Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers In Attendance For Chone Figgins Workout
It’s been no surprise that the Los Angeles Dodgers are in the market for another infielder and it seems as if they’re exploring all options to bring one in.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the team scouted an infielder/outfielder that is attempting a comeback to the major leagues:
Chone Figgins, trying to make a comeback, worked out for a number of teams today. #Dodgers, #Twins among those in attendance.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 15, 2014
Figgins didn’t play in the big leagues last season after being cut by the Miami Marlins in the spring. He had his best seasons with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before signing a four-year deal with the Seattle Mariners and experiencing a significant drop in all statistical categories. In 2012, the 35-year-old hit .181 in 66 games and was designated for assignment after the season.
Before his struggles in Seattle, Figgins was one of the most valuable utility players in baseball and was an All-Star in 2009 with the Angels. He has played second base, third base, shortstop and every outfield position in his career and was also valuable for his speed. General manager Ned Colletti has expressed his interest in bringing in another infielder before spring training begins.
The Dodgers are in the market for an infielder after the departures of Mark Ellis, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker with uncertainty surrounding Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero. Second base has become the big question mark for the Dodgers and they’ve been considering bringing back Michael Young as an insurance option in case Guerrero isn’t ready for Opening Day.
Guerrero was signed last October to be the team’s primary second baseman but an injury in the winter league and a lack of reps at second base has caused the Dodgers to panic a bit. He’s the current frontrunner for the position and will have to compete with Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas in Spring Training.
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Figgins showed enough to warrant a minor league deal and in a limited market, Figgins may find a team to take a chance and it could be the Dodgers.
UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal discussed the Dodgers interest January 16 at 8:15 pm PST
His goal now is to return to the majors, and he said that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays both contacted his representatives after his workout.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ICYMI: Here’s the latest on the Dodgers pursuit of Masahiro Tanaka
