Chone

Figgins

With his swipe last night, Figgons become the first Anaheim player since Luis Polonia and Chad Curtis to steal 30 bases in a season. He has been one the season’s best fantasy surprises.

Figgins has played exclusively as an infielder in the Anaheim organization, though he did see some outfield in the Rockies’ system.

The Angels secured a roster spot for Figgins and planned to have him continue to play center field, but he declined to go. What little chance Figgins had of going into next year as a regular could be eliminated by decision.

The Angels tried Figgins at shortstop, but with Benji Gil playing the corners with Troy Glaus out, they needed Alfredo Amezaga more than Figgins.

Figgins, 25, has played second base, shortstop, left field and center field this season. He considers a utility tag ''an insult’’ and wants to play every day. With a .338 average and eight stolen bases, Figgins is staking his claim to be in the running for an everyday job next season, but his chances depend on what the Angels acquire through trades or free agency this offseason.

This shouldn’t effect his value much, except to ensure he’s in the lineup every day.

Figgins was 11-for-38 (.289) during the final eight games of the streak, so he wasn’t exactly red hot.

The homer was his sixth, giving him one more than he had in an additional 115 at-bats last season. He’s also now just one run scored away from matching last year’s total of 83.

The homer was Figgins’ first extra-base hit of the month. It’s a good thing he ranks second in the majors with 43 steals, because he’s been quite a disappointment otherwise.

Figgins’ 40 steals have prevented him from being too much of a fantasy disappointment, but with a .258/.329/.349 line, he hasn’t been nearly as valuable to the Angels as he was last year. At least it does seem like he’s now found a home defensively in center field. Considering that he’s struggled some at third and second, it should probably be his long-term position.