The newest member of the Seattle Mariners is the latest recipient of our December double dose of the POTD!

Chone Figgins looks to lay one down against Raul Chavez and the Blue Jays during an August 21st contest at the Rogers Centre.

Figgins has to make like the artful dodger to avoid being hit by a pitch from Marc Rzepczynski.  Figgins was limited to a leadoff single as the Jays shaded the Halos 5-4.

The 5-8, 180 pound switch hitting Figgins signed a four year deal with Seattle worth $36-million dollars along with a one year option.  The 31 year-old native of Leary, Georgia batted .298/.395/.393 with the Los Angeles Angels this past season.  Selected to the American League All Star team for the first time in his career, Figgins finished first in the AL in walks with 101 and finished second in reaching base 285 times.  His 114 runs scored were second in the league and his 42 stolen bases placed him third in that category.  He showed his durability by making 729 plate appearances, finishing second to the 734 times the Jays Aaron Hill marched up to the plate.  Unfortunately, Figgins couldn't get on track during the post season as he went just 3-for-35 with one run batted in during the Angels ALDS win over the Red Sox and their ALCS loss to the Yankees.

A career .291 hitter who earned a World Series ring in his rookie season with the Angels, Figgins' versatility gives the Mariners options for their lineup in 2010.  He could take over at third if free agent Adrian Beltre goes elsewhere or he could wind up at second to replace Jose Lopez.  Seattle is hoping the soon to be 32 year-old can deliver more seasons like 2009 in which he finished tenth in American League MVP voting.