Mariners Designate Chone Figgins, Scott Cousins

The Mariners have designated Chone Figgins and Scott Cousins for assignment, according to a team press release.  In corresponding moves, Julio Morban, Brandon Maurer, Vinnie Catricala, Anthony Fernandez and Bobby LaFromboise have all been selected to Seattle's 40-man roster.

The move all but officially ends Figgins' disastrous tenure in Seattle.  Figgins signed a four-year, $36MM deal with the M's after the 2009 season but hit just .227/.302/.283 in three seasons with the team.  He is still owed $8MM for 2013, a sum that the Mariners will have to almost entirely cover since no club is likely to take on anything more than the minimum if they agree to acquire Figgins in a trade over the allotted 10-day DFA period.  Despite Figgins' poor recent form and his age (35 in January), he is likely to catch on with another team due to his versatility and a possible belief that Figgins just needs a change of scenery to again be productive.

Cousins was claimed by the Mariners two weeks ago.  It has already been a busy offseason for Cousins, who was waived by the Marlins and then claimed by the Blue Jays, who designated him for assignment at the end of October.  The outfielder has a .523 OPS in 188 career plate appearances with the Marlins since 2010.