Angels Preview: Third Base
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by user The Beast
The Angels' third base position has never been permanatly filled since the departure of Troy Glaus three years ago.
Dallas McPherson started the most games there in 2005 but maxed out at 55 due to hip and back problems. The position gained a bit more stability last season when Maicer Izturis became starter for 78 games. More of a middle infielder, Izturis proved capable at third base and equally so at the top of the lineup.
Unlike recent years when the job was Dallas McPherson's for the taking, it now is up to Chone Figgins to solidify the third base position. Last season Figgins played at third and second, but mostly in Center Field. He was also expected to bat leadoff for the team. This year his role has changed.
With the addition of Gary Matthews Jr, Figgins will no longer be needed to bat leadoff. This year he will be the team's second leadoff hitter, batting ninth. He will also be penciled in as the every day third baseman for the first time. Scioscia likes the speed that Figgins can bring to the lineup and trusts that he will be able to make the plays at third. He is no stranger to the position, either. In 2005, he was second to McPherson with 48 starts and second to Maicer Izturis with 32 starts last season.
While Izturis was the everyday man at third for much of last year, he will begin the 2007 season as a reserve. Izturis will be a candidate to play third on days that Figgins moves to the outfield to spell Anderson or Guerrero. He can also back up Howie Kendrick at second base.
Dallas McPherson is expected to miss most of the season after having surgery to correct lingering back problems.
Another option at third is Shea Hillenbrand, who was signed to a one year deal last December. However, it is expected that he'll mostly play First and be the team's DH. He could still spell Figgins occasionally.
Hillenbrand told the media, "I played a lot of first base last year, and I've played third," Hillenbrand said. "As long as I'm in the lineup and able to swing the bat, it doesn't matter where I am."
Overall Grade: B. The speed with Figgins and Izturis is first rate, while the defense is above par. Not enough offense to even consider moving higher.
