" Mariners second baseman Chone Figgins blew some steam off after Monday's 4-2 victory over the Rangers, offering up some pointed remarks when he was asked about dropping to the ninth spot in the batting order after hitting second for the first 56 games of the season.

Figgins was told that manager Don Wakamatsu informed reporters before the game that the switch in the lineup wasn't pointed at his second baseman, a key free-agent acquisition by the Mariners from the rival Los Angeles Angels this past offseason.

"Obviously, it's me," Figgins said. "I've been getting on base. I've been hitting the ball pretty good. Obviously, it has something to do with me.

"I think I've about earned enough respect as a player. I'm still battling and I'm doing good, I should stay where I was hitting."

Figgins was asked after the game if he was motivated by being dropped down in the lineup. The seven-year veteran and one-time All-Star went 3-for-4 with three singles on Monday night, raising his batting average to .230.

"I'm motivated every day," Figgins said. "Like I've said before, there's nobody who can ever doubt what I do on the field. I come to play every single day no matter the situation or anything. I come to play every time."

Figgins was then asked if he would express his disappointment in not batting second with Wakamatsu. "