The Seattle Mariners appear to have settled one of their biggest defensive uncertainties this offseason. They have asked Chone Figgins to move back to third base.
The opening-day closer is more undecided after the Mariners learned that the surgery Monday on David Aardsma’s left hip was more involved than they had hoped. Aardsma had been expected to start throwing in about four weeks, although general manager Jack Zduriencik said that might be an optimistic estimate.
“They went in and had to do a little bit more,” Zduriencik said Thursday night. “They’re pleased with how it went, but it’s possible he may be delayed by a couple of weeks.”
As for third base, Zduriencik said he told Figgins recently that the team would like him to move back to his more natural position. Figgins, who played 161 games last year at second base in his first season with the Mariners, has played the majority of his career at third.
“We have talked to Chone about going back to third base and he’s well aware of it,” Zduriencik said. “His response was, ‘Fine, I’ll do what is best for the club.’”
Third base became the Mariners’ most wide-open position after they traded Jose Lopez, last year’s starter there, to the Colorado Rockies in December.
Justin Smoak will go into spring training as the likely first baseman with Jack Wilson at shortstop, leaving second base as the most uncertain spot on the infield. Newly acquired Brendan Ryan, Josh Wilson and top minor league prospect Dustin Ackley will likely wage that battle.
Also a factor is Jack Wilson’s health. Because of injuries, he has played only 92 games in his 11/2 seasons with the Mariners, and Ryan will push him at shortstop..
“When Jack Wilson is healthy, he’s a very, very good shortstop,” Zduriencik said. “We know that Brendan Ryan was rated one of the top defensive shortstops in the National League last year. And we’ve got Josh Wilson, who played a lot for us. We’ll see what happens and let it all play out.”
Ryan, acquired this offseason from the St. Louis Cardinals, has played only 59 of his 404 big-league games at second base. Still, the Mariners will give him a long look at second during spring training.
“I hate to predict anything, but I’ve been told he’s very good over there,” Zduriencik said.
The Mariners learned last week that Aardsma would need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip and the original estimate was that he would start throwing in about four weeks.
The surgery was conducted Monday in Vail, Colo., and Zduriencik said Thursday that the four-week period “might be a little optimistic.”
“We feel pretty certain he’ll be ready right at or near the beginning of the season,” Zduriencik said. “We always have to keep our fingers crossed that there’s not a setback.”
Right-hander Brandon League has more closing experience than any of the Mariners’ other relievers, although Zduriencik wouldn’t say he’d handle that duty if Aardsma isn’t ready.
“I’m not willing to predict that,” Zduriencik said. “We’ll see how things play out in spring training. If David is not ready by opening day, we’ll let it play out.”
Read Kirby Arnold’s blog on the Mariners at www.heraldnet.com/marinersblog. He also files updates on the Mariners via Twitter at @kirbyarnold.
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