"The Angels had hoped to open spring training with Brandon Wood at third base and Chone Figgins in left field. If Wood faltered, Figgins could have returned to third base.

That safety net appears to be gone, with Figgins close to signing with the Seattle Mariners. The vacated leadoff spot could be filled internally, most likely by shortstop Erick Aybar, or perhaps with a trade for outfielder Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers.

Figgins is expected to sign for four years and close to $36 million, according to multiple media reports on Friday. The Angels reportedly offered three years at $24 million.

General Manager Tony Reagins declined to discuss his offer or say whether the Angels had refused to guarantee a fourth year. By late Friday afternoon, he said he had not heard from Figgins or his representatives that the Angels had been eliminated from consideration.

"They told me they're very close to making a decision, one way or the other," Reagins said. "We've made an offer. They've had a chance to evaluate it."

Figgins emerged as a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman last season, and he has not played the outfield regularly since 2006. However, with Wood out of options and the Angels wanting to see what their perennial prospect can do in the major leagues, Reagins' reaction to the probable departure of Figgins was telling."