AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime for Braves to get Griffey
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Let’s try this again. After all, we’ve typed these words before, but never have they made more sense. The Braves need a center fielder until their youngsters are ready, and veteran Ken Griffey Jr. loves Bobby Cox, the accomplished Braves manager, and Griffey’s Cincinnati Reds aren’t going anywhere soon.
Not only that, Griffey is baseball’s cheapest superstar with a highly workable contract. He also lives maybe a seven-minute drive from the Braves’ spring complex in Orlando, which would suit the homebody Griffey just fine.
The same would apply to a Griffey stint in a Braves uniform. He still cherishes his time as a youth in the 1980s when he often took batting practice for fun at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium with the likes of Dale Murphy, Bob Horner and somebody named Ken Griffey Sr., a Braves player back then after his noted career with the Reds.
Get him. Well, the Braves should do so regarding the younger Griffey after they use some of the money they’ve saved from their Edgar Renteria trade to acquire a starting pitcher for a troubled rotation beyond John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. “The strategy from there would be for us to get a center fielder,” said Frank Wren on Wednesday, the sharp baseball man who will make a seamless transition into John Schuerholz’s role as Braves general manager.
Wren is strikingly more personable than his predecessor, but they are similar in that they prefer not to discuss names in these situations. Even so, we can use Wren’s philosophies to narrow the Braves’ best option in center during the post-Andruw Jones era to Griffey, the most legitimate slugger of his era with 593 career home runs and no hint of steroid issues.
For instance: Would Wren seek one of those dandy center fielders available through free agency such as a Torii Hunter?
“I would say that going strong in the free-agent market would be our least likely alternative,” Wren said. “I say that just because, with the young players we have coming (in the farm system), it just wouldn’t make sense to go sign somebody for four, five, six years when we have what we think are better players on the horizon. With that being said, the free-agent market probably doesn’t make as much sense as a trade. The trade market is probably the most likely way we’ll fill center field.”
We’re back to Griffey. While that A-Rod guy, for instance, wants nothing less than $30 million a year from somewhere, Griffey is slated to make $12 million next season in the last year of his Reds contract. Plus, if Griffey is traded, the Reds would be required to pay approximately half of that amount. There also is every indication that he would defer a chunk of that amount to help his new employers strengthen other areas of their team. Just like that, the Braves could have a Hall of Famer in waiting for virtually nothing.
The Braves could have such a player for two years, maybe three, to help them on the field and at the box office. Then they could plug in one of their slew of rising choices. They have Brent Lillibridge, their Class AAA player of the year. They have Brandon Jones, owner of a collective 100 RBIs last season for two different teams in the minors. They have Jordan Schafer, 21, recently named the player of the week in the Arizona Fall League, and he is the league’s youngest player. They also have Gorkys Hernandez, a speedster just acquired as part of that Renteria deal with the Detroit Tigers.
Again, Wren won’t discuss names, but would he grab an established veteran in this situation for the short term? “Sure. No question, no question,” Wren said. “Actually, that would be the ideal. In a perfect world, that would be the ideal.”
Just so you know, Wren grew up in southwestern Ohio cherishing the Big Red Machine.
His favorite player?
Ken Griffey Sr.
Permalink | Comments (249) | Categories: Terence Moore
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By azbrave
October 31, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
GREAT IDEA!!
By Herschel Talker
October 31, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
For once, your are right TM. Great idea.
By Ron Roberts
October 31, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Well after all this flat-out silly discussion about throwing money at Mike Cameron, his positive drug test should scare the Braves off, if his .241 batting average and diminishing power numbers don’t.
I’d take an affordable Griffey for 2-3 years in CF. Or an affordable Griffey in RF with Francoeur in CF.
By Muggly Other
October 31, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
The Griffey story sounds logical enough, but there is one huge concern. We have Chipper. It’s hold your breath every time Chipper limps a little bit. KG is a DL candidate waiting to happen. His reliability makes Chipper look practically bulletproof! If the Braves hope to retain Tex after this season, they’re going to need every spare penny they have. Paying Griffey 12 mil for a couple of years makes it harder to spend the money on Tex.
If it’s Tex or Griffey… I take Tex.
By ToeKnee
October 31, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Hell. Yeah.
By Skydawg
October 31, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
You really need to get over your obsession with Cincy, Mr Moore. Or even better, go back. Braves need Griffey and his injuries like we they need a hole in the head. Sure he was healthy for most of last year, which leads you to believe that he’s even more prone to get injured this coming season. Would be a bonehead move altogether when there are younger, cheaper options potentially available.
By Greg
October 31, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
Excellent idea.
Except for the fact Griffey is no longer a CF.
Aside from that small glitch, I’d love to have Griffey in LF, if there was a no hit, all glove guy in CF for a year or two.
By Taylor
October 31, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
AWESOME IDEA! Hopefully Wren reads this!
By woodie
October 31, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
Please no Griffey- he sneezes and gets hurt
By Biren
October 31, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
It makes the most sense. We need a veteran CF!
By Fred
October 31, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
There are signs of a good future in the minors, but let’s face it - next year will be our best bet to accomplish something for quite some time to come. With Boras as the agent for Tex, don’t get hopes up - he’s gone after this year. Smoltz can’t have much left in the tank after 2008. Same for Chipper. This team will look DRAMATICALLY different in 2009-2010 and quite possibly doing the “rebuilding” thing with more kids. The future is now - the Tex trade last year confirmed that. I have no problem letting Andruw walk if it saves enouhg money to bring in a quality starter (Glavine helps, but not at the price tag he will probably want). Trade for a CF (and Griffey would be fantastic) and sign a free agent SP for the #3 spot in the rotation and roll the dice in 2008!
By Heather
October 31, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
TERENCE, JUST LET DOB WRITE ABOUT THE BRAVES.
YOU GO DO WHATEVER IT IS YOU DO BEST.
AT LEAST DOB IS SMART ENOUGH TO REALIZE THAT THE REDS WON’T: 1) GIVE GRIFFEY AWAY FOR ALMOST NOTHING, AND 2) PAY GRIFFEY’S SALARY FOR US
By Don
October 31, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Griffey is too injury prone and too old to be a reliable center fielder, but if Cincinnati would agree to take Terence Moore back as part of the deal I’d make the trade.
By Dan
October 31, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Who had “three days after the World Series ended” in the annual ‘Terrence Moore’s ‘Braves should sign/trade for Griffey’ Sweepstakes”?
By Robert CPE
October 31, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Griffey would be a good pick up…but at what trade cost? We gave up a lot of our future in the Tex trade, can we afford to give up more for Griffey? Does anybody have any idea as to what the Reds would want to get in return? That being said, I would love to see Griffey in a Braves Uniform
By DHD
October 31, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
How long did it take you to figure this out? We’ve been talking about it for 10 years.
By Mr C.
October 31, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
I thought death and taxes are the two things one can’t avoid. Add ur yearly article on bringing Griffey to ATL to that list too. I guess we will miss the Notre Dame article this year since they are really bad.
Guess what? Griffey just injured? When the wind blows, he gets hurt? He has not played a complete season in the past 5 yrs. If the Braves get him, he will be on DL if they make the playoffs.
Sorry TM, u can wait till next yr b/4 revisit the same article again.
By Missouri Bravesfan
October 31, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
I like the idea. I am just concerned that Griffey does not have the legs to handle centerfield anymore. He might be okay in right or left field, but there is no need to move Francouer. I just don’t think Francouer’s arm will be as effective with his assist on putouts as he is in rightfield. Griffey had a real good year last year and yes he has been injury prone. But it might be worth the risk if we don’t have to give the farm away. Especially if Cincy will pay half his contract and he will defer some. Put him in leftfield and Lillibridge or Schafer in Center.
By Sid
October 31, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Just one thing
Griffey is not a CF anymore
By Mark
October 31, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Terrence haven’t you wrote this before? Just shutup and write about something else. Please! Your articles have been pathetice over this past year.
We need pitching and your dumbass says get Griffey. I promise TM, if you were a little bit SMARTER you would realize how STUPID you are.
By AJK
October 31, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Absolutely agree 100%!! I am curious, though, as to why the Reds would be required to pay 1/2 his salary if he’s traded, and what they might want for him?
By Marty
October 31, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Terrence, you’re an idiot.
Griffey is a right fielder, and we already have a pretty good one of those.
Griffey is a walking hamstring/shoulder/whatever else injury.
Griffey will be more expensive than you seem to think.
We need a serviceable stopgap for a year or two until one of our embarrassment of riches in young CFs is ready to play at the big-league level. Griffey does not fit that description.
Spend the money on pitching and Tex. Get Francoeur locked in for 6 years like Brian. Leave Griffey in Cincy.
By Don Norsworthy
October 31, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
You are an idiot! Nuff said.
By Matt
October 31, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
It’s a great idea, except for one thing… JR doesn’t play CF anymore b/c he gets hurt. This is why they moved him to right. As much as I like the idea — and certainly don’t want any part of Mike Cameron — JR in center will last about a week, until he pulls a hammy or his knees fall off.
By Fan since 66
October 31, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Nothing against Griffey but,the Braves could use some team speed.A centerfielder with speed on the bases would be a big plus.And yes we can forget signing Tex.Major League Baseball has let Boras and the agents get control of the game.Only the rich teams can afford the overpaid superstars now.Teams with smaller payrolls will be left behind.A-Rod got too much the first time.30 millon a year now? Its a shame and now he wants 20 mil for Jones.Its ruined the game for the teams that can’t pay the big contracts.And its only beginning,and if it doesn’t stop baseball as we have known it will be ruined.
By OMG NO!!!!!!!!
October 31, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
I repeat OMG NO!!!!!!!!!
By KB
October 31, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
As far as injuries go, Ken Griffey is to position players as Mike Hampton is to pitchers: Great talent, always injured. A trade sounds great, but get someone healthy.
By Matt
October 31, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Terence, you are an idiot.
By clayhound
October 31, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
What did Griffey do for Cincinnati?
You might as well keep A.Jones in CF, at least he will play 160 games and catch anything hit his way. Bat him in the eight hold and he’ll still hit 25 to 30 homeruns.
WE NEED PITCHING. DID YOU SEE THE WORLD SERIES mr. moore?
By Chuck in NC
October 31, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Those of you who are calling Moore insane and/or an idiot need personal help. Disagree with his argument, but your disparaging comments are insulting for those of us who read these blogs.
I think Griffey is a decent idea, especially for a 1-2 year stopgap while we wait for Lillibridge and Schaefer to get ready for the bigs. A lineup of KJ, Escobar, Chip, Tex, Griff, BMac, Frenchy, and Diaz is pretty hot.
By matt andrews
October 31, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Griffy cant play center field anymore. Come on terence. You always come up with these crazy ideas that make no sense. The reds wouldnot pay half his salary. One example the trading of grady wasnt a bad ,ove. U have no clue what grady was or wasnot doing in the scheme.
By Paul Hamilton
October 31, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
I know Junior is winding down his career, but I would actually go attend some Braves games just to watch him play. This would be a great strategy if you could get him for a reasonable price for one year. Good PR move, and he is still twice the hitter Andruw was in his career year. If you didn’t want to play Junior in center, than you could play him in right and let JF play center.
By T-Bone
October 31, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
I like it. But can we also get pitching … and re-sign Tex … and sign Frenchy to a long-term … and get some more pitching.
By Youve Got to be kidding me
October 31, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
Griffey??? Surely you are kidding? Over weight, slow, injured, falling batting average, cannot cover CF any longer. The Braves are well invested in players on the DL who cannot produce. This is just what they need, another $10 million on the DL for half the season. Griffey gets hurt every season, EVERY season, since he left Seattle. He is not the Junior of old. I used to live in the Seattle area and got to see The Kid from his first day, till he was traded. The current edition is not The Kid any more. He is old and broken down. He’d do better in the AL as a DH. NOT in the Braves OF.
By andy
October 31, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Terrence: You have written about three, yes three, stories in the last year endorsing griffey. Will you just quit it? Please just stick to the falcons and hawks, or just go away. Let David O’Brien write about the Braves. HE HAS A CLUE. You’re an absolute IDIOT.
By bill
October 31, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
TM, you just don’t get it. Why would you pay such a big salary for someone to sit on the bench while injured. It’s beyond me why the AJC puts up with your crazy ideas. I hope they realize, it only hurts the paper. You only write these goffy columns to stir people up. It’s time for you to get another job. If you can find one.
By Gary
October 31, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Wow Terence, this almost makes up for your over-the-top slam on Richt. If Cincy will part with Griffey and pay half his salary, I think you have a good idea. I’d love to see Griffey in a Braves uniform and for 6 mill, the price is great. There’s still money left to get an ace and sign Tex. Unlike another ML offspring, Jr is a team player. I agree with those concerned about injuries, but I think playing for a contender would rejuvinate him. If I had to play in Cincy I’d stay hurt too! If he gets hurt, we bring up some of our studs and give them a shot in CF. If he stays healthy, we’ve got a future HOF player drawing fans and helping us win the WS. It’s hard to see a downside for 6 mill. I’d probably think differently though if we had to pay full price.
By tollplaza
October 31, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Terence, How did you become a sports writer for the AJC? Did you lie in your resume? You obviously no nothing about college coaching and with this crap about Griffey you know less about baseball. Try the Living section.
By Braves Fan 79
October 31, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Great idea TM!! Get Griffy…and PLEASE NO cameron! Either get griffy or rely on youngsters to roam CF and roll the dice.
By JordanPTC
October 31, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
TM, it’s hard to take your suggestion of adding KG, Jr., to the Braves seriously if you don’t indicate who the Braves would have to give the Reds in return. Of course, the Reds aren’t likely to trade KG, Jr., to us for Tanyon Sturtze. So who would you suggest we trade for him???? A handful of prospects? Not likely, because we gave our best prospects away for Tex.
By Milt
October 31, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Terry, Griffey is more injury prone than J.D. Drew. Stop pushing for your idol to be a Brave. Not going to happen. Wouldn’t be prudent. Please write about something you know. Baseball it isn’t.
By Ken Stallings
October 31, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Griffey is not a free agent, and therefore the Reds would be certain to ask for a lot for him. Clearly getting him as a free agent via a simple compensation pick would be a wise move for one or two good years.
But to unload the farm, which is the only way to get him, would be a foolish move.
No one would quibble with getting Ken Griffey in a Braves uniform. The highly respected and personable superstar would be a very welcome addition.
It’s entirely a question of what the Braves would have to give up for him — a reality your column glossed over unfortunately. And there is no likely scenario where the price to give up would not harm the team more than the benefit it gained.
By mike
October 31, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
It depends what the braves have to pay and what they’d have to give up. If they only have to pay 6million and not have to give up one of their top prospects (Lillibridge, Schaeffer, and the two guys from detroit) then Im all for it). I’d actually give up Matt Diaz and Brandon Jones for him, I dont know if thats good enough but hey maybe the Reds are desperate for salary space. I agree with most posts in that he shouldnt play cf, play him in left for a year. If the Reds were willing to give him up for the Braves two left fielders then I would play him in left and play blanco or lillibridge in cf for a year. How bout this lineup:
Blanco/Lillibridge CF Escobar ss CJones 3b Texeira 1b Griffey lf Mccann c Franceour rf kjohnson 2b
By Elmer
October 31, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
You could trade for COCO CRISP. He has 2 years left on his contact; next year 4.5 million, 2009 5.5 million. That’s 10 million for 2 years then let the younger players take over. He has great defense and speed but could pick up the average a bit. The Red Sox may pick up part of his salary. That would give Braves the money for FA pitcher (not Glavine)and money for Tex. CURT has Atlanta of his mind and he is his own agent. Wants one year deal. Ron Roberts you would make a good GM, I like the way you think.
By skc
October 31, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
I know in the past I didnt want Griffey, but its not a bad idea. Listen, Griffey had 30 home runs, 93 RBI’S and he played in 144 games. Thats only 18 games he didnt play in. Now we have another outfielder in Brandon Jones who needs some practice and this could work. Give Brandon some time on the field and Griffey some resting time. Allow some training time for Brandon and we can still sign Tex. If we get some decent pitching and I think we have two good ones coming in in Jurrjens and Jo Jo, then Tex willsign. He wants to win and the braves will be fair to him. Tex had it with losing teams. Hes having the time of his life. Dont think he will be that willing to move to a losing team for a little money.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 31, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Your assuming that the Reds will pay half his salary. Assuming that Griffy can stay healthy enough to play more than 130 games in CF. Assuming that Griffy will defer money for the Braves to spend elsewhere. Assuming that the Braves will trade something of value for him. Other than all the assumption’s that you made Terence , it’s a great trade. Griffy did have a solid season in 2007 , his 30 HR / 93 RBI / .277 BA / 85 walk to 99 strikeout ratio / .372 OBP and .868 OPS was really good for a 37 year old player.
By Joseph
October 31, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
You really have lost your mind.
As it appears that any jackass can be a sports columnist for the AJC, I would like to apply for a job. I couldn’t do any worse than you or those other clowns.
By Bo
October 31, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Not a bad idea. Would also help bring fans to games.
By the brick
October 31, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
By Navigator
October 31, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
I really like Griffey, but his propensity for long term injuries, really make him a bad investment.
By Steve
October 31, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Good idea, but who is going to play center every day for two months after Junior Griffey tears his hamstring, pulls a glute, strains an achilles, or pops a knee? Willie Harris everyday in CF? What’s the backup? And NO, Schafer is not an option.
By H Lunceford
October 31, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Griffey Jr. U say?? As long as we’re at it why not sign Barry Bonds too…. Plus Glavine, Schilling, and any other geriatric available…. Point is we need YOUNG SOUND ARMS…The kid just acquired in the Renteria trade is a good start….If we have to wait a year or so for development so be it…. It’s not like we havn’t waited before for championships…. Remember 91 and young Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery and acquiring Maddox in 92….Where’d that get us…. At the TOP for several years….
By Sri
October 31, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Terence,
After a ridiculously absurd column regarding the UGA football players’ celebrating in last weekend’s game against Florida, you have redeemed yourself. You have reverted back to the mean after writing an outlier of a column, last week.
Not only would the clubhouse benefit from his presence, many of us fans would be excited to root for a genuinely nice guy! Common sense prevails in Terence Moore’s mind, after all. Is someone at Liberty Media listening??!!
By Thundersticks
October 31, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
I think the trade Wren is thinkin of is actually for Coco Crisp. He would be better defensively, although his bat is nearly anemic. Crisp in CF batting 8th and Frency in RF sounds better to me than Griffey in RF and Frenchy in CF. I’m sure Frenchy would be sufficient, but his arm would be better served in RF. The improved defense would also help the starting pitching. We have enough offense.
Having said all of that, I wouldn’t be totally opposed to having Griffey in a Braves uniform. He’s very hungry for a WS ring.
By Gary
October 31, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
I agree the Braves dynasty in the 90s was built around young solid pitching, but there were also a few short term vets aquired that really helped us out.. hello .. Pendleton was no spring chicken when we picked him up and what a boost he was. Plus he stuck around when he was through as a player and became a great coach. Griffey is several years younger than Bonds, Glavine, Schilling or some of the others and again, would be a bargain at 6 million, not 12. So what if he doesn’t play every day, that will give our future CFs a chance to play and show us what they can do. He is a great guy who will put fans in the park. I don’t have a problem with signing older veterans as long as you don’t overpay. That includes Glavine. Only sign him if you get a good deal and not as your 2 or 3. He’s a 4 on the staff that we want. If we don’t have 3 starters better than Glavine we’re in trouble.
By Glenn
October 31, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
As so many have said before…this is not fantasy ball..Glavine,Griffey,Giles okay print them Ws tickets up!!!
By quietman
October 31, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Hey, why don’t we see if we can get Pete Rose, Jr. while we’re at it!
And maybe they dig up Sparky to replace Bobby.
Mr. Moore I’ve tried to remain objective with regard to your columns, but I have come to the conclusion that you must be an absolute moron.
By Matt the Brave
October 31, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Wow, I think that this horse is dead enough, you can stop whipping it.
Why give up prospects for a guy who is 1) only under contract for one more year, and 2) has been hurt majorly every single year since he’s been in Cincinnati?
By AdirondackDave
October 31, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I like Griffey if we can get him cheap, but only if he’s cheap.
By richbrave
October 31, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Calling all bloggers. What’s the cost of A. Rowand? Yeah,yeah, he makes A. Jones-type catches look difficult, but he sure can hit - Braves pitching anyway. Sorry T.Mo you didn’t spin my head around with your very eloquent and logical arguement for Jr. With Renteria gone we need a strong, steady bat in the lineup that’s gonna force teams to pitch to Chip and Tex while worrying about Frenchie, Matt,Brian and Kelly.I saw strength up and down Boston’s line-up like the Braves had this year. If Rowand’s out there what $$$$ will it take to make him a Brave. Calling all BLOGGERS!! Save me from has-beens and wanna-be’s. Give me a productive bat in his prime. Thank you.
By OLDWHITEMAN
October 31, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Elmer 9:45..I looked up COCO Crisp stat. and they were better than A Jones except Hrs. COCO hrs 6 TB 2o1 SB 28 only 28 years old switch hitter hits 141 OBP 330 Avg 268 lifetime 280 defense 998% FPCT 1 error PO 408 ….A Jones hits 127 OBP 311 Slg 413 Avg 222 defense FPCT 995% PO 394..I think you are right, he would fit in nice, lead off hitter.Give alot to Boston kids and keep player laughing in clubhouse. Wins games with his defense, heard that before.
By dee
October 31, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Booooo…. Terrance
I’m taking a negative approach to every article TM writes, because that’s what he does to our city’s sports teams !
Boooooooo !
By gary
October 31, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
We still have Willie Harris?
By david
October 31, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
why dont we try and get torrie hunter instead of kg. torrie hunter is not injury prone like griffey is and he can still go get it.
By Scott in Dosta
October 31, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
I say we put our money into our pitching staff. The infield is in place and so is the outfield when you put Willie in center and rotate him with some of our younger talent. If that doesn’t pan out then we make a move at midseason. Let’s remember Kelly Johnson can play some pretty good outfield as well. We have options within our team as we speak. Solidify the starting rotation and let’s play ball!! We win the east by 5 games!!
By Patrick
October 31, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Lets stop talking about Griffey..what about a pitching lineup of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Schilling, Hampton/James..we could get at least 75 wins with this group alone!!! I ‘d come to see Schilling pitch.
By Patrick
October 31, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Why not Willie Harris..by far the best catch of the year against the Mets..and he is affordable
By jim
October 31, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
I’d go see Schilling but not Glavine.
By Ken Strickland
October 31, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
I think acquiring Griffey would be an excellent move, but not to play CF. However, with Griffey in LF we could start one of our top CF prospects. Just imagine a lineup of (1)SS Escobar (2)2B Johnson (3)3B CJones (4)LF Griffey (5)1B Texeira (6&7)RF Francour/C McCann and (8)CF rookie. With our OFF/DEF and bullpen, we could be a reincarnation of the Big Red Machine of old. Get 6/7 innings out of our starters, score lots of runs and turn it over to the bullpen. Our OFF would hit for power and average without the strikeouts in the middle of the lineup that AJones was prone to have, especially in clutch situations.
As far as injuries are concerned, that’s a part of the gm. With Griffey playing LF, and speed in CF, he wouldn’t have to cover as much territory, or make as many difficult plays. We took a chance of another injury prone player, JD Drew, and that certainly turned out well. In fact, he had a career season that yr.
By rick
October 31, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
The Braves have enough hitting. Remember Andruw did nothing for us. His RBI’s and HR’s never came when we really needed them. Griffey will be hurt and we will be paying another salary to sit on the bench. Grab more pitching and a peskly CF who can run, handle the bat and play defense. We don’t need 30 HR’s and 100 RBI’s. We DO NEED DEFENSE. If you think Diaz and andruw-less CF won’t cause for a lot more hits to lcf you’re kidding yourself. Too bad KJ could not play CF it looks like Marcus is looking for a job. Maybe he’s learned he can’t swing like Pop-Eye ever swing. Or maybe not….
By Chris
October 31, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
TM, you are disgrace to writers on ajc. please stop writing about crap that CANT happen. braves fans, dont get too excited b/c there is 0 percent chance of this happening. and let me guess terrance, im just saying this b/c your black, right? geez
By Patrick
October 31, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
We have about 30 million to spend…where would the money best go?
By mike
November 1, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so rude to Terrence? I really do think its about race, no one jumps on Dave obrian when he gives a questionable opinion. I remember DOB saying that when the Braves were interested in Rocco Baldeli that they go ahead and trade Escobar, Salty and Davies for him. How would that trade have panned out? Im not saying that either writer is better than the other or that they do not ever voice opinions that are unwise but just show the man some respect
By shawn
November 1, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
put him in left and play the kids in CF even platoon them. Now getting him is easier said than done
By ArkyTech
November 1, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
Nice thought. Problem is, Griffey has already been moved OUT of center field for a not-very-good team. Plus, there’s the whole injury factor that you absolutely cannot ignore. Acquiring Griffey to play CF means we would have to go find another CF to play when he gets hurt during the season.
I like Griffey and it’d be fun if it worked….just don’t think it would.
By Jobu
November 1, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
Griffey’s contract is for $12.5 mil next year but he also has a $16.5 mil club option with a $4 mil buyout for 2009. In other words taking him on for a year would cost $16.5 mil because I don’t think anyone would want to pick up that option. Unless Cincy really wants to get rid of him, I’m not sure how he fits into the Braves payroll scheme.
By scott
November 1, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
No one cares what you think…you Georgia hating hack. You didn’t go to college so I think the AJC should not let you comment on college games. I know this isn’t college related…but honestly, I feel you shouldn’t be allowed to coment on anything for the AJC. Any third grader could write like you.
By Rob Roberts
November 1, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
“DOB” David O’Brien couldn’t tote Terence’s jock strap!
By Bob in SF
November 1, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
Ahhh. It took until a month after the Bravos stopped playing but finally we get the annual T-Moore man-crush on Junior column. Too bad T forgets so many facts when he starts looking at his 8x12 glossy of Griffey and starts fantasizing about that chiseled frame being poured into a Braves uni. Terrence let’s get this straight: During the 90’s Junior Great Player, HOF’er! During this century: Junior Better then Avg. with spurts of Very Goodness when he actually plays, not worth big money. Not worth hindering the development of a younger, cheaper player who can play the outfield and run the bases without fear of a sphincter micro-tear or other bizarre muscular injury…
By Ralph
November 1, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
Griffey, is not a superstar anymore, that’s why he is so cheap. The Braves, have Chipper Jones, who is already an aging superstar, and gets hurt as much or more than Griffey, they are both have a very expensive health plan. That’s two who won’t be there all year long, to help anyone. The Braves would do better with a young center fielder, for the future, and again, predicting that the Braves won’t be in the running again next year, that would be a smart move. another thing about Griffey, is his attitude, which is not very good, desirable or should be tolerated. The Cincinnati Reds puts up with, his Temper Tantung, so the best way to avoid a major headache is not to get him.
By Derrick Caldwell
November 1, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this
I think getting Griffey would be great for the clubhouse and leadership for the younger guys. He still has pop at the bat and he did play in 144 games this year.Play him in Rf or Lf and let him groom the younger guys if we can get for a decent trade.The man would love to play for the braves and getting out of Cincy maybe the best things for him to resume his hall of fame career plus he sell tickets that for sure.He is still a clutch hitter despite the unfortunate injuries he has have and he is defintely no worse that JD Drew and he is way younger than Griffey.I bet you Chipper and Smoltz would love to have him, Pitching is the priority but griffey would be nice with pitching also.He is a class act guy!!!
By Jim
November 1, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this
Is Moore trying to find out how many times in a week he can be wrong? He is dead wrong calling out Dog’s Coach Richt and he is dead wrong about wanting the Braves to take on a gimpy, old outfielder. After watching him pull up lame in game in Chicago is enough for any one to know what a bad move this is. Did Dusty Baker call you and see if you could get someone to take him so he could go after Rowand or Hunter? Stupid! This is what I have come to expect from the AJC Sports Dept.
By Edo River
November 1, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this
Terrence, Never, ever let it be said that you are not a “possibly” 1st rate sports columnist. i say “possibly” because I don’t read any other major paper sports columnists (not even ESPN propaganda…and you are VASTLY superior to many or most of those corporate sports yes-men).
BUT, Mr. Moore, your opinions, perhaps like artists before their time, are difficult………. to appreciate (as much as you do ;-).
Ken Griffey’s time has come and gone. Let us stand and cheer him on. Wish him the best. Let him replace Mr. Bonds, FGS. But not here, not now. This column is about…..7 years too late.
By Patrick
November 1, 2007 5:48 AM | Link to this
If we did this, it’d be our best option. Go Terrence, and the people up here in South Bend say hi.
By RA
November 1, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this
I just wish Griffey were a little more sound… His talent is undeniable, but he’s held together with glue and scotch tape. I think we should look somewhere else…
By Elmer
November 1, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this
Great idea, let’s do it!
By KevinM
November 1, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this
TM,
I grew up with the BRMachine also. But I don’t think for one minute the Jr. makes this team better. If you can get him cheap, great. But why would the Reds trade him now? The Braves aren’t going to be giving much up for him. Also, he would have to play anything but CF.
By Bu
November 1, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen enough of Ken Griffey, especially at Spring Training to see that he is all about Ken Griffey. He does what he wants when he wants no matter who the manager would be. Pitching is where the Braves better put their $$$…it’s the name of the game, always has been. Griffey would not add to better chemistry on the team. Wren better tread lightly on this moronic move!
By Jim
November 1, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
He gets injured too much, and at his age I don’t see that problem going away, but getting worse. If we could get the early ’90s version of Griffey I would say hell yeah, but not now. We have enough problems getting Chipper through a season these days. I hope they spend the money on pitching, attempting to sign Tex, and signing Francoeur to a long term contract. This team has enough offense. Plug in one of the prospects in CF and let him learn on the job or trade for a cheap good defensive centerfielder (hell, we can bring Langerhans back if we have to).
By tonyd
November 1, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
Just another showing of bad judgement by Terrance Moore. What the Braves need is a Center Fielder who can stay on the field and not on the disabled list for the better part of the last 4 seasons. They have enough people on the disabled list now to start another team. Not a smart move.
Sounds similar to the call to sign the gimp from Jacksonville to the Falcons (who is on the INJURED list).
By Moore Is Less
November 1, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
If the NL ever goes to the DH, then Griffey Jr. is the answer.
Otherwise, the dude would be a major liability in the outfield.
By steve
November 1, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
Terrence we know you’ve always had a man crush on Griffey, but the guy is too injury prone, and way past his prime. What’s the upside? Nada.
By Connie
November 1, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
TM, Are you crazy?! KG is a great slugger when he is NOT on the DL. Him and Chipper will compete in who gets to sit out games. Just say no Wren, just say no!
By tonyd
November 1, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
Just another showing of bad judgement by Terrance Moore. What the Braves need is a Center Fielder who can stay on the field and not on the disabled list for the better part of the last 4 seasons. They have enough people on the disabled list now to start another team. Not a smart move.
Sounds similar to the call to sign the gimp from Jacksonville to the Falcons (who is on the INJURED list).
By Soul Man
November 1, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
Each year we’ll have Easter, Christmas and Terence Moore clamoring for the Braves to get Ken Griffey, Jr. Here are some things I’m surprised Terence doesn’t know: 1) We’re not saving all that much by losing Renteria. Yes, he made $9 million last year, but $4 million was paid by Boston. That means we only got $5 million worth of payroll wiggle room from that deal, which was still the right one to make. 2) A player deferring some of his contract to free up payroll dollars is a great gesture, but it doesn’t help that much. John Schuerholz said so in his book when he talked about Chipper offering to defer some of his contract so the Braves could sign Vinny Castilla. Deferring might help this year, but it creates budget problems down the line. The Braves can - and should - go cheaper than Griffey. The Braves next center fielder will be the Braves next center fielder for about a year after which a slew of young talent will be ready to play. Also, since trading for Griffey is the only way to get him, who do you propose we give up for him?
By wayne
November 1, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Terrence Moore = Moron.
By h_charles
November 1, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Um, Griffey can’t play CF anymore.
Also, the Reds have cleary indicated they want the kingdom for him in a trade. Numbers aside, they know losing Griffey would be a PR nightmare for a struggling team.
So, continue dreaming. Dream that Griffey is a 26 year old CF instead of an aging, injury prone OF who can’t play CF anymore.
Dream the Reds wouldn’t ask for Escobar and other top prospects for Griffey.
Dream that the miserly Braves would spend that much money on a short term solution.
Dreams are nice. Just keep them out of the AJC.
By The Murf
November 1, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Too much $$$. Our team of the 90s was players brought up from within, we need to continue that trend
By bake
November 1, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
I think I just heard Griffey groan in pain when read TM’s column. Probably another torn groin…
By shake
November 1, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Murf is a mornon. Pendleton. Bream. Maddux. McGriff. Nixon. A new closer every year. Yea…these were all home grown players. Know what you’re talking about before you make a comment.
By mart
November 1, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
The Braves don’t need a broken down, past his prime, retread. Getting Griffey now would be like signing Andruw Jones in 2016. Mr. Moore has been trying to get Griffey in a Braves uniform for about 15 years. Give it up.
By Jeff R
November 1, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, Griffey is far too injury prone. Besides, what would it take for the Reds to give him up? I wouldn’t want the Braves to part with younger, high caliber prospects just to have Griffey in the line up for a couple of seasons (barring injuries).
I don’t know about the availability of Chris Duffy (Pirates), and he’s coming off an injury, too, but he’s a younger, capable CF who the Braves could get for a reasonable price. And he doesn’t have a big contract to satisfy. He’d be a good gap-filler until the younger talent is ready for the majors.
By daxxed
November 1, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
The Braves need to utilize that extra money for pitching, we have plenty of talent to fill the outfield.
By Byron P.
November 1, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
As a Reds fan from Ohio this interests me. The Reds absolutely need to trade outfielders. They have: Dunn, Hopper (the only true lead-off man they have), Hamilton (who may hit more homeruns than Dunn within 2 years), Jay Bruce (minor leaque Player of the Year), Griffy and even Joey Votto (who is slated for 1st but played some LF). All but Hopper can probably hit 30+ HR/year if played full-time. But, the problem is this: the Reds need at least one more good starter (not mediocre). I don’t think that the Braves have one that they are willing to give up. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen, the Reds might just want to move Griffy to ope up a spot. But, I doubt it.
By Hip Czech
November 1, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Griffey would be the worst move the Braves have ever made. He’d be fine until June, then kiss his production goodbye for the rest of the year. Even considering it is asinine.
I’ll take Rowand or Torii Hunter thank you very much.
By NoogaBrave
November 1, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Thank you TM….I finally enjoyed reading a column written by you. I never thought it would happen.
By daddio
November 1, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Sure we need Griffey because Mike Hampton gets pretty lonely at times on the DL. We need a rising star, not a falling one.
By richbrave
November 1, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Hey T.Mo., Bloggers don’t seem to be buying the Jr. hypothesis nor someone who’s ready to play center that’s in his prime. What now?? I’ll check with the Bird and get back with you ?? Awaiting your response—wake me when you’re ready.
By Mark
November 1, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Terence- You’ve forgiven Richt, but sensible readers can’t forgive you for your horrible writing.
Great theory on Griffey- but what do the Braves have left to trade and why trade the future for another 1yr player who will probably be on the DL more than not. BTW Brent Lillibridge is a SS not a CF.
Isn’t it time for you to take a vacation. Let Bradley and Schultz do the writing please.
By CaptainPirate
November 1, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Lillibridge is ready now….No need to trade good prospects for a CF….Spend the money on pitching, pitching, pitching and more pitching. Lillibridge had great spring last year and shows great promise with his hustle, speed and bat control….give him a chance.
By Chris
November 1, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
I had no idea Griffey would be that affordable, at least in the short term. If that’s the case, I’d be all for trading a couple of prospects (please not Lillbridge) to get him. I would not, however, like to see him in center. He’s too injury-prone and has honestly lost a step or two in his later years. He’s still got some wheels, but I’d be afraid he’d hurt his hamstring again trying to run down a fly ball.
Francoeur in center would be a waste of the cannon he has attached to his shoulder. Again, this leaves us in a bit of a bind with good guys on the corners, but no honest-to-goodness CF.
If the Red Sox would be willing to part with Coco Crisp without making us totally empty our farm system, he’d be a viable option. Speed and decent OBP, which is what we need. We don’t need more power in the lineup. That’s what Teixeira, Chipper, Francoeur, and McCann provide. We need someone with some wheels that can hit for decent average, take the extra base once in a while and allow us to play some small-ball. Crisp is a pretty good defensive CF too.
By Craig
November 1, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
That is just dumb. Why would you want to invest in a 38 year old outfielder who doesn’t have the range of a centerfielder anymore, and who’s missed an average of 59 games a year the last 5 years? That is just nonsense. At age 38 he’s going to magically stay healthy for 145+ games? I think not.
By glenn hitchcock
November 1, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
If they can get him for 1 million, yes. Has ever carried his team to a world championship?
By TBraveFan
November 1, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe anyone in their right mind would want to see Jr on their team… granted no one’s ever accused Moore of being in his right mind.
This would be right up there with the dumbest move of all time - addi