Good news-Clippard, Bad news-Figgins-Bill Madden

8/21, Bill Madden, "Aces and Jokers: Breaking down the biggest surprises and disappointments of 2010 MLB season," NY Daily News column

• On the minus side

"Chone Figgins Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik built his entire offseason team re-shaping around the signing of Figgins for $36 million over four years. If only Figgins had been even close to the player for the M's as he was for the Angels last year when he hit .298 with 114 runs, 54 RBI and a career-high .789 OPS. Instead, he's been an almost total bust (.248, 49 runs, 30 RBI and a paltry .632 OPS).

• In the process, he was major factor in the M's regression to a last-place team
• and the in firing of manager Don Wakamatsu,
• with whom he feuded (and fought) openly."...

• On the plus side

"Tyler Clippard The one time Yankee starting pitching prospect who proved all-too-hittable the closer he got to the big leagues, has found his niche as the Washington Nationals' primary setup reliever. His nine wins are the most of any reliever and he's coupled that with 20 holds and 83 strikeouts in 70 innings."...

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