The Reds have been rumored to be shopping players, amongst them Ken Griffey Jr. It is pretty clear the Reds are not going to get much in return for the 38-year old right fielder, but anything is better than nothing. The team has a $16 million option for 2009 with a $4 million buyout. Trading if nothing else will save the club the buyout money.
While Griffey is always an injury risk and his skills are diminished, he still is capable source of left-handed power and a hitter than many pitchers still fear. If it wasn't for the fact that they play in NL Central the Reds would already be out of the race and if they can't turn it around soon they will be by next month at this time anyway. Trading Griffey makes to much sense.
Let's take a quick look at some teams that would make good fits:
MARINERS
Seattle is the most logical choice. After watching the reception in a brief three-game visit last year the Mariners' fans love this guy. There is not a better place for him to finish his Hall of Fame career than the city where most of his Hall of Fame accolades were earned. Junior would immediately step in and help pick up the slack left by the disappointing Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre. Not to mention the man will sell some tickets.
CUBS
Lou Piniella is screaming for left-handed pop and let's face it Felix Pie doesn't appear to be ready. If the Cubs are serious going to make a pennant run like so many of their fans claim, they better beef up that line-up a bit.
INDIANS
At 14-17 Cleveland is off to a disappointing start. The team is 24th in MLB in runs and desperately needs some offense. Griffey could take over in left field for Dave Delluci or in right for Franklin Gutierrez. Jason Michaels has fizzled too and the Tribe needs to score to compete in the AL Central.
TIGERS
The future of Gary Sheffield is in doubt and it's not like Marcus Thames is ripping the cover off the ball. Griffey would nicely in the middle of the Tigers' right-handed thump of Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, and Sheffield if he plays. If I'm the Reds I trade him straight up for Brandon Inge, and maybe even include Josh Fogg in the deal.
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