Ken Griffey, Jr. Looking for a New Home
One of baseball's greatest players phone is silent. Will the Nationals place a call to Ken Griffey Jr.? It's a familiar sound to hear that when he's healthy Griffey can still produce and do it well. The Nationals know all too well from dealing with Nick Johnson's injuries. While everyone is concentrating on other players, Washington could secure a steadying influence in the club house and the outfield by signing a future hall of famer.
For a team like Washington looking to rebuild the organization with players from the farm system, signing a player like Griffey, Jr. will provide the right type of player to help augment the development of the younger players on the team. It couldn't hurt in negotiations with Dunn to have one more player on the team he's already knows. Name one player on the Nationals roster that any free agent would say here's a player I want to play with and the answer would probably be zero, but add a player like Griffey, Jr. and that would change. There's something about talking baseball in the club house with one of the games greats. It's just one more selling point to prospective free agents.
Comments
It's interesting you mention Griffey Jr, who I think is a great player. You mention his injury tendencies, but you still want him on the team? Yet no pitchers? Interesting
Now I agree that Griffey Jr would be a "I would love to play next to him" kind of guy, but if he's only going to play 80-100 games, what's the point? I would point out some pitchers in a similar scenario, but they all cost money. Griffey is currently not being sought because Manny is still out there. Waiting for him to set the market so Griffey can go lower.
Posted by: Big Money Tony
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January 2, 2009 3:00 PM
Bowden and Kasten can find relievers via free agency and the minors, but if you also sign Dunn and Fielder then the acquistion of Griffey at a real discount would be great. Imagine an OF of Dunn, Milledge, Griffey, with Dukes and Willingham.
You now have a mentor for the younger players as to how to play the game and approach the game not too mention a great selling point. Plus you still have the versatile Harris under contract.
As for pitching, you seem to want it all. There's no magic pill potion or lamp to rub. If you find a magic lamp in a rumage sale then rub it and when the genie pops out use one of your three wishes on curing all of the Nationals problems. Oh and please use a second one on the Redskins problems while you're at it.
You survey the territory and prepare a strategy. Trying to spend the money on players that won't make a difference in wins losses is wasted money. Winning begets more winning when signing a free agent and boosting moral. Hitting can be resolved for the most part this year if all goes well. No one is denying the need for pitching, but if you can fix a major problem now you do it whether it's pitching or hitting. As it so turns out if adding Griffey, Jr., Dunn, and Fielder were possible it would be a major win.
Posted by: The Sports Freak | January 2, 2009 3:39 PM
Fielder? Prince Fielder? Where did you hear that the Nats could get him? The only Fielder they will be able to sign this year is Cecil.
Posted by: Bob | January 2, 2009 5:46 PM
Yes, Prince but it would have to be via trade. The Nationals have said they would also explore trade opportunities Prince Fielder, .
Posted by: The Sports Freak | January 2, 2009 10:00 PM