| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 02-12-2009 |
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Breaking News: Sometimes making no sense, makes the most sense.While every media outlet known to man is reporting that a deal between the Seattle Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr. is imminent, I'm here to tell you that it's a done deal.
And that's not a guess based on other reports. I was told yesterday that the two sides had already agreed on "one side of the the terms," and were awaiting only semantics and the small print.
It's apparently for one year, and I don't know if there is any sort of option year attached at all, but I would guess no, unless it's a team option with a very small buyout.
I've also been told that the guaranteed money is about where we all suspected all along - "Somewhere south of $5 million," with incentives based on plate appearances.
In the baseball world, signing Griffey doesn't help the M's get better on the field. He doesn't give them a middle of the order bat, he isn't going to provide gold glove defense and he's certainly not going to carry the M's to the postseason.
In other words, his upside is very limited and the move doesn't make sense. But sometimes making no sense makes the most sense.
When the deal is official - as early as tomorrow afternoon - Mariners fans should enjoy it, rather than attempt to rake Jack Zduriencik, Chuck Armstrong and Howard Lincoln over the coals.
Ignore the baseball side of things. You're a fan, let the club worry about putting a winner on the field. Remember, the 2009 Mariners are destined to lose 85-95 games, and if you can be given a gift during the year to sit through a rebuilding season, what better present than the Return of the Mack.
Just think, you'll get to see Griffey hit the final home run of his career in a Mariners uniform. Just the way it was meant to be.
The Prodigal Son is back in Seattle.
Welcome home, Junior.
ken-griffey-jr.,-seattle-mariners
Comments
The following 86 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: jkaiser on 02-12-2009 12:42:29 I just did a cartwheel. I literally did a cartwheel. It wasn't a pretty sight. WELCOME HOME #24! |
| 2. By: shemberry on 02-12-2009 12:43:43 Jason, I couldn't agree with you more. I love watching baseball, and I will love getting to see Jr. back in Seattle. Do I wish we were a championship contender this year? Of course. That said, the truth is that this organization is headed in the right direction and if signing Jr. is fun, and keeps many of the fans off their back while the farm system gets better and bad contracts come off the books, I am all for it. |
| 3. By: Gustafson on 02-12-2009 12:46:17 I won't do a cartwheel, because I don't want to pull a groin... But I'm smiling broadly at my desk... Can't wait to see him wearing #24. I know some newer Mariner fans don't get it. They like to snidely say, "well why not bring back Alvin and Langlie and Bone and Bochte." And that's fine. But Junior is different. He's always been different. You can't explain emotions. For people my age (32) or around that age, it's like a little piece of going home again. Can't put a Sabermetric value on that as a fan. |
| 4. By: Jay Yencich on 02-12-2009 12:46:48 Kaiser- Pics or it didn't happen :) |
| 5. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-12-2009 12:52:10 I should add that the two people who informed me on this also added, in their own words, that the only way it doesn't happen is "if dotting the i's and crossing the t's becomes a problem for either side." |
| 6. By: J. R. Chushcoff on 02-12-2009 12:57:58 This is so short sighted. The team is going to finish last with or without Jr. But, why take a spot in the line up if someone younger can gain experience and show their potential? We need to look at 2011 and 2012, not worry about Griffy's swan song. |
| 7. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 13:01:28 J.R. - Griffey is going to put butts in the seats. Plus, during a time of baseball where a black cloud is hovering over all the great players, it will give me goosebumps to go watch Griffey (who I believe is 100% clean) play again. Been a while since watching baseball has been able to give me goosebumps. Welcome home KGJ. |
| 8. By: pwhit44 on 02-12-2009 13:09:18 Jason, so is this it for the offseason? Are we to assume that the line-up is complete now? For me, there is still a hole in LF, but everyone seems to writing as if this move fills out the '09 line-up. I'd still love to see a trade that brings in Swisher... but those rumors seem to have tapered off. |
| 9. By: BrettJMiller on 02-12-2009 13:29:08 Junior's not good anymore, but he's not a total bum with the stick. He posted a .777 OPS last year which is fine for a guy hitting 5th or 6th in the order. He also did it with a bum knee, which may or may not have affected his performance. The Projection systems go from a low of a .751 OPS (CHONE) to a high of .818 (Oliver)... Not to mention, as currently constructed we're not an 85-95 loss team, Jason...last year, we won 61, but were closer to a ~70 true talent level team, much like 2007's 88 win team was really a ~78 win team. We likely won't win the division, but 75-80 wins isn't impossible considering our defense will keep the ERAs of Washburn and Silva in the mid 4.00's (maybe low 5's for Carlos) and Cedeno's had a better minor league track record than Yuni, projection systems like him more, and he's the better defender. I know we're not a good team this year, but I think you're overstating just how bad we'll be. |
| 10. By: jkaiser on 02-12-2009 13:29:26 Does anybody doubt that he's going to go deep in his first at bat? Seriously, it's going to happen. I have no doubt. |
| 11. By: BrettJMiller on 02-12-2009 13:33:40 Yes, I know 75 wins is 87 losses. Just framing it more positively. I also don't see 85 wins being impossible either. Really, we're not THAT bad. |
| 12. By: sun devil on 02-12-2009 13:34:15 I couldn't be happier. Sure, maybe it isn't the most logical "baseball move," but it is the best gift an M's fan could ever ask for. Having JR come home for an encore season is the best closing chapter to his hall of fame career I could imagine. Even if he only hits one homerun all year, to see the sweetest stroke EVER back in a Mariners uniform, I'm thrilled and looking into getting my travel arrangements squared away to make back to Seattle for opening day. The Kid is back. |
| 13. By: jkaiser on 02-12-2009 13:35:22 Yeah, suddenly I'm looking into Spring Training and Opening Day. |
| 14. By: acqb1424 on 02-12-2009 13:44:12 Jason, you hit the nail squarely on the head with this one as I'm guessing most of us feel the same way. I'm ecstatic to have Junior back for no other reason than I want to see him finish his career here. We all know that this isn't a move to make us a playoff contender, but I think if Junior returns to 2007 form we'd have a nice surprise and it's be a great ending to an amazing career. I've grown up idolizing Junior and am so thrilled that this is almost a done deal. Welcome home Junior and I cannot wait to see him wearing 24 again. I too need to get tickets for opening day now, just to see Junior go yard. |
| 15. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-12-2009 13:47:06 For those wondering if this is ti for the winter additions... The tone in which many of you are asking this question is not proper. It's not proper to want more in that manner. The alternative to short and smart, which is what the Mariners have been doing this offseason thus far, is big and stupid, which is what the M's were doing the past four years, and we see where that got them. Sure, there is a "hole in left field." But technically, in terms of good baseball teams, there's a major hole at first base, shortstop, DH, catcher and several in the pen. It's just not realistic to expect those holes to be filled this winter. The young players need to play - a ton - so the team can find out what they have in them before they deem Clement not a catcher, Wlad not a power bat, etc. If this was 2010 and they were heading to camp with the roster they have now, I'd be upset or at least disappointed. But it's year one after 100+ losses and Zduriencik's staff has been place all of three and a half months. You have to take out the trash before you buy more resources, and they don't know what's trash and what's not... yet. |
| 16. By: Blowgun7 on 02-12-2009 13:47:44 So I assume we're looking at something like this vs RHPs? Ichiro (RF) Gutierrez (CF) Lopez (2B) Griffey (DH) Beltre (3B) Branyan (1B) Clement (C) Betancourt (SS) Wlad/Chavez (LF) |
| 17. By: FatBat on 02-12-2009 13:48:26 While I'm against signing Griffey I will still smile when I see him come to the plate for the first time. I had more hope for this season in the hopes for a younger talented team to take the field-i.e.D.young Teahen hermidia. But it is what it is. I had one question though Jason, Do you see a possible trade with Washington, Washburn for N. Johnson? I know we have Sweeney but I see him more of a bench bat and dh. When Johnson is healthy he play's great D and can rake the ball. Sweeney may not even make the team and getting a SP spot open for someone younger to me is win win. Jason, your thoughts? |
| 18. By: Lonnie on 02-12-2009 14:05:04 I guess it won't be too terribly hard to find Jr during ST, just look for the gaggle of reporters and fans. I hate to honk my own horn, but I made this call last fall once Ibanez moved on. It just made too much sense for the Mariners as a business to not bring Jr back. Lonnie |
| 19. By: Lonnie on 02-12-2009 14:11:30 Something that I think needs to be determined is what do the M's do if Jr has a better year than he did in '07? Jr, no doubt, will want to come back again. In '10, having Jr on the team may not be the best move when looking towards the future. Wow, now there is a mental dilema! I want Jr to have a great year and go out with a bang, but a great year would almost have to mean a second year. I wonder if this is taken into consideration by the M's brass as they work out the deal... Lonnie |
| 20. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-12-2009 14:25:05 A lot of people made this call. In 2007 it was clear something was going to happen. Some of just resisted it because it's not a good baseball move. |
| 21. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 14:51:45 If Jr has a better year than he did in '07, trade him to a contender and try to sign him next year. |
| 22. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 15:00:06 Edit: trade him to a contender at the All Star break. |
| 23. By: Edman on 02-12-2009 15:08:40 I'm glad Jr. is returning. It's the way it should end. He'll bring Seattle a spotlight, as he climbs the homerun ladder. More importantly, it gives kids the opportunity to see the guy their fathers and uncles told stories about. And please, some of you spare me the "he's blocking kids who need playing time" sentiment. Not even Clement deserves that kind of consideration. There isn't a single prospect from last year who's performances couldn't easily be replaced. You earn your job.....it's not given. If there was a mega-talent that would lose playing time, I didn't see him. Some things you do because it's about the City and for the fans. If you follow that logic, then the M's should never have brought Edgar back for his final season. You give Jr. the happy ending he deserves. If not for him, you wouldn't be sitting your butt in Safeco. Besides, as bad as some of you think he was last season....there aren't many guys on the roster who were better. At least he can draw a walk. Oh, and btw. Having suffered a torn-cart, I KNOW how hard it is to play on. That he got through last season is an accomplishment. Griffey generates his power through his wrists and thighs. Not being able to plant your feet is a big deal. |
| 24. By: Edman on 02-12-2009 15:11:07 Trade Griffey? Hey, why not just burn those jersey's he'll sell? Or.....never mind. Prospects are fine. But, if Griffey is having a great year, the last thing you do is trade him. Nothing you get back will equal the marketing value he brings. |
| 25. By: Edman on 02-12-2009 15:15:13 Lonnie....to be blunt. Would it be any different if it was Anderson, Abreu or Dunn? If you perform, you get to return. If someone wants his spot, they better outplay him. It's a great dilema to have. It makes the kids work harder. Not having competition builds to accepting mediocre. Wlad wants a job, he better earn it....same goes for Halman and Saunders. |
| 26. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 15:30:33 Yes, you trade him to 1)give him the chance to get a ring, 2)before he regresses to the mean. If you get a good return, why not? |
| 27. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 15:40:58 Stickball...are you serious? Really? |
| 28. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-12-2009 15:45:23 Trading a highly-performing Griffey at the dealine would be the right thing to do, yes. But it's not likely to happen. |
| 29. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 15:47:19 We aren't talking about the best baseball moves though. Like you said in your article Jason, "Sometimes making no sense, makes the most sense." Griffey needs to be in Seattle the entire season, no matter how he does. |
| 30. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-12-2009 16:11:49 Eh, Jackson, that's just so unwise I can't even find the words. If Griffey could bring back a B level spect or two at the deadline and the Mariners don't do it because they want Junior to finish his career as a Mariner, the team should be folded up and sent down the river. That's a terrible, god awful way to do business. Griffey needs to be in Seattle the entire season? Why? So he can get what he wants? So people can give him a standing ovation in late September? Because he's on house arrest and they set his ankle bracelet to the zip code 98101? |
| 31. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 16:20:22 You make no sense. You are completely contradicting what you said in your article. Yikes. |
| 32. By: randallball on 02-12-2009 16:26:05 WOO HOO!!!! Just bought my 16-game plan. Are we winning the West with this move? No. Does it matter? Hell no. I love Jr., and I can't wait to see him! |
| 33. By: Edman on 02-12-2009 16:33:30 Randallball is the exact reason you don't trade him. B level prospect mean nothing. Every team has a couple dozen worth. And, they don't market. So things you do for the love of the game, not the love of a prospect. |
| 34. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 16:39:04 Randallball is taking a risk. Junior hasn't passed the physical yet. Junior could get hurt and be on the DL most of the season. Besides, Junior might request a trade. He has little time left to get a ring. |
| 35. By: Blowgun7 on 02-12-2009 16:45:08 Let's just all enjoy the one full season.. and realize that if he does play well, the B level prospect that we may be able to get really doesn't mean much in the whole scheme of things. Let's just enjoy the day and the season. This signing means little in terms of what the squad will be down the road. He isn't taking ABs from anyone worth a darn, and he may bring enough fans to the ballpark to make Howie and Chuck to feel comfortable raising the payroll next yr |
| 36. By: NEOregonMarinersFan on 02-12-2009 16:49:35 I'll travel the 300+ miles to Seattle for a Mariners game this year just to see Junior play, regardless of what kind of shape he is in or how he is doing. I'll be there anyway, for a game against Texas on July 11, so hopefully he will still be with the team, still healthy, and hitting well. Signing him doesn't make much baseball sense, but it is indeed a nice gift for Mariners fans. Trade Junior? That might seem unthinkable to those fans who are sentimental and happy to have him back. I'd be more concerned that he might be hitting about .197 at some point and the team would feel compelled to release him. That wouldn't be pretty at all. Let's hope it all goes well, anyway. |
| 37. By: Mike Craven on 02-12-2009 17:03:08 Jackson, What I said in the article was obviously something YOU don't understand. Clearly. Signing Griffey makes very little to ZERO baseball sense, but it has a value to the fans and community and to the team off the field. Get it? Makes no sense at all - makes the most sense. Geez, dude. Try THINKING for more than the three seconds it takes you to make a poor decision to make a comment like that. |
| 38. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 17:13:47 Haha. Ok 'Mike'. |
| 39. By: Docmilo on 02-12-2009 17:35:11 Griffey is 49 homeruns shy of Mays. If Jr. has a good season, ie 25 homeruns, he is in a Mariner uniform again next year chasing Mays to be number 3 all time on the non-enhanced homerun list. You think Jr. will put butts in the seats this year? Wait until next year when he approaches 650 home runs. Maybe the M's can trade him at HR #659. |
| 40. By: dewey on 02-12-2009 18:27:58 Whoever says this is a bad move just ask the bosses how many more tickets they just sold.Can Griffey play anymore no he cant.But think about this who on this team is gonna hit? Ibanez is gone and i dont know who is gonna hit in this lineup Beltre ,Lopez and Itch i guess.Who will drive them in? So if the Kids comes back maybe we get lucky i sure hope so. |
| 41. By: jkaiser on 02-12-2009 18:31:36 HEYYY HOOOOO HEYYYY HOOOO HEYYYY HOOOO |
| 42. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-12-2009 18:52:06 ON THE MONEY JASON. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in the new tech of baseball. So what that Griffey might give ups 1.343 wins less than player B. I grew up watching The Kid and will IMMENSELY enjoy seeing him end his career where he belongs! |
| 43. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 18:54:03 Which is why we WONT trade him. |
| 44. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 19:01:10 If Griffey is hitting above the rate of his 2007 year, he won't retire this year. Better to trade him at the deadline and try to sign him next year. |
| 45. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 19:09:17 That's the second time you have said that stickball. |
| 46. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 19:14:43 Well, not exactly. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, Jackson, we get your repetitive Griffey has to stay comments. |
| 47. By: Mike Craven on 02-12-2009 19:14:51 Whether they WILL or WON't isn't the point. They SHOULD in that scenario. It makes baseball sense. |
| 48. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 19:16:33 Look. It's "Mike". Ha. |
| 49. By: FWBrodie on 02-12-2009 19:21:48 I'm going to enjoy a few more chances to see my all-time sports hero play the game. It'll be fun reflecting on the Mariner glory days as we move forward into a new era. What are the odds Dave Neihaus is going to give himself a heart attack this season on a Ken Griffey Jr. homerun? |
| 50. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-12-2009 19:22:03 44. The Mariners wouldn't trade Junior just like they didn't trade Bone or Edgar. Just like the Yankees won't trade Jeter when he becomes worthless. Trading Junior in his farewell tour is a pretty asinine suggestion. |
| 51. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 19:24:30 If he's not ready to retire and if he's hitting better than 2007, anyone with brain cells would know that it won't be his final farewell. Just saying. |
| 52. By: Corey on 02-12-2009 19:59:11 There's no point in talking about trading Griffey at the deadline because there's a 0% chance that it would happen. |
| 53. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 20:28:25 I wouldn't be too sure. If the Mariners aren't going anywhere and if Griffey is hitting better than most corner outfielders, why wouldn't Junior ask to be traded for a chance to win a ring? |
| 54. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 20:34:15 Stickball, Junior has said MULTIPLE times that he owes it to the city of Seattle to retire as a member of the Seattle Mariner organization. |
| 55. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 20:37:51 Jackson, go back and read my posts. If Junior is hitting the ball what makes you think he's going to retire this year? You really think he's going to give up on winning a ring, if given the chance? |
| 56. By: nesgodawg on 02-12-2009 20:41:15 Just like Chaz Michael Michaels is figure skating, Ken Griffey Jr. is Seattle baseball! www.biased-sports.com |
| 57. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 20:41:48 Haha. BAM! |
| 58. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 20:45:15 Jackson, what are you, 12? |
| 59. By: Jackson45 on 02-12-2009 20:46:33 Stickball, that was a quote from the movie that Nesgodawg mentioned. I was responding to his post. Cool your jets. |
| 60. By: Edman on 02-12-2009 21:13:57 stickball, who gives a crap if he comes back for another year? If he's hitting the ball, they should discard him simply because you see value in prospects? Even the best prospects are gambles. Personally, I think it would be great if he stayed healthy enough to play another three years as a Mariner. You make it seem like a crime, ffs. Since we're no where close to having to worry about it, who cares? Enjoy the f'ing moment for what it is, and stop being a baseball "black and white" snob. There is a lot more to the game than two colors. There's lots of gray. If not, it would be a predictible game with nothing to enjoy. If every player played as predicted, why bother to play the season? Same question goes to you, stickball. You seem to be an authority on what Jr. will do. Perhap Jr. saw what he missed out on with Seattle's love for Edgar and Jay. Maybe that would mean more to him than a ring. I'd like to think he's a bit more grown up than you. A ring might mean a lot less than you think. To go out a legend in the city that his kids started out their lives in and the hometown of his wife, just might have importance. I don't get the feeling that Ken is seeking childish pursuits. But rather, a proper ending to his career. None of us know what's going to happen. But, a couple of B level prospects will cause a riot in this town.....as it should. |
| 61. By: stickball on 02-12-2009 22:04:34 Edman, why do you even waste time here if you don't like reading a different opinion? Someone asked what do the M's do if Jr has a better year than he did in '07. I gave my opinion, and I am going to defend it. If you don't like me, Jason, or anyone else defending it, tough. My point to corey was don't assume that the chances would be traded are zero. Do you have a problem with that? You know what you do when you assume things. Not everyone thinks like you. Some people actually care about improving the team for 2010. |
| 62. By: Lonnie on 02-12-2009 22:29:33 Edman sez: "Lonnie....to be blunt. Would it be any different if it was Anderson, Abreu or Dunn? If you perform, you get to return. If someone wants his spot, they better outplay him." It is just too fine of a day to get into a arguement over something like this. I do though want to point out that Junior means a lot to the city of Seattle where Anderson, Abreu, or Dunn are just mercenary FA's. I agree though with the sentiment of your point. Making EVERYONE earn a spot on the 25 man roster, or even a starting slot is the best approach. Edman also sez: "It's a great dilema to have. It makes the kids work harder. Not having competition builds to accepting mediocre. Wlad wants a job, he better earn it....same goes for Halman and Saunders." Right on, dude! Lonnie |
| 63. By: bigmook76 on 02-12-2009 22:56:30 Griffey coming back makes sense. I want to believe that he was held back last year due to his leg injury. How cool would it be if the kid hit 30 homers and drove in 90+? Welcome back Junior, you should have never left us. |
| 64. By: Corey on 02-12-2009 23:37:49 stickball: The chances are 0. |
| 65. By: rightwingrick on 02-12-2009 23:55:06 If the M's handle spring training like it sounds like they are going to (teach, communicate, teach, communicate, and hold people accountable) and they let the position battles take care of themselves, I don't think they are losing 85-95 games. 84 W - 78 L. They weren't as good as their record in '07, nor were they as bad as their record in '08. Regression to the mean in 09, plus player improvements. |
| 66. By: Uncle Al on 02-13-2009 00:36:40 Jason Is this as good a place as any for Zduriencik to stop for now? Griffey doesn't throw a monkey wrench into anything this year and fills a need I hope. Swisher would have been a nice addition because he can play LF and 1B but the terms of a trade can't be right at this time. There are a number of OF players available also but Zduriencik isn't going to give up prospects just to unload either Washburn, Batista, or Silva and get a guy like Swisher when Saunders or Halman aren't that far away. There'll be many trade opportunities later this year if they aren't available now. |
| 67. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-13-2009 01:37:49 Swisher can also play first, too, so he still makes some sense. But unless someone gets hurt or the team trades one of their current projected 25-man roster members, this is it for big-leaguers. The question right now is, if Griffey is coming, who is going? They are at the 40-man limit. Candidates: Tug Hulett, 2B - Hulett is a decent player and could serve in a reserve role, but with Rule 5'er Reegie Corona and now Ronny Cedeno on board, Hulett is quite redundant. Of course, that would leave a spot in Triple-A Tacoma to fill. Marwin Vega, RHP - Vega is a solid arm, but is probably a reliever and the club has trillions of them, even after sending two of their better ones to the Mets. Bryan LaHair, 1B - LaHair has virtually no chance to make the big club, despite his willingness to play the outfield - thanks Bryan, but no thanks. Plus, the organization has five other legitimate first base candidates for Tacoma this season; Javier Brito, Ian Baldergroen, Mike Carp, Johan Limonta (also LF/RF), and Thomas Hubbard. LaHair and Carp are the only ones on the 40-man. Gaby Hernandez, RHP - Hernandez has been disappointing since 2006 - his velocity is down to the 87-91 mph range and his curve ball, once seen as a plus offering, is now average at best. His future might be as a middle reliever, tops. Reegie Coronoa, 2B/SS- With Cedeno in camp and pretty much a lock to make the club, Corona's chances of hanging around aren't very good anyway. They'd have to offer him back to NYY first, but he'd likely clear waivers at this point. Steve Kahn, RHP - Kahn has missed two seasons with knee surgeries, but his velocity was there in the AFL in October. Curve was ok - good at times - but his command and overall control was not. If Seattle sees Kahn's knees as a reason to let him go, he might be the 40-man member they lop off for Junior. Justin Thomas, LHP - Thomas is a starting pitcher with a middle reliever's arsenal. His fastball doesn't play up in the pen, but he has a good track record versus lefties. Of course, the Mariners could make a trade - a 40-man member for a non 40-man member, or a two for one, and make room. This could happen from many angles, but I haven't heard of anything that might be brewing at the moment. |
| 68. By: Uncle Al on 02-13-2009 03:26:59 Jason Nice rundown on who might be coming off the 40 man roster. I am still happy with what Zduriencik has done so far this year. The guy I was really curious about in the Mets trade as to potential was Heilman. When he turned that into a known SP in Olson plus Cedeno, that filled two more holes. I don't care what they do with Olson this year as he will be in the rotation next year along with Hernandez, Morrow, Silva, and RRS. By this same time next year, there should be many more changes and it appears that Zduriencik doesn't get rattled and do something stupid like Bavasi always did. He is also letting the farm system grow so we'll have much more valuable assets in the future as they mature. |
| 69. By: stickball on 02-13-2009 08:11:04 Corey Repeating it over again doesn't make it so. You remind me of the delusional guy in my neighborhood that keeps saying gas isn't going over $3 a gallon for the next 4 years. |
| 70. By: stickball on 02-13-2009 08:13:05 Jason If you had to pick one, which one would you choose? |
| 71. By: jgstecker on 02-13-2009 08:28:51 If it were me, I'd probably DFA Morse or LaHair. Morse is out of options and with Sweeney and Shelton in camp its no biggie if some team claims him. He's a not-young, light-hitting 1B who missed all of last year, so the odds of him getting claimed are pretty low. LaHair at least has an option remaining--not that he'll be in any better position next year. |
| 72. By: jgstecker on 02-13-2009 08:40:35 Why are people so intent on demeaning Griffey's skill set? He's not the old Griffey we used to know, but the man we're getting will be the best DH we've had since 2005. He's a decent bet to put up an OPS over .800 next year, even if it is in a platoon role. How many M's have done that in the last 5 years? Precious few. I also wouldn't be surprised if Griffey is back for 2010. Griffey is the best available bat for the money this club has available. He is the best hitter we could've landed on the market and he's better than any in-house alternatives we might have had. He's also not going to block any kids. If Clement and Wlad want to play, Johjima and Endy aren't going to stop them. |
| 73. By: Lonnie on 02-13-2009 09:37:46 After having seen Vega pitch I wouldn't hesitate to pull him off of the 40 man roster to make room for Junior. I just wasn't impressed with Vega at all. Lonnie |
| 74. By: Corey on 02-13-2009 09:57:38 stickball Except I'm not delusional - I'm right. |
| 75. By: stickball on 02-13-2009 10:22:41 Corey You're wrong, in more ways than one. |
| 76. By: Corey on 02-13-2009 10:27:51 You are entitled to your opinion. I favor mine over yours though. |
| 77. By: Jackson45 on 02-13-2009 11:32:42 You two sound like little kids. Now stop this before I turn this car around! |
| 78. By: stickball on 02-13-2009 11:35:43 The team needs more hitting help than pitching. I'm hoping they remove a pitcher. Where's a Washburn trade when you need one? |
| 79. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-13-2009 14:36:31 LaHair is that guy for me. He brings nothing to the table and they have so many other options in AAA, as I mentioned above. With Morse, I think if you wait until midway through the Cactus League schedule, he can be traded - if you've decided he's not the other side of the first base platoon, that is. I'd release Batista, though, to be honest. He can't pitch, has no value, he's costing the team money to be terrible. Say Goodbye. |
| 80. By: Edman on 02-13-2009 15:15:16 I agree with you, Jason. LaHair isn't even a classic AAAA player. I can't see any team grabbing him off waivers. Rabin and Carp are both ahead of him on the reality depth chart. If Batista was gone, I wouldn't cry. But, if RRS is in the rotation, he's at least a decent swingman in the pen. If Batista would stop thinking too much about his pitches and just throw, he could be valuable. |
| 81. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-13-2009 16:15:01 Unfortunately, though, Ed, Batista isn't the only guy in RRS's way in the rotation. Felix, Bedard, Morrow, Silva -- Washburn, Batista. Batista doesn't suck because he thinks too much about his pitches, he sucks because he can't command his fastball, or anything else for that matter, and his secondary stuff is below average. |
| 82. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-14-2009 19:53:17 Looks like Junior maybe headed to Atlanta now Jason. You hearing anything? |
| 83. By: Roy Weaver Stuckey on 02-14-2009 20:14:20 If Griffey signs with the Braves I am gonna quit my Premium Notebook subscription. |
| 84. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-17-2009 12:57:16 Griffey just signed with the Braves. Uh.. yeah. |
| 85. By: rocketdawg31 on 02-17-2009 16:10:22 Until there's a report that Griff's signature has actually hit paper- whether with us or Atlanta- I'm taking all of this with a grain of salt. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution story is wrong, according to Jim Street (and God help me, I'm actually looking to Street for some salient news). And why would you quit the Premium Notebook subscription over this? Atlanta must've come in with an extremely 11th-hour proposal (like, two ticks 'til midnight, Cinderella..) that Junior felt he had to at least listen to? Blaming the Prem-NB for sauce that was probably utterly true at the time is just ludicrous. I do know if Junior signs with Atlanta, I have the over/under at 50 games before he gets hurt and retires. Point-blank, he's stupid and delusional if he doesn't accept a DH-role at this point in his career. |
| 86. By: Goose on 02-19-2009 10:41:17 Score another one for Jason A Churchill. |
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