"There has been some speculation that the Mariners might try to trade Chone Figgins this off-season to free up some cash for a payroll that's pushing its limits. But speaking to general manager Jack Zduriencik this morning, it appears that's highly unlikely to happen and that Figgins will be the team's Opening Day third baseman.

Zdureincik asked Figgins to make the switch back to third in a conversation just before Christmas.

"His reputation has been -- I think we've all seen it -- that he's a very good defensive third baseman,'' Zduriencik said.

Zduriencik added that the 2010 season was "very interesting for Chone'' in that he had to cope with the position switch over to second, dropping down to No. 2 in the order from leadoff and the pressures of playing for a new team with a big contract. The GM hopes Figgins can get off to a quicker start in 2011 "if he gets back to a comfort level where he feels he's been successful there.''"