Ken Griffey Jr., CF, Chicago White Sox
Background: First overall pick in the 1987 draft after starring at Cincinnati’s Archbishop Moeller High School. Received league MVP votes in nine of his first 11 seasons, winning the trophy in 1997 with the Seattle Mariners. Traded to the Reds before the 2000 season, when his body began betraying him. After failing to advance to the postseason once with his hometown team, Griffey gets likely final shot at the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox.
What’s up: At 2 a.m. Thursday, Griffey Jr. called his dad, asking his advice. The White Sox had a deal in place and he wanted to know if he should waive his no-trade clause. Griffey Sr., who works as a scout for the Reds, told his son that it was time to move on, to chase a ring. “For me, my kids are getting older. It wasn’t about being close to home. It was chance to win a title. That was the draw,” Griffey Jr. said Friday.
What’s next: It’s no secret White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has long coveted Griffey. And with Paul Konerko mired in a season-long slump, the Sox need more power. But Griffey’s arrival is a bit of a stretch. He is going to play every day in center field, with occasional starts in the designated hitter spot.
Renck’s take: This move would have made a lot more sense two years ago. At that point Griffey was still a steady center fielder. When the Rockies were in Cincinnati a week ago, the aging Griffey had trouble playing right field at Great American Ball Park, one of the easiest in baseball. Griffey just wants to fit in, showing his humility by taking No. 17 rather than the “Dirty 30” of Nick Swisher. It’s likely this is Griffey’s last season, so it’s natural to pull for him. The question is, can he provide enough offense to justify weakening the team’s defense?
