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Scioscia tracks Figgy's flight
Angels manager remarks on evolution of speedy leadoff man
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
09/12/09 3:54 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- Angels leadoff man and catalyst Chone Figgins drew high praise from manager Mike Scioscia before the club hosted the White Sox on Saturday for the second game of their series.Scioscia pointed to the way Figgins has evolved as a player ever since he was first called up as a speedy utility man in 2002.
Figgins was known for his speed more than anything back then. He wasn't quite the on-base percentage machine back then that he is now, with a team-high .401 OBP this season.
"I think Figgy's game has emerged from when he first came up, when a lot of his game was contingent on his speed," Scioscia said. "And that hasn't diminished, but he's become a player that does a lot more than just run. He's become a tough out in the batter's box."
Figgins has certainly become one of the toughest outs as he leads the American League in pitches seen this season and consistently wears opposing pitchers down.
"He sets a tone because he sees so many pitches," Scioscia said. "Guys on our bench get a look at maybe what a pitcher is trying to do or maybe just his delivery."
Figgins' journey to become one of the elite leadoff hitters in the game wasn't easy, however. His on-base percentage in the Minors before he got called up ranged from as low as .305 one season to .364 the season he was called up.
But with hard work, Figgins began to turn the corner during the 2007 season when he set a career high with a .393 OBP.
That season, though, Figgins played in just 115 games after breaking two fingers during the last week of Spring Training. He followed that up by playing in just 116 games last year when he battled through a hamstring strain in May.
But Scioscia said it's not fair to label Figgins as an oft-injured player. He has played full seasons from 2004-06 and is on pace to play more than 150 games this season.
"Figgy has been very durable," Scioscia said. "It's not an issue. Last year was the only interrupted season we're talking about. The only other time was in '07 when he hurt his finger in the last week of Spring Training."
And even though Figgins is off to a career year this season, Scioscia says he still sees Figgins working hard to improve his game.
"He studies the game and is always talking baseball in there," Scioscia said. "He wants to max out as a player."
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
