By Thom Henninger
As a team in 2009, the Seattle Mariners posted a .314 OBP that was the worst in the American League. They are expected to take a big step to remedy that weakness by announcing a four-year deal with free agent Chone Figgins on Monday.
Signing Figgins gives the Mariners a replacement at third base, the position occupied by another free agent, Adrian Beltre, the last five seasons. The acquisition also gives them one of the best leadoff hitters in the game.
Figgins, who led the AL with 101 walks last season, recorded the most free passes and plate appearances among all leadoff hitters. His .395 OBP ranked fifth among all players with at least 150 plate appearances in the No. 1 spot.
Highest OBP as No. 1 Hitter, 2009
(minimum 150 PA)
| Player | PA | AVG | BB | OBP | |
| Derek Jeter, NYY | 693 | .336 | 72 | .409 | |
| Kosuke Fukudome, ChC | 162 | .269 | 30 | .404 | |
| Jason Bartlett, TB | 256 | .303 | 32 | .398 | |
| Chris Coghlan, Fla | 493 | .336 | 41 | .397 | |
| Chone Figgins, LAA | 729 | .298 | 101 | .395 |
By adding Figgins, the Mariners will have two leadoff men. Ichiro has filled the role in Seattle for nine years, posting a .377 OBP in 1,399 games at the top of the batting order. Figgins has a .367 mark in 644 games batting first for the Angels over parts of eight seasons. Over the last three seasons combined, however, Figgins (.386) has a slight edge over Ichiro (.381).
Regardless whether the incumbent or the new arrival mans the No. 1 spot, together they may give the Mariners the game’s best duos at the top of the order.
