Figgy for Crede?

by user The Beast

Also published at http://rallytime.blogspot.com/.

There is some speculation that Chone Figgins could be traded to the White Sox for Joe Crede. The Angels are obviously in the market for some power after being rebuffed by Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Without a legitimate starter at third base, that Crede could become their everyday man there.

Crede, 28, who is represented by Scott Boras, has continually inked one-year deals with the Sox. This was his fourth full season, and he's making a little less than $3million. Last year, Crede reached near near the 30 HR, 100 RBI plateaus for the first time in his career. He's been considered to be a very valuable trade commodity if the Sox wish to turn third base over to Josh Fields. The market for free agent third basemen is bleak after Aramis Ramirez signed with the Cubs.

Figgins, on the other hand, has taken a step backward in his age 28 season. He's earning $2.25MM in '06, $3.5MM in '07, and $4.75MM in '08. Figgins has been reliant upon a .295 batting average to keep his OBP in an acceptable range, and this year his average dropped to .254. So it appears that Figgy is on a decline.

His contact rate was the lowest of his career, though his walk rate is the highest it's been. 96% of Figgins's ABs have come from the leadoff spot, which isn't a great idea when you're below average at getting on base.

So should they trade Figgins for Crede? Yes! As much as I like Figgins, you have to give something to get something. Figgy would be a tough player to part with, but it is necessary move. The Angels already have Howie Kendrick and Maicer Izturis. Both are fast guys and play a similar speed ball with a lack of power. Howie does have a little pop though. If the Angels can get Crede with a different player or players, I would be open to it. I'd love to keep Figgins, but trading him for Crede would be good for the team.

ChachiOSUDraft Pick

1089 days ago

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The only warning here is that Crede has a bad back that caused him to miss time this season and some believe will be continue to hamper him in the future. Nothing like some good baseball talk as the weather turns cold.

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Bball3345Draft Pick

1089 days ago

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Well, considering Figgins is an inferior hitter and defender to Crede... I would go with Crede.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1088 days ago

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Davis21wylieMVP

1089 days ago

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Damn, these guys are even... Once again, the Baseball Prospectus career stats:

JOE CREDE Born 4-26-1978 Bats R Throws R
AGE YEAR TEAM   OUT  UEQR    EQA  EQR BRAR BRAA  FRAR FRAA PRAR  WARP1
22 2000 CHI-A   10     2   .254    2    0    0    1    0    0     .1
23 2001 CHI-A   40     4   .195    3   -2   -4    0   -1    0   -0.2
24 2002 CHI-A  146    29   .266   27    8    1    4   -1    0    1.3
25 2003 CHI-A  403    68   .246   61   10   -9   10   -3    0    2.2
26 2004 CHI-A  384    60   .237   52    4  -14    4   -9    0     .8
27 2005 CHI-A  330    57   .251   52   10   -5   21    8    0    3.4
28 2006 CHI-A  399    82   .264   72   21    3   37   22    0    6.5
CAREER	       1712   302   .250  268   51  -27   76   15    0   14.2

CHONE FIGGINS Born 1-22-1978 Bats B Throws R
AGE YEAR TEAM   OUT  UEQR    EQA  EQR BRAR BRAA  FRAR FRAA PRAR  WARP1
24 2002 ANA-A   11     1   .158    1   -1   -1    0    0    0   -0.1
25 2003 ANA-A  186    32   .254   30    7   -2    7   -1    0    1.5
26 2004 ANA-A  431    85   .266   79   24    5    8   -7    0    3.6
27 2005 LA_-A  487    97   .272   94   32   10   20    0    0    5.8
28 2006 LA_-A  471    83   .254   77   17   -4   11   -7    0    3.1
CAREER         1586   297   .263  280   79    7   46  -15    0   14.0

Crede was much better last year. But his value has fluctuated wildly over his career, while Figgins has been pretty consistent. It all depends on whether you get 2005's Figgins and Crede (advantage Figgins), or the 2006 versions (advantage Crede). All else being equal, I'd say keep the more consistent guy (that'd be Figgins).

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Dukeboy999Varsity Captain

1089 days ago

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This is a trade that probably wont get done unless Ervin Santana and Mark Buerhle are added. Look for Mike Jacobs to get traded to the Pirates for Chris Duffy.

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Bball3345Draft Pick

1088 days ago

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As a Pirates fan, I can only hope so.

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JeevesJV Squad

1089 days ago

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As a Sox fan, I don't like this trade. There's a reason why Figgins will reclaim his "super-utility" role. I have heard rumblings of Garcia and Crede for Santana and Figgy, which I would love, but I doubt Stoneman is that dumb.

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JoebookRed-Shirting

1089 days ago

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Guys... as a diehard Chicago-boy Sox fan, Figgy for Crede is a good deal. The Sox have become too much station-to-station, and Figgins would create a nice dilemma for opposing pitchers. He would bat second, behind Pods, because he has a touch more power. They should be able to get on base enough to allow Thome, Konerko and Dye to each have more than 100RBI. This was Crede's first good season... who knows what 2007 will bring with a busted back...

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JeevesJV Squad

1088 days ago

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The trade would work out nicely for the Sox, but one of the big reasons why I don't like it, is that I feel they aren't getting equal value for Crede. Please tell me you are joking when you say have Figgons hit behind Pods. Pods needs to be shipped out as soon as we find a taker.

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Anonymous Fanatic #2

1088 days ago

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Angels already have a power hitting 3Bman with a bad back - his name is Dallas McPherson. Two herniated discs? Come on!

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