The Most Frustrating Mariner in History

With Fernando Rodney designated for assignment and eventually traded earlier this week, I thought it a great opportunity to head down the “Not so great memory lane.”

Who is the most frustrating Mariner ever? Maybe it is Fernando Rodney, the arrow-enthusiast who made every save opportunity interesting. Maybe it’s Bobby Ayala, who reportedly did the same thing throughout the mid-90s. Although I am too young to vividly recall it.

Maybe it’s Yuniesky Betancourt or Jose Lopez. Maybe it’s Jeremy Reed, another prospect that the M’s failed to develop.

It’s all subjective. It’s open to interpretation, but for me, the choice is clear.

Mar 11, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Chone Figgins (18) mishandles the ball on a play during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not Fernando Rodney. The most frustrating Mariner in history is without a doubt, Chone Figgins!

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Not only did Figgins hit .227 in three years with the Mariners after signing a lucrative free agent contract. Not only did he barely post a .300 on-base percentage. He also only stole 57 bases in that time. That was his calling card, but it’s hard to steal bases when you’re rarely on base.

It wasn’t just his performance on the field. There are plenty of players who don’t play well and retain jobs. It’s what it all represented. Like the current Mariners, the 2010 M’s had so much promise, and the thought of Ichiro and Figgins at the top of the order was supposed to be the catalyst.

But it wasn’t to be. Figgins forgot how to hit, and quickly fell out of favor in Seattle. His performance, huge contract, and poor attitude all make him, to me, the most frustrating Mariner of all time!

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Next: Lloyd McClendon's Future?