An Injury, A Comeback, and A Broadcaster

Chone Figgins doesn’t reach base often enough and has nowhere near the power ideally desired in a third baseman, but he is one of the more enjoyable players to watch. There are few top-drawer basestealers in the game anymore; Figgins happens to be one of them. He also has the kind of versatility that is usually not seen in today’s game. In addition to third base, Figgins can play second, any of the outfield positions, and could probably play shortstop in an emergency. The Angels will now be missing Figgins’ jack-of-all-trades’ ability, having placed him on the disabled list with two fractures in his right hand—one in his middle finger and the other in his index finger. The injury will keep Figgins out of action for at least the first five weeks of the season, but the reality is that he will hindered far longer. A break in the hand, more specifically in the fingers, can play havoc with a batter’s swing for an entire season. Much like Coco Crisp in 2006, Figgins could have difficulty regaining his bat speed and swing for months. If so, the basestealing opportunities will be fewer and fewer for one of the game’s most dynamic players…

Somewhat surprisingly, the comeback bid of Karim Garcia has come to an end—at least for now. Although he was hitting well over .300 this spring, Garcia was released by the Phillies earlier today. The numbers game in a crowded Philadelphia outfield doomed Garcia, who was released five days before Opening Day so that he would have a chance to catch on with another team. The 31-year-old Garcia can help someone as a platoon outfielder and pinch-hitter. After hitting 44 home runs in Japan over the last two years, Garcia has returned to the states; he can handle all three outfield positions, and sports a high-powered throwing arm that plays well in right field. A team looking for outfield depth, like the Braves or the Cardinals, could find a good home for Garcia…

Finally, congratulations to former Red Sox catcher John Marzano for being named a host of MLB.com’s new morning show. Marzano, known for his south Philadelphia accent and strong, sometimes controversial opinions, will team with all-around good guy Vinny Micucci each weekday morning at 10 am. For those who don’t listen to MLB Radio with regularity, you’re missing out—severely. MLB Radio’s ability to draw from a large pool of potential guests makes it an educational experience for anyone wanting to learn more about the game.