Mets Interested In Figgins

Here is one out of the "what are they thinking" category, and of course, it comes from the Mets.

Sure, the World Series victory for the Yankees is only a week old, but already MLB teams are gearing up for the 2010 season.

The Mets need a major overhaul after the debacle that was the 2009 season. Already the Mets are rumored to be interested in free agent outfield Matt Holliday, which would give them a needed power bat in left field, a position of weakness in 2009. And they are rumored to be in the sweepstakes, yet again, for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.

That is all good and fine, if the Mets can pull that off, however, it appears that the club is seriously considering signing Chone Figgins from the Angels. Figgins played third base for the Angels since taking over full time in 2004, and has proved to be an adept base stealer.

However, it appears that the Mets intentions to acquire Figgins is for all the wrong reasons. One, Figgins is also being targeted by the Mets divisional rival, the NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies to replace Pedro Feliez at third base.

The Mets basically want to acquire Figgins just to spite Philadelphia. This move makes no sense. The Mets already have a third baseman in David Wright, and Figgins would have to play out of position if he came to the Mets.

According to Joel Sherman of the N.Y. Post, the Mets would have to try to trade Luis Castillo in order to free up a spot for Figgins on the infield, otherwise they will have to plug Figgins in left field, and try to trade for a first baseman, or re-sign a 39-year-old Carlos Delgado.

As good as Figgins is at stealing bases, he is not a good fit for the Mets. The Mets need a power bat, and Figgins is not it. In 2009 Figgins hit .298, but blasted only five homers and drove in 54. Not exactly the kind of prodcution the Mets need.

Figgins would be a total waste for the Mets, especially if they remain handcuffed to Castillo; and, unless the Mets have hidden plans to move David Wright to first base this move makes little sense.

The Mets are better off staying away from Figgins.