Turn up the volume - Junior is back
Posted By Larry Larue on November 11, 2009 at 9:07 am
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Ken Griffey Jr.
The Seattle Mariners spring training clubhouse just got louder - Ken Griffey Jr., as expected, is back in the fold.
GM Jack Zduriencik and agent Brian Goldberg apparently had little trouble working out the details, and Junior did what neither Jack Wilson or Russell Branyan would. He accepted the Mariners offer.
A clubhouse presence throughout the '09 season, when the Mariners made the transition from losing 101 games to winning 85, Griffey's role next year will be diminished on the field.
At least, that's the plan: The Mariners hope to add bats that would make Griffey's .214 average last season a non-starter. What Junior will provide, beyond leadership, is a veteran left-handed bat off the bench and insurance.
"I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," Griffey said in a statement released by the team. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series. To that end, I look forward to contributing in any role that Don (Wakamatsu) sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field."
Next season will mark Griffey's 22nd in the big leagues, and he'll oppen it with a .285 career average, 630 home runs and 1,829 RBI.
Congratulations! Can't wait for next season! Hope it's a good one!
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I heard this on the radio coming home from my doctors appt. this morning. This is great news. I also can't wait for the next season to start. It should be a good one.
GO Ms!
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great news
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Yayyyyyy....Luv U Jr!
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Thats great news may be the M's can finish 5 th in the AL west ? ( Only 4 places)
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Donny the retard, had an 8 pound water head... He was 5'3" and he said to me; I like play doh.....
Yeah, ya know what.. This short brief about Junior signing for the Mariners wasn't meant for your criticizm... Actually, you joke wasn't even funny.. Um, get back to work... Or don't quit your day job..
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Thank you Kenny for staying the course. A class act all the way.
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Awesome news!!! Glad to have you back again, Jr!!! This news made my day!!!
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I wish someone would pay me $3 mil to boost morale. Just like Griffey I'm old (I'm even older!), I can no longer hit (Well, I never could but that's beside the point) & I'm a really nice guy who can make people happy!!!!
& I'll bet I need the $'s a lot worse then Jr!
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Oh, great- bring back Junior, settle for "feeling good" because we have "the greatest Mariner ever" back again to do nothing for the team on the field.
I am glad I didn't renew tickets this past year, and put my money into a team that wants to put a quality product on the field- and did.
Griffey doesn't even generate attendance. Wake me up when the nostalgia is over, and Mariners management decides that once again trying to field a winner is important- maybe after average attendance drops a few thousand more?
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I like this only if we can can fill the rest of the roster w/ productive every day bats. One thing I do like having Jr. as the 25th man off the bench as a pinch hitter is I think he had around a .280 average last yr in this role. If I remember that right it's a very respectable average in that role.
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