According to the Contra Costa Times the A's are pursuing a trade for Mariners IF Chone Figgins. Kevin Kouzmanoff would be part of a package going to Seattle along with a pitcher.

It's pretty clear the A's aren't satisfied with Kouz as their starting third baseman -- this offseason alone they've signed and released Edwin Encarnacion, failed to sign Adrian Beltre, and just recently signed former top prospect Andy LaRoche to a minor league deal.

Figgins will be entering the second year of a four-year contract he signed with SEA last offseason. He's due to make $9 million in each of the next two seasons, $8 mil in 2013, and has a $9 mil vesting option for 2014. And he just turned 33 last week.

Would acquiring Figgins really be considered an "upgrade?" Both are good defenders, but Kouz obviously has more power -- something we need. And don't forget the $26 million that Figgins is still owed.

Sources: Contra Costa Times & Oakland Tribune