What happened to Chone Figgins?

[Cowtipper]

He used to be good, or at least exciting on the basepaths. From 2004 to 2010, he hit .287 while averaging 44 steals a season. He hit as high as .330 and stole as many as 62 bases in a season. Then he just fell off a cliff last year and hasn't climbed himself out of whatever hole he's gotten himself into. What happened to him? Injuries? Mental problems?

[ol' aches and pains]

Mental Problems? Really?

He's 34, maybe he's just done. It happens.

[Cowtipper]

Mental Problems?

Depression, anxiety, Tourette's.

[Zito75]

What happened? The inherent laziness that sets in when you sign a $40M deal, knowing you don't have to do jack squat- ever again.

[Bigfoot 88]

Mental Problems? Really?

He's 34, maybe he's just done. It happens.

Well, its been going on for a couple of years now.

[GiambiJuice]

these kind of players generally don't age well.

[SamtheBravesFan]

What happened? The inherent laziness that sets in when you sign a $40M deal, knowing you don't have to do jack squat- ever again.

While this is true for some, I have to believe most people seek to improve just to save face. If Chone Figgins is one of those guys that says "I've got mine, so screw everyone else", then shame on him. If he's not, then he's just getting older.

I know it's the "disease of more" thing on display (potentially), but I find it perplexing. Don't people want to be like Albert Pujols, where you try to make as much as you can, then max it out when you know you aren't going to be able to make that kind of money again? Doesn't Figgins want another contract to play when he's 35 years old?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

these kind of players generally don't age well.

What kind of players? Speedy outfielders that hit for a good BA and draw walks? As recently as 2009 Figgins hit .298/.395/.393, 110 OPS+, 7.5 WAR, 183 hits, 41 SB, 114 R, 101 BB, 30 doubles.

[ol' aches and pains]

Depression, anxiety, Tourette's.

Yes, I've heard of them, thanks. I haven't heard Figgins' name in connection with any of them, have you?

[ol' aches and pains]

Duplicate post.

[DClutch]

It's not age...you just don't go from his LA numbers to what he is now in the course of an offseason. I think it's a combination of everything for him because of how bad he's been. He needs a change of scenery.

[Zito75]

While this is true for some, I have to believe most people seek to improve just to save face. If Chone Figgins is one of those guys that says "I've got mine, so screw everyone else", then shame on him. If he's not, then he's just getting older.

I know it's the "disease of more" thing on display (potentially), but I find it perplexing. Don't people want to be like Albert Pujols, where you try to make as much as you can, then max it out when you know you aren't going to be able to make that kind of money again? Doesn't Figgins want another contract to play when he's 35 years old?

Funny you should mention Pujols. I thought of him when I was writing my last post.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Funny you should mention Pujols. I thought of him when I was writing my last post.

Everyone will probably think of him now. Fact is he needs to relax.

As for Figgins, I do believe that "quitting" now just because he will make $36 million in four years doesn't make much sense. If he quits now, no one will want to give him any more money when he's looking for another job. Then where does that leave him?

[YankeeDJW]

If he quits now, no one will want to give him any more money when he's looking for another job. Then where does that leave him?

With enough money to live comfortably for his entire life. I don't think he'll be collecting unemployment anytime soon.

[Zito75]

With enough money to live comfortably for his entire life. I don't think he'll be collecting unemployment anytime soon.

Exactly. He's done. Come this time next year, people will be saying, "Chone who?" The Mariners will release him within the next few weeks - you watch.