Junior Griffey Being Tied to Five Teams, Including Rays and Mariners

The aging Ken Griffey Jr. is being connected in rumors to the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, one other American League team, and two National League teams.

With the Rays, Griffey would get a chance to play close to home and likely would have a shot at finally winning his first World Series ring. With Seattle, Griffey would get to close out his illustrious career in the same place where it began. The main problem is that there doesn't seem to be much hope for the Mariners to be competitive this season.

I'm a bit surprised to hear about two National League teams being in the fray. At age 39, Griffey's not near the defender he once was, nor is he remotely durable. Playing the field greatly increases his chances of getting injured and, in turn, hampers his offensive productivity. In a designated hitter role, he could still be productive enough to help a team -- even a contending one.

Last season, he hovered around average in nearly every category, putting up a .249/.353/.424 line with 18 homers and 71 RBI. He has power, he gets on base, and he puts the ball in play. Keeping him healthy would help see a slight uptick in production. Age 39 is not too old to help a team when you have the kind of pedigree Griffey does. He just needs to be a bit player instead of a center-piece.

Note: How about that 1993 photo? He really doesn't look too much different now, 16 years later.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-04-2009 @ 7:36PM

Bro said...

He definately would be a nice threat in the middle of a lineup as a DH somewhere. But what I noticed the most about this article is the note at the bottom. He looks quite a bit different to me after 16 years. How about the significant weight gain. It MUST be roids since we all know you don't gain weight as you age. Before and after shots clearly proves steriod use.
And for those who want to call me naive...That's called sarcasm!

1-04-2009 @ 8:49PM

John said...

Griffey is done,any team that signs him is desperate for an over the hill,injury prone, prima dona that is hanging on for another team to sucker in for another dumb over paid contract.When will these owners wise up and just tell Griffey to retire and go count his millions.Time for him to go and cry in his milk for never having won a ring.

1-04-2009 @ 10:04PM

bob said...

he is still a great player that might have 3 years left it is a total same that the reds got rid of him

1-05-2009 @ 8:04AM

AZ said...

Griffey was a HOFer, not now after all of the injuries, but he was great to watch, I saw his Dad get his 1500 RBI, he can still play but I'd rather see him DH, he'd have the most homers if not for all the time he lost. People put on weight as they get older, he hasn't bulked up in muscle mass, just put on weight. I would love to see him get a ring, but than anything just go out on top.

1-05-2009 @ 10:32AM

ptcruisindad said...

It''s a shame that JR. did not stay in Seattle to begin with. He forced the Mariners to trade him to Cincinatti,in a manner , that more or less, made him look bad. JR 's delicate physical problems,began around the same time as that ill advised trade!Griiffy can't be to serious about winning a World series ring anyway, why on earth did he want to be traded to the Reds in the prime of his career,when they were a nowhere team ! Griffey, really undermined himself, bigtime !!!

1-05-2009 @ 10:41AM

Griffey might be somewhat of a consolation prize for the LA Angels,if they are intrested in someone in the twilight of his career. I'd imagine, Jr. would be considerably less then Teixeira would have cost them !

1-05-2009 @ 11:03PM

Mike said...

AZ, what do you mean Jr. WAS a hall of famer?
He won't be? Are you kidding?

1-06-2009 @ 4:47PM

Patrick said...

Money doesn’t seem to be an issue with The Kid and I don't think he's expected to be the centerpiece of any teams offence or defense. With that being said, I think he'd be a great addition to a team as a DH (preserve his aging body and continue to put up consistent numbers at the plate). I'd love to see him finish in Seattle (I'm bias because I live the Pacific Northwest) but it would also be great to see him get a ring. He deserves it.

1-06-2009 @ 9:04PM

decbosox said...

he is done

1-09-2009 @ 3:00AM

Pete said...

Griffey is the greatest player of our generation. He is a first ballot HOFer and still has a couple good years left. If he stay healthy in a solid organization he'll be a valuable asset. He has never been in it for the money and would be happy to play for a modest salary.

1-10-2009 @ 7:25PM

tom said...

The Reds were a nowhere team? They tied for a playoff spot before he arrived in town. Griffey is a prima donna who sucked the life from the reds, never providing the player for the money he tied up. I hope the rest of baseball sees him for what he is.. a player not willing to work out to get better, thats why the injuries and decline in production.. Goodbye Jr.

1-18-2009 @ 11:32AM

Crash173 said...

Griffey left Seattle because he wanted to be "closer to his family", remember. At the time, his family was in Florida, so I always wondered why he did not demand a trade to the Rays or the Marlins. Also, he whined about "death threats" when he left Seattle. He should be concerned now about coming back after the numbers he has been putting up recently. He is a media creation; his best days were in Seattle, but he was too arragant to know it. He will make it to the Hall, because the media loves him.

1-18-2009 @ 11:36AM

He is done.................