SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Scott Cousins will now be wearing No. 6 for the Miami Marlins, a tribute to his favorite player growing up: former Giants first baseman J.T. Snow.
Why the switch? He wants new teammate Aaron Rowand - another former Giant - to keep his usual No. 33 when spring training begins. Cousins is already in Florida well ahead of the Marlins' first full-squad workout under new manager Ozzie Guillen set for Feb. 26.
Cousins spent the winter rehabbing lower back and hip injuries in San Francisco only a few miles from AT&T Park, where his home-plate collision with Giants catcher Buster Posey on May 25 cost the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year the remainder of the season. Cousins' injuries were unrelated.
He said he's healthy now and ready for a fresh start in 2012. So is Posey, who will formally work out for the first time with San Francisco's pitchers and catchers Saturday at spring training.
Cousins, who grew up a Giants fan in Reno, Nev., said he took the initiative to offer Rowand No. 33 when he signed a minor league contract in December with a chance to win a job as a backup outfielder. And that way Cousins could wear Snow's number instead.
"Since we signed Rowand I thought it only appropriate I offer up 33 to him," Cousins said via text message.
Rowand certainly appreciated the gesture.
"I've talked to him," Rowand said in a text message. "Great guy."
The Giants parted ways with the 34-year-old Rowand on Aug. 31. The 34-year-old Rowand hit .233 with four homers in 108 games for San Francisco last season. His best year was 2007, when he batted .309 with 27 homers and 89 RBIs as an All-Star for Philadelphia.