Braves Interested In Griffey

8:21pm: Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times had a conversation with Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln on Saturday and Griffey was obviously a topic of discussion.  Lincoln seemed less than enthused about the possibility of getting into a bidding war with the Braves.

"Everybody always wants more money, that’s reality,” he said. "It doesn’t matter whether it’s the baseball business or any other business. But you’ve got to go with what you’ve got.”

6:14pm: David O’Brien took to the comments section of his blog for a little more insight on the Griffey situation:

Atlanta is his first choice. He really wants to play for the Braves. Has a daughter on an Atlanta AAU team and a son who’s playing high school football this year in Orlando, and Griffey doesn’t want to be on the other side of the country at Seattle. Plus, he’s always wanted to play for Bobby Cox.

If I had to bet, I’d say this gets done early next week.

5:28pm:  So much for the whole "agent leaking" theory.  Braves GM Frank Wren just confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s David O’Brien that his club does indeed have interest in Griffey:

"We have interest in several available outfielders, including Griffey," said Wren.

5:22pm:  The Tacoma News Tribune’s Ryan Divish suggests that the Braves’ reported interest in Griffey "could be another case of an agent leaking some info to the media to make it seem like his client is coveted to enhance his positions in negotiations." 

It’s just speculation, but it’s definitely a possibility.  With Griffey off playing in a Pro-Am tournament at Pebble Beach, his agent might as well stir the pot.

2:33pm:  Jerry Crasnick at ESPN.com reports that the Atlanta Braves are looking to acquire Ken Griffey, Jr.. According to Crasnick’s sources, "Griffey is Atlanta’s prime target."

Crasnick says there is mutual interest between the two parties. Griffey lives in Orlando, where the Braves’ spring training facilities are located. Also, Griffey may benefit from the ability to split time with Matt Diaz in left field.

If the Braves miss on Griffey, their next likely target would be Garrett Anderson.