Ken Griffey Jr. Rumors

Week in Review: 7/27 - 8/2

We saw the non-waiver trade deadline come and go this week, and plenty of action to go along with it. Let's recap the big moves of the week: The Dodgers, Pirates, and Red Sox completed a three-team, blockbuster trade that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles, Jason Bay to Boston, and Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Craig Hansen, and Brandon Moss to Pittsburgh. The Pirates got a pretty nice haul, and while Bay won't necessarily replace Manny's production, he's much more affordable, signed through '09, and doesn't disrupt the clubhouse. The Dodgers add the big bat they need for a push...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Washburn, Teixeira, Griffey

Rumor-wellspring Ken Rosenthal has another Inside Pitch video: Jarrod Washburn to the Yankees has been put to bed. It won't happen through waivers. Mark Teixeira wants a 10 year deal and that might limit his options to one city: New York. Only Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez have 10 year deals. The Yankees and Mets may be the only players willing to go that high. Teixeira's turned down a lot of money before, and indicated he wants to play for a place he likes and a team that contends every year. Ken Griffey Jr. could remain in the American League...   Continue Reading

---

White Sox Acquire Ken Griffey Jr.

3:05pm: The Griffey deal is official. 2:37pm: Jeff Blair talked to a source who thinks the White Sox might move one of their outfield-DH types for pitching help. 2:18pm: Hal McCoy comments on Griffey's time in Cincinnati. 10:25am: Per Ken Rosenthal, Griffey approved the trade. It might involve $1MM+ in cash somehow. 10:16am: The deal awaits Griffey's approval, but it'd be for Danny Richar and Nick Masset according to Danny Knobler. The Reds will hopefully be willing to kick in some cash for Junior to approve the deal if necessary. 8:02am: Rosenthal says the Sox would most likely use Griffey...   Continue Reading

---

Dunn Could Stay, Says Fay

Reds beat writer John Fay says he thinks the Reds will hold on to Adam Dunn and take the draft picks when he leaves as a free agent, because Cincinnati's outfield is so thin that they can't afford to lose Dunn. With Ryan Freel done for the year, the Reds currently have four healthy outfielders on the roster. That means if they traded Adam Dunn or Ken Griffey Jr. right now, you're looking at Corey Patterson playing every day. That might blow up this blog. This makes no sense to me. The Reds would only trade Dunn if they were...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Phillips, Chacon, Hewitt, Griffey

Random links for Tuesday. Interesting news out of Philly...Brett Myers accepted a minor league assignment. The Phils seem likely to acquire a starter this month. That was quick - the Mets designated Andy Phillips for assignment. Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released without pay, but the players' association plans to file a grievance. It's a matter of a million bucks. The Phillies signed first-round pick Anthony Hewitt, a high school infielder. He'll get about $1.4MM. The Cards officially inked top pick Brett Wallace, a college third baseman. Three scouts watched Reds reliever David Weathers last night. Just throwing it...   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: K-Rod, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Bedard

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to dig in and feast on Jayson Stark's latest rumor-packed column. The Braves have shifted their focus from starting pitching to an impact bat in left field. Stark suggests Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady would make sense. Matt Holliday would be too costly; Adam Dunn is not mentioned. We have seen the surprising rumor that the Angels could pursue C.C. Sabathia. However, Stark's sources are in agreement with Bill Plunkett - the Angels are likely to stand pat. Francisco Rodriguez wants four years and more than $60MM, a dangerous record-breaking commitment....   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Bedard, Griffey, Minaya

A very nutritious Odds and Ends for lunch: Mariners fans are coming to grips with the lapse in judgment that was the Erik Bedard trade. Prospect Insider's Jason A. Churchill takes a look at the possible market for Bedard. Ken Griffey Jr. told the New York Times that he doesn't know where all those Tampa Bay Rays rumors are coming from. “I haven’t even thought about Tampa Bay or any other team. My focus is on what is going to happen tonight — not the what-ifs.” The Mets hired former Reds GM Wayne Krivsky as a special assistant to GM...   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Bedard, Phillies, Freel

It's Thursday, and you know what that means. Time for another installment of Jayson Stark's Rumblings and Grumblings at ESPN.com. Stark runs through a laundry list of candidates for the Mariners' and Mets' manager and GM vacancies. The Indians will not be giving a negotiation window for a team hoping to sign C.C. Sabathia while acquiring him. Erik Bedard is "now officially on the market." Bedard's value has diminished since the Mariners acquired him, however. The Phillies have already inquired on Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Bronson Arroyo, and Jarrod Washburn. Stark sees Bedard joining that group, but believes it'd require Carlos...   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Bradley, Haren, Griffey, Holliday, Atkins

A few minor notes from the MLBiverse... Evan Grant wonders if the Rangers might try to trade Milton Bradley if they fall even farther back in the standings and then try to resign him in the off-season when he is a free agent. The D-Backs have begun negotiations with Dan Haren on a contract extension. Haren is signed though '09 with a $6.75MM team option in '10. Ken Griffey Jr says that he wants to win a championship in Cincinnati. With the Rockies playing the Indians, it was inevitable that the Matt Holliday- or Garrett Atkins-to-the-Indians speculation would resurface. Cork...   Continue Reading

---

Griffey's Agent Denies Rays Rumor

SI.com's Jon Heyman recently wrote that Ken Griffey Jr. was telling friends he was monitoring the Rays as a possible destination. Heyman's source indicated Junior would consider waiving his no-trade rights to play near his Orlando-area home. Heyman admitted that no serious trade talks have occurred, though. Today, Griffey's agent Brian Goldberg apparently debunked the story. Goldberg considers it to be "a media member thinking out loud." He adds that Griffey has not been approached with any trade proposals, though no one was claiming that.   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal Talks Griffey

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tackles Ken Griffey, Jr. and where Reds' slugger might finish the season. Rosenthal explores all the options. He speculates that the Reds could keep Griffey and collect two draft picks if he leaves as a free agent, but that gets complicated: However, to gain draft-pick compensation, the Reds would need to decline Griffey's option, pay him a $4 million buyout and then offer him salary arbitration — a process they almost certainly would prefer to avoid. The Reds could also get the picks if a team signed Griffey before the deadline to offer him arbitration. But...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Griffey, Garcia, Sabathia

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up. Ken Griffey Jr. is reportedly telling friends that the Rays are his preference if he is to be traded. He'd be close to his Orlando home, always a major consideration for him. Heyman says Junior would prefer to be dealt after the All-Star game. It's not known whether the Rays have interest in Griffey, though. Jayson Stark suggested yesterday that Griffey could sign there as a free agent next year. Freddy Garcia hit 85 mph in a recent session. It's been suggested he could be in the Majors by late August. Heyman...   Continue Reading

---

Off Topic: The Griffey Ball

Cody Ross' recent comments about Ken Griffey Jr.'s 600th home run ball really irked me. A Marlins season ticket holder, Joe, caught the ball and hasn't decided what to do yet. Here's what Ross said: Just give it to the Hall of Fame, get to meet him, get an autograph, whatever. But people get greedy. They want to make some money. I guess the whole Internet thing kicked all of this stuff off. It didn't use to be like this, but it's a different era. People get money hungry now. This is coming from Cody Ross, a man who will...   Continue Reading

---

Crasnick On Griffey And Dunn

Jerry Crasnick comments today on the Reds new youth movement and what that might mean for Ken Griffey Jr and Adam Dunn. Crasnick notes that it will be difficult to replace Dunn's production, but wonders if he just needs a change of scenery. Dunn does not appear to have any desire to enter negotiations on an extension and still seems to be harboring some bad feelings towards the club...Although Crasnick doesn't specifically speculate, it sounds as if the Reds would be best served trading Dunn. As for Griffey, Crasnick believes that Griffey might be willing to renegotiate his $16.5MM '09...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Griffey, Dunn

The latest from Ken Rosenthal's Inside Pitch video: The Indians are going to have to at least entertain deals for C.C. Sabathia. If they continue to fall in the standings, Rosenthal expects the Indians to try for a Dan Haren type deal involving numerous prospects in return. Two teams he mentions with interest are the Dodgers and Yankees. Ken Griffey Jr. will not be traded until after he hits his 600th home run. Rosenthal also touches on Adam Dunn. He can block any trade before June 15th. After that he can block trades to ten unknown teams. The Reds are...   Continue Reading

---

Bill Bavasi's Job Secure

Yesterday, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said the team had no discussions about bringing in a new GM or manager. For now, Bill Bavasi and John McLaren's jobs are secure despite the team owning the worst record in baseball. John Hickey says Bavasi will explore the trade market but doesn't expect much. Reds beat writer Hal McCoy again made the point yesterday that Ken Griffey Jr. won't be dealt. A summary of Bavasi's offseason moves: Selected R.A. Dickey in the Rule 5 draft. Sent Ben Broussard to Texas for Tug Hulett. Signed Carlos Silva to a four-year deal. Signed Miguel Cairo,...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Griffey, Baek, German, Wells

Here's today's link collection. Hal McCoy seems fairly certain that Ken Griffey Jr. will play out the season with the Reds. Dejan Kovacevic has heard that the Pirates are torn between Pedro Alvarez and Tim Beckham at #2. Cha Seung Baek has been DFA'd, and this time he might be claimed. He could have a career as a fifth starter somewhere. John Brattain explains why he feels teams are colluding against Barry Bonds. The Rangers DFA'd reliever Franklyn German; Evan Grant explains why. The Indians claimed reliever Oneli Perez from the White Sox. Baseball America says the six-fingered pitcher has...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Victorino, Hatteberg, Paul Byrd

The Padres stuff got its own post; let's see what else Ken Rosenthal has for us today. Rosenthal thinks it makes sense for the Phillies to shop Shane Victorino for pitching, since Jayson Werth is playing well. That'd increase reliance on Geoff Jenkins, though. The Marlins expressed some interest in Victorino last year. Rosenthal expects the Reds to move Scott Hatteberg and a catcher before they get down to the more serious business of mullling offers for Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. Trading Paul Byrd would make sense for the Indians. Rosenthal says the Brewers, Braves, and Astros "likely...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Prefer Infield Acquisition?

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes the Indians' preference to be to acquire an infielder, if they are to explore the trade market. If so, they might pass on discussing potentially available outfielders such as Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, and Jason Bay. However, Hoynes notes the Indians' past interest in Dunn. Hoynes believes the Brian Roberts rumblings could resurface, perhaps a month or two from now. Peter Gammons suggested in April that the Orioles' decent start might cause Peter Angelos to mandate retention of Roberts. Some other possibly available infielders: Garrett Atkins, Nick Johnson (perhaps six weeks...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Hanley, Salcedo, Torrealba

Time to round 'em up... Rob Neyer guesses B.J. Upton is the next to get a long-term deal from the Rays. Back on April 24th, Jayson Stark wrote that the Upton family "has its own ideas about the market value of both brothers." Expect a Hanley Ramirez press conference today, or this weekend at the latest. Tribe Report walks us through the Edward Salcedo confusion. Yorvit Torrealba's agent has filed a grievance against the Mets over their nearly-signed three-year deal. Jon Heyman says nothing's imminent with Ken Griffey Jr. Buster Olney wrote today that the Mariners are "not especially gung-ho"...   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Rusch, Griffey, Myers, Brewers

A few more notes for your ogling... This morning we told you that Glendon Rusch declined his assignment to AAA and chose to become a free agent. Troy E. Renck says that the Rockies are already expressing interest in the lefty. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has given Doug Melvin permission to trade for a starting pitcher noting that there is enough flexibility in the payroll to take on another contract. However, Attanasio also indicated that it was too early to explore those possibilities. The Delaware News Journal takes a look at this past offseason's crop of free agent starting pitchers...   Continue Reading

---

Jocketty: No Talks To Trade Griffey

In a new twist to the Ken Griffey Jr saga, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Reds may have no interest in trading Griffey. When asked about the subject, GM Walt Jocketty said that he has had no discussions with other teams about trading Griffey and that Griffey does not want to be traded. "I've had no trade discussions," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "I've talked with him...Not knowing Junior that well, I wanted to make sure we had a line of communication open. He assured me that he'd like to play here and hopefully win a...   Continue Reading

---

Mariners OK With Griffey's Salary

According to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News, Ken Griffey Jr.'s remaining $8MM this year and his $16MM option/$4MM buyout next year will not deter the Mariners. The revelation that Junior may not require his '09 option exercised and the chunk of deferred money could indeed make the money a non-issue. One question is whether the Reds will treat this as a salary dump or if they'll want a decent prospect in return. The other is whether Griffey would want to join the last place Mariners.   Continue Reading

---

Griffey Rumors From Rosenthal

Yesterday we ran through various complications the Reds face in trading Ken Griffey Jr. Today, Ken Rosenthal addresses many of them. Rosenthal says Griffey "would not necessarily require a team to exercise his $16.5MM option for 2009 as a condition of a deal." On May 5th ESPN's Peter Gammons had written that Griffey was "unlikely to agree to a deal without that option being guaranteed." Rosenthal adds that Junior is open to more teams than he was previously, as being closer to his Orlando home is a less pertinent need than it once was. A big league source of Rosenthal's...   Continue Reading

---

Mariners Send Exec To Scout Griffey

According to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News, the Mariners sent consultant to the GM Duane Schafer to Shea Stadium this weekend to watch Ken Griffey Jr. Junior finds himself with a .254/.333/.384 line in 156 plate appearances. He's three homers shy of 600. There are plenty of complications with the Griffey-to-Seattle scenario: The Mariners are eight games back, seven out in the Wild Card, and in last place with a .385 winning percentage. The Reds are doing about the same, making it tough to say the Ms will offer a better chance at a ring. Raul Ibanez would...   Continue Reading

---

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Wells, Griffey, Olney, Tavarez, Edmonds

A lot of links today, so let's get to what is being said about some trade and signing possibilities in the Blogosphere... The Darth Boss George Brigade wants Hank Steinbrenner to sign David Wells to prove that Hank is indeed his father's son. River Ave. Blues says the Yankees are too smart to sign Wells and then goes on to list about 87 pitchers that should be given a shot in the Highlanders' rotation before Wells. Redlegs Rant feels that Ken Griffey Jr. is behind the recent stories that speculate on him being traded. Mariners Central speculates on some of...   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Griffey, Daniel Cabrera, Lidge

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new column up; it's a must-read. Stark examines the impact of ten deals made last offseason; check it out. Because of last year's surprise playoff clubs, teams may wait extra long this year before throwing in the towel and trading veterans. As Peter Gammons has noted, Ken Griffey Jr.'s 2009 option will be an impediment in dealing him. Even if the Reds find a suitor Griffey will probably want that $16.5MM guaranteed for '09. Daniel Cabrera will be available again this summer. The Orioles should trade him as soon as possible; the .213 BABIP and...   Continue Reading

---

The Griffey Situation

WEDNESDAY: Armstrong, through a spokesman, clarified that his comments about Griffey were meant in a broad, rather than impending, context. It doesn't sound like any trade talks have occurred at this point. I'm sure we'll be revisiting this topic though. TUESDAY: Bob Nightengale spoke to Ken Griffey Jr. recently. Junior's comments were not surprising or new - if the Reds decide to trade him he wants to play for a contender. Nightengale also has a comment from Mariners President Chuck Armstrong, who admitted he'd like Griffey to retire a Mariner. Griffey makes $12.5MM this year and has a $16.5MM option...   Continue Reading

---

Gammons' Latest: Bradley, Griffey, Padilla

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post to discuss. Gammons says Cubs manager Lou Piniella would like to add a left-handed hitting right or center fielder to bat fifth. Milton Bradley and Ken Griffey Jr. seem like long shots though. It's odd that the Rangers wouldn't want to move Bradley. Gammons notes that the Rangers wanted Mike Pelfrey, Aaron Heilman, and Deolis Guerra for Vicente Padilla in the offseason. Even as a negotiation starting point, that's a ton for Padilla.   Continue Reading

---

Teams Scouting Griffey, Dunn

If the Reds slip out of contention in May, Walt Jocketty might begin to field offers for corner outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. Both are paid well and have at least some control over trade destinations. According to MLB.com's Jim Molony, "a few teams are having their scouts keep an eye" on the pair in case they become available. The standard speculation for Griffey is that he could be traded back to Seattle after he gets his 600th home run with the Reds. Junior might be a nice boost in right field for the Ms if Wladimir Balentien...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Crede, Lofton, Millwood, Dunn

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up; let's discuss. Despite his .268/.330/.537 start, the White Sox would still entertain trading Joe Crede if it'd help the big league team. This is a change from their apparent springtime willingness to deal him for prospects. The most likely desire would be pitching, if the Sox can find a suitor. Jake Peavy put on his GM hat, suggesting the Padres sign Kenny Lofton. Rosenthal likes the idea, but notes that Kevin Towers will first turn to his farm system. I discussed some future trade candidates for San Diego in my latest...   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle Willis Arrested, Griffey Hurt

A couple of top baseball stories that can't be classified as trade rumors but shouldn't be ignored: Dontrelle Willis was arrested this morning on a drunk driving charge and refused a breathalyzer. It's just a shame to see a stand-up guy and role model do this. I mean we've all urinated on the street before but there's no excuse for driving while intoxicated. Meanwhile, Ken Griffey Jr. broke his left hand in a mysterious home accident. Most likely a vigorous session of Guitar Hero was involved. Griffey's teammate, Adam Dunn, actually played the 2005 season with a broken hand. I'm..   Continue Reading

---

Soriano for Griffey Deal In The Works?

It's always fun to find trade rumors in Spanish newspapers. El Nuevo Dia's latest discusses an Alfonso Soriano for Ken Griffey Jr. trade that is cooking up. The following is a rough translation (hat tip to Mariloren on the translation!): The Reds and Nationals have been negotiating the Soriano for Griffey trade over the last few days. Soriano refused comment when approached by the newspaper. Details are the proposed transaction are still unknown. If traded to the Nationals, Griffey would be reunited with former Reds GM Jim Bowden. My own commentary: I think the Reds would be the winners in..   Continue Reading

---

Signs of Reds OF Trade Mounting

More and more, it's looking like the Reds will deal one of their outfielders before the season begins. First off, Jon Heyman's column from yesterday: "Now that Scott Hatteberg has been signed for first base, the Reds might shop that extra outfielder they've been carrying for a while. They have Adam Dunn, Wily Mo Peña, Austin Kearns and Ken Griffey Jr., with Peña most likely to go for young pitching. Previous owner Carl Lindner rejected deals for Griffey (including one with the Cubs last year), but maybe new owner Rob Castellini will do the right thing." I must say, I..   Continue Reading

---

Griffey To Boston For Arroyo?

Well, Boston Dirt Dogs has an interesting one up just now. Boston's WEEI 850 is reporting that a possible Ken Griffey Jr. for Bronson Arroyo trade could be in the works. I'll do my best to find more. On the surface, that seems like a terrible deal for the Red Sox. Arroyo is about to be locked in for three years at a great price, and Griffey is probably a lock to play less games in '06 than he did in '05. Not to mention Griffey's huge contract and lousy defense   Continue Reading

---

Cardinals Nearing Huge Trade

I've got a source near the Cardinals organization telling me "something big is happening." Apparently, all company employees have received a memo threatening termination if any information is disclosed. Luckily, I'm not employed by the Cardinals, so I'm free to gossip. I dropped a line to Lboros over at Viva El Birdos, a blogger who has a finger on the pulse of the team. Lboros had an intriguing list of trade rumors and possible signings that have presented themselves within the past few weeks: Acquisition of Bobby Abreu. It is known that Abreu is on the trading block, although the..   Continue Reading

---