to you and I hope that you have many more all star seasons, excpet against the angels. Oh and you might never win the division, too.

Thanks.

dan73962 - December 5, 2009 reply

Thanks Figg-Man

Thanks for all of the memories in an Angels uniform.

Thanks for being on the right side of the equation we all try to live by: Hardwork + dedication makes the man.

May you have continued success in Seattle – and may you be the ONLY Mariner who does.

LAASurfin - December 5, 2009 reply

Gonna miss his feisty at bats and 1st to 3rds!!

ihearhowie2.0 - December 5, 2009 reply

In a sport that is large based on what have you done for me lately, its still sad to see Chone go despite his HORRENDOUS postseason.

He was always classy guy, and a great person to have in the club house.
On list of favorite angels of all time? I dont think he makes the top 10 on my list, but I wouldnt be suprised if he made other people’s list.

I think he would rank just behind GA on my list, which definately isnt a bad spot to be in. I feeling like its the end of an era having figgy leave, but thank you for all the work and effort you put into making our club a perennial contender.

Wish you well FIGGY!… im gonna miss saying that, cuz now that your no longer a Angel, you’re back to being Figgins.

robi s - December 5, 2009 reply

Whoa whoa whoa

GA isn’t in your top 10?

Figgi4life - December 5, 2009 via mobile reply

almost missing the All-Star game because his cell was off

AND thinking that his name was Chrome when I first looked at the box score

my favourite Angel, sad to see him go, good luck Chone!

Scotty G - December 5, 2009 reply

Zoe Necrosis - December 5, 2009 reply

hahahahaha

halomax - December 7, 2009 reply

Fave Figgy Moments

After every single, he would round first and bump his fists together.

tmat - December 5, 2009 reply

During 2002, I saw Figgy play second base in SLC

he made two errors and really struggled. To watch him become a gold glove caliber third baseman is my best memory of him as well as his enthusiasm for the game. It’s tough to watch these guys go.

tanana40 - December 5, 2009 reply

I'll miss seeing you in Angel Red, Figgy.

Thanks for always signing and chatting with the fans. Seattle is lucky to have you.

At the same time, I’m glad Woody will get his chance, and he’s a heckuva lot cheaper.

Slasher52 - December 5, 2009 reply

Doesn't this feel like a tough breakup?

I can’t be the only one.

Teixeira Who? - December 5, 2009 reply

right, i understand why you left but i still really want to be friends w/you figgy

thejd - December 5, 2009 reply

Will miss Figgy

His great play at third, his steals of second and his smile- I wish he hadn’t gone to seattle in our division though, That was kind of tacky. The Mariners are trying hard to steal our mojo…

Go Woody, go Angels!

xavier c - December 5, 2009 reply

bottom line

Our Minor league system is not as strong as it use to be.

Lackey and Weaver are not thrilled about playing for Scoscia.

The jury is still out on Reagins. I am not into signing a 37 year old outfielder (Aberu) and where is this team headed?

WIll they let B. Wood play every day at 3b? And do we have to see this great managing again of a platoon at 2nd? Let Wood play every day, would be nice to have power at both corners.

Who will be he Angels number 1?

Finally, I see Texas winning the division the the team we have now.

Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS - December 5, 2009 reply

About Brandon Wood...

…there was a great article by Bill Shaikin (LA Times) about Chone’s exit and the probability that Wood is the next 3B. We’re big fans of Wood at mlbfantasyprospects.com

If you’re interested in our thoughts, as well as Shaikin’s artcle, you may want to check us out today.

Steve @ MLB Fantasy Prospects - December 6, 2009 reply

Lackey and Weaver are not thrilled about playing for Scoscia.

Citation, particularly for the latter?

The jury is still out on Reagins.

Perhaps. Meanwhile the team has led all of baseball in wins during his tenure, while maintaining a stable payroll, keeping ticket prices reasonable, and sacrificing only one real prospect.

I am not into signing a 37 year old outfielder (Aberu) and where is this team headed?

A-b-r-e-u is 35, and will turn 36 in March. He has averaged 100 runs, RBIs, and walks over the past decade. His worst BA/OBP/SLG over that period, .283/.369/.435, is still pretty dang good. He’s durable, still a good base stealer, and a good clubhouse presence. The contract is only for two years.

As for where this team is headed, if 2010 is like 5 of the 6 previous years (and I see zero reason why it won’t be), then the answer is “the playoffs.”

WIll they let B. Wood play every day at 3b?

That appears to be the plan, yes.

And do we have to see this great managing again of a platoon at 2nd?

Well, that managing helped put together terrific offensive production from the second base position, even though Kendrick forgot how to play baseball for a month or two there. That said, I think it’s a safe bet that Izturis will continue being among the most valuable 5th infielders in the game, shuttling between the three positions and standing ready in case Wood pulls an o-fer for a month.

Who will be he Angels number 1?

Who knows? I think someone at least as good as John Lackey.

Finally, I see Texas winning the division the the team we have now.

Me, I see dead people. But it seems to me Texas needs to hit and pitch a bit more, and to develop more of that ballyhooed farm system, before I’m ready to pre-print flags.

mattwelch - December 6, 2009 reply

Damn, this is too good not to get rec'd.

Teixeira Who? - December 7, 2009 reply

I'm less scared of Texas

and more concerned with Seattle. Ichiro, Figgins in the 1-2 are like a starting pitcher nightmare.

teopeht - December 7, 2009 reply

Favorite Figgy moment:

2004 division clinching win in Oakland. I was sitting in “the black hole” in Oakland and some thug yelled out at Figgy: “you’re just a stupid utility player…”

I always remember that and laugh, because he was just a utility player … who happened to kick Oakland’s ass.

Downing Rules - December 5, 2009 reply

No particular memory..........lots of good ones.....

Lots of love for Figgy….dont blame him for getting his money while he can. Thanks for your service Figs……

and most importantly……Thanks for FREEING BRANDON WOOD!!!

norcaliangelsfan - December 6, 2009 reply

Funny...........SEATTLE ???

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Winning vs. Money

priorities

Dono Romantico - December 6, 2009 reply

with that said, I will miss the guy.

Always played hard with a smile on his face. I guess I’m more pissed off that he’s not still an Angel. This Sucks!

Enjoy the money and the ugly uniform you have to wear. 12 Million should buy you and your family lot’s of umbrellas

Dono Romantico - December 6, 2009 reply

I can't think of a favorite moment...

but the lasting impression Figgins will leave with me is how he changed my mind about him.

I thought 3rd was going to be a hole in the Angels line up when he moved there, but after seeing all of the spectacular plays he made, he made me a believer in his special abilities to play anywhere.

Will I miss him? Absolutely, but I’ve moved on and am looking forward to seeing Brandon Wood.

WiHaloFan - December 6, 2009 reply

Figgins is the man

I would have like to seen him get a chance to play 1b and catcher so he could play every position and maybe even pitch in a blowout like swisher did last season.

ImranQ - December 6, 2009 reply

As stated above, 6 for 6.

Stirrups - December 7, 2009 reply

in 2003

i was at a day game early for batting practice, and brendan donnely and chone were signing autographs above the dugout. when figgins came by where i was standing, i lifted up my shirt and said, “CHONE SIGN MY STOMACH!!!” He smiled his classic toothy smile, shook his head laughing, and said, “man, you’re crazy!” Then he just walked away chuckling to himself. I didn’t get the autograph, but it was worth it merely being acknowledged by one of my favorite players.

Of Angels and Angles - December 7, 2009 reply

Figgins to Mariners

Say it’s not so!

Kluless - December 7, 2009 reply

6 hits in 6 AB v. the Astros a couple of years ago ...

… including a base-clearing triple on Desmond’s last at-bat (I think) to drive in the winning run.

I hope this news is not true, however, if my favourite Angel is indeed gone, I shall have to change my signature.

I will be “Don’t call be Dick” instead of “Don’t call me Desmond” in honour of who might be our next 3B man, Richard Brandon Wood.

Love to all, highland …

highlandhalo - December 7, 2009 reply

Figgy

used to talk to him while he did some shopping when the Angels were in town. Really cool guy to talk to.

Angelfan1983 - December 9, 2009 reply

Halos Heaven