This is not a new development either, given that Figgins has a career .169 average in 34 postseason games.

So when manager Mike Scioscia announced his lineup for Sunday night's win-or-else Game 6 against the New York Yankees, of course, there was Figgins back at his familiar leadoff spot.

Whether that makes Scioscia stubborn or supportive, he wasn't about to make a change at this stage in the season. Even though the Angels averaged only 3.4 runs in losing three of the series' first five games, Scioscia believes a drastic change — such as dropping Figgins and promoting Erick Aybar and his .321 playoffs average to leadoff — would do more harm than good.

"At times when you've gone through a rough spell and a guy is comfortable in a spot, I think more times than not, you're better off playing it out and seeing if a guy can't get into his game," Scioscia said.

"Although (Figgins') production is not what he's given us during the season, things can turn quickly. And I think right now we're better served with leaving Chone in a comfort zone."

Scioscia has plenty of regular-season evidence to support his case. Figgins got on base 285 times in 2009, second in the AL behind the Yankees' Derek Jeter (289), as the Angels set a franchise record for runs.

Figgins also scored the second-most runs in the league and set a career high with his .395 on-base percentage. But that figure is down to .194 in the postseason, and oftentimes, as the speedy Figgins goes, so goes the L.A. offense.

It's no coincidence the Angels' biggest offensive outburst in the series — a four-run first inning in Game 5 — began with Figgins drawing a walk. The Angels followed with four consecutive hits in a 7-6 victory that kept them alive in the ALCS.

Alas, Figgins did not have a hit in that game and has managed only two in 19 at-bats in the series.

"They said they're going to try to keep me from getting on base," Figgins said of the Yankees. "They're not giving me a lot of pitches to hit. You have to keep battling."

The Angels' attack is predicated on putting pressure on opponents by getting runners on base and setting them in motion, be it through steals or otherwise. The switch-hitting Aybar has three of the Angels' four stolen bases and has looked comfortable at the plate.

But Aybar, who is sporting a new look after shearing off his dreadlocks, is coming off his first full season as a starter, so Scioscia is loath to move him from the ninth spot in the order.

Besides, the manager doesn't believe Figgins is getting himself out by pressing.

"I don't think he's been expanding the zone too much, but at times you're going to get matched up against some pitchers that are really making pitches," Scioscia said. "He knows his game. He's about as good as there is as a leadoff man in our league."

Possibly so in the regular season, but not so far in the playoffs.

Enlarge By Nick Laham, Getty Images Chone Figgins has struggled on the big stage, batting just .169 in 34 postseason games.