Prerequisites of what I would like to think we are looking for:

The ability to show some power – Someone that has shown a past tendency to hit an ISO of +.170. Power is a good thing. Having someone that intermediates pitchers because at any time he could hit a pitch out of the park is a great asset. It changes a pitchers approach to a line-up and that is something we just simply don’t have.

Maintains a consistent weighted on base average above .330. While we do want power, we also need more than just the ability to hit the ball a long way. We need a hitter that is smart and patient.  Waits for his pitch and if it’s not there knows how to get on base in other ways than just hitting the ball over the fence.

Defensively able, not a great fielder but also not someone that is going to set the team back. People have started to  get behind the idea of an improved defense. Which is great and I love being part of the majority again. But, remember the theory that surrounds defense. A run saved is the same as a run scored. Having a first basemen that isn’t limited in range is huge.

I’m not talking about a player that is great defensively. But, I am talking about someone that is all around effective. The thing that we have to remember is stars like Fielder, Teixeira, Gonzalez and Morneau. They don’t just hit home runs they effect many different aspects of a team.

While we can’t be completely stuck on acquiring an Adrian Gonzalez type or Prince Fielder. We do have to know the talent set of players we are looking to acquiring and there are others players that can come in and do an adequate job. Just maybe not on a superstar level that we all long for.

There is also something else to consider…

(more…)

Figgins is good. He was one of the most valuable players in baseball in 2009, and although he probably won’t repeat that performance, he’s a safe bet to at least be in the 3-4 win range. Since each win is valued at around $4.5 million, if we were to get him on a 4 year, $36 million deal, we’d be getting somewhat cheap wins.

He doesn’t have any power, and that will become even more apparent at Safeco, but he’s a good hitter and a good defensive third baseman. The power thing won’t be an issue – it’s not as big of a necessity as many casual fans think. If this deal happens, that’s definitely a good thing for this club. By the end of four years, Figgins will just be exiting his prime, so it’s not like we’re signing a guy who’s going to die out on us by 2011.

If this deal happens, we’re filling one of our biggest holes, while improving this club’s offense, and without coming anywhere near overpaying. That’s all I’ve got for now* – for some more coherent, and less rushed thoughts, go read Jeff’s post at LL.

*If a deal does happen, I’ll definitely have a lot more to say tonight.

The Mlb.com article can be found here.

EDIT: From Shannon Drayer’s Twitter:

“Figgins deal all but done-most likely will not be announced today however”