ajcsportstalk

By Andy K.

February 14, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

GREAT MOVE!

By Dnice

February 14, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

Win Win. He seems to be a nice fit. Not controversial and has a little left in tank that could become a lot if he plays for a players manager such as Cox. I was upset that we did not go hard after Andruw but if we can get Jr. that would make up for it. Hey besides, he is the only clean one during this steroid ERA he and GA native Frank Thomas.

By Josh

February 14, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this

Bring Griffey to the ATL!!! He is amazing against righties and Diaz owns lefties so that would be like having an Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu and maybe even better depending on their future performance… Not to mention, Griffey would bring veteran experience and consistency at the plate and in front of the coke bottles in left field.

By THWG

February 14, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

He’s a bright star in a dark age of baseball. He’s also about as good as we’re gonna find at this stage in the game. But, it also makes me wonder why we are willing to sign baseball’s future HOFers, just not those that actually played for the Braves (Smoltz, Glavine).

By Gatortrout

February 14, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

Would be good if the Braves can get him at a reasonable price, which it appears they can. Jr still has plenty left, and IMO will be the big bat they have been looking for. Works great having Diaz on the bench platooning or just being able to give Jr a day off or two.

Good short term solution, and maybe Heyward will be ready to go in the near future.

By George Holman

February 14, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

Absolutely. Make it happen!

By UcantCLA

February 14, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this

He’s going to be cheap and effective, so yes sign him today. And while your at it we need a CF so sign Jim Edmonds and have him split time with Josh Anderson or which ever rook Cox wants out there. He’s not a fast as he once was but he hit 20 HR’s while playing about half a season.

By Ben Pearson

February 14, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this

Loving this move! Good move on management’s part last minute too as we move into spring training to get the fans excited about a classic, well known veteran coming in and helping. He has loads of experience and can help out all of our young players. I think he’s a fantastic fit for us.

By JEB

February 14, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Between Diaz and Griffey - you could probably guarantee at least 30 HRs !

That would be a GREAT platoon!

Get it done!

By Morris J.

February 14, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this

Absolutely! Bring him on, then sign Glavine if we can get him for a #5 price.

By DHD

February 14, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

He will be a great addition to the clubhouse. He will come at the right money and will help some of the young guys coming up. He has played in over 140 games each of his last 3 years so the injury thing seems to have passed. Do it!!!!!!

By Griffey? Great!

February 14, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick is a thug, and he should burn in Hell.

Ken Griffey, JR would be an excellent signing for the BRAVES.

By I LOVE GRIFFEY

February 14, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Aside from being a great ballplayer, GRIFFEY is such a good, intelligent, kind and decent human being that you would never think that he was black if you couldn’t see him.

By double deuce

February 14, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

With the departure of Smoltz’s leadership Griffey would be an invaluable addition to not only the field but also the clubhouse. Can’t see how this isn’t a great deal for both.

By Bill

February 14, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

This will make up for the Smoltz screw up

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

February 14, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

No , no and no.

The last thing this team needs is another aging over the hill veteran. With the advent of serious drug testing and enforcement, baseball has once again become a young man’s game.

Griffy was once a great player, but no more. His bat has seriously slowed down and he can no longer be counted upon to play effectively everyday.

Think Chipper Jones in LF or Griffy at 3B. It won’t work. Let the kids play. Atlanta had enough injury concerns last year, they don’t need another broken down player on the roster.

The Braves are in serious need of an infusion of youth, talent, speed and defense in the outfield. Griffy is the answer to none of these needs.

By Johnny B

February 14, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Sign Griffey and Glavine and lets get this thing rolling!

Griffey in a platoon with Diaz should be a tremendous benefit to both. Diaz has proven to be very affective in a platoon as in 2007 and giving Griffey a reduced playing schedule will help keep the nagging injuries down. He also presents Bobby with a “game changer” coming off the bench to pinch hit.

Glavine is willing to defer his incentive money out to help payroll and it rewards him for proving what he’s out to prove. Dude is determined to go out on his terms …A WINNER!

Come on Frank, no more messing around, get it done and lets play ball!

By Johnny B

February 14, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Come on coach,

Griffey has played 140+ games a year for the past 3 years. He still rakes against RH pitching and I doubt the Braves will expect him to play every day. A platoon with Diaz makes sense as he has proven he can rake LH pitching.

If the kids are ready and they PROVE they’re ready nobody is going to hold them back..Just like nobody is going to hold young Hanson back if he’s ready.

By Wayne

February 14, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this

NO! NO!! NO!!!*

Griffey’s power has declined as he’s gotten older (he’s 39 right now)…Remember how much he struggled to hit home run #600?

Besides, will someone PLEASE tell me why we didn’t sign Bobby Abreu instead?

Signing Jr. is another sign of the rapid decline of this franchise.

By Ross

February 14, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

BAD idea - BAD BAD BAD idea.

Griffey Jr is the original steroid monster along with Canseco. His sudden offensive surge in the early 90s is what tipped me off to the entire thing. Follow that by the typical steroid use symptom - niggling musculo-skeletal injuries that are just enough to sideline a player for long stretches.

I hate his home run admiration stance as well. You’re asking for a bench warming prima-donna with this has-been. NO. WAY. IN. HELL.

-drl

By Handle Hunter

February 14, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Griffey makes perfect sense. The Braves need a bridge for perhaps only a year to a maturing outfield. In a year, Heyward will be a year closer. We’ll know more about Anderson and Schaefer and perhaps Gorkys. The outfield of the future is already in the Braves organization. The key word being “future.” Why give up prospects for a Swisher or Nady? Swisher is overpriced for the next few years and the Braves will have to pay him. Nady would be a one year rental.

For the last couple of weeks as things have begun sorting out for the Braves, I’ve thought Griffey would be a perfect fit. Thankfully, the Braves must feel that way as well.

Griffey will be affordable and a one year deal is perfect for the Braves situation.

By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)

February 14, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Nope, I’m pretty much convinced that this would be the wrong move.

Think of it like this. The reason that either Seattle or Atlanta even has a chance to sign Griffy is because no one else want’s him.

That should tell you something.

By Joe S

February 14, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

Ken Griffey Jr. would be a great mentor for Brandon Jones, and Jason Heyward since they are both outfielders and left handed hitters, so it would be great to incorporate this veteran with young blooded talent that need a “Dad” type figure.

It would be great for a guy like Griffey to take these kids out to dinner and talk about learning the game of baseball over dinner. This will be the veteran stuff players need to do with youth these days is to socialize and realize what life gives you. Ken is going to fit well if he comes to Atlanta.

By Handle Hunter

February 14, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this

Coach,

It’s not as simple as what you say. The Braves have a one year need for a platoon in left. There probably aren’t a lot of teams out there who have a need for a Ken Griffey on a one year deal. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t have anything left to give. Just means other teams may not have our specific outfield needs, or contract room to add him.

There only seems to be one team serious about signing Manny Ramirez but it isn’t because the guy can’t hit. It’s about contract, need and baggage.

By JG McGillicuddy

February 14, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

Ramierez? Head case who wants billions. Dunn, Nady, Anderson,Swisher Edmonds? A bunch of wannabes and has beens. Get KGJ!! A great platoon with Matty Baseball, Go Junior!

By dobearsbare

February 14, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this

I’d much rather they get Garret Anderson, who is younger and less injury prone. When Chipper strains an oblique, as he inevitably will, the Braves will need to have a lineup that isn’t devoid of power while he sits.

By nelson

February 14, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this

great move !!!!!!!!!!!!

By cliff

February 14, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this

Getting Griffey would be a great move and while your at it sign jim edmonds and get glavine signed too.

By Johnny B

February 15, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

Until this past week no “appeared” to want Abreu, or Dunn either…Guess NOBODY would want Manny and his numbers.

It’s pretty apparent it’s more economy driven than ability - IMO

By dogsbrekky

February 15, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this

Joe S - you make too many intelligent points for one post at this time of night… what the hell are you doing on here man..

Coach - take some positive pills pluuueeaaasssseeee

Griffey is a god, and if his knee is good will be gold for the Bravos

By Joe

February 15, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this

I think it is a great move they could sign Griffey to play left field and on days Griffey needs to rest they could let Matt Diaz play.

By richbrave

February 15, 2009 1:02 AM | Link to this

H-h-h-I-I-I LIKE IT!!!!

By hollywould

February 15, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this

Did any of you people watch the White Sox games last year? He looked awful. Quit living in the past. Diaz can play/ let the young guys play also. Griffey is trying to hang on for cash. Do you people ever watch games besides the Braves?

By double deuce

February 15, 2009 1:52 AM | Link to this

=Ross Putting Jr.’s name and steriods in the same sentence is ridiculous. He is one of the few that did it right, didn’t sell his soul for fame and glory and to equate him with Canseco is ridiculous. He may not be what he used to be but I believe he would be a great fit for the Braves. =COACH= Don’t see how Jr. would be holding any talent back while platooning with Diaz. If there is some young talent that is waiting to burst thru I can’t see a 39 yr old outfielder holding him back but bringing Jr to spring training may force the other guys to step up. The worst that can happen is you have Jr. platooning with Diaz, or you have someone step up and take the spot from either of them. Its an upgrade no matter how it works out.

By Ross

February 15, 2009 3:46 AM | Link to this

http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/griffke02.shtml

Look at the HR numbers from 1993 onward.

So a 20 a year guy starts hitting 50 and he’s legit?

BS - he was Bonds before Bonds.

-drl

By Gatortrout

February 15, 2009 3:47 AM | Link to this

hollywould, are you serious? Griffey hanging on for cash? bwaahahaha. I think Jr is sitting fine on the financial stand point.

Relying on Diaz and the other “young players” is to much of a gamble right now. We need a bat in the outfield. We know Jr can put up good numbers, especially against righties. We need Jr for offense, and he can still play deffense as good as any of our other options.

Not signing Jr would be a big mistake IMHO.

By Ken Davidson

February 15, 2009 7:04 AM | Link to this

Griffey? Why sign another “has been”? I mean, he may slap a few home runs, but chances are he and Chipper will be on the DL together.

By Vince

February 15, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this

Great Platoon. Great. Diaz really gives it to Lefties and Griffey still bashes righties. IMO we can expect 35 HRs from left field with these two. Griffey will bring people to the seats, and he is one of the few MLB stars many still respect.

By fieldofdreams

February 15, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Why waste innings on a veteran whose best days are ancient history? Let’s save what’s left of our budget for mid-season, when truly worthwhile deals will surely present themselves. Can you say “Jake Peavy?” Since the Braves are going nowhere this year,(.500 will be a miracle) with or without Junior, give the at-bats and the innings to an inexpensive rookie who plays with the fire that Griffey did, twenty years ago.

By proeye

February 15, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

I’m really not sure why so many of you are up in arms about the possible Griffey deal. Most of you think it’s a good idea but some, well… not sure what’s going on there

He would be a rental which would give the Braves options for next year—possibly giving a younger guy a chance or give us a chance to trade or sign a left fielder.

He may miss 40 games which would give young guys like Brandon Jones a chance to show their stuff. It’s not necessarily a positive in my book but hey, there has to be a silver lining in this somewhere!

He may come relatively cheap—considering they could have paid $10 million per season for Dunn.

It would be a free-agent signing meaning the Braves wouldn’t have to give up prospects like they would have if they traded for the rental Nady or the really poor hitting Swisher.

He would excel in a platoon situation with Matt Diaz with the lefty-righty thing.

What is not to like??? Or do some of you just like to complain about everything???? Seems like it’s most of the long time posters.

Hey, and there’s no point in bringing up what could have been… Let’s move on… That’s like worrying about what your ex is doing ;-)

The Braves may not win anything: no division or wildcard in 2009, but who cares? 2009 will be an interesting year and 2010 and 2011 are going to be big Braves years!

By proeye

February 15, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

hollywould…

So true… These players don’t know anything but making a buck I swear. They have made MILLIONS in their careers and yet they stick it out for an extra million or two. Looks like Griffey’s plan may have backfired somewhat unfortunately since everyone has been thinking bargain bargain bargain since January 1.

If money wasn’t an issue Griffey would be with the Red Sox or Dodgers playing for $1 million. But that won’t be the case with the Braves will it? He made $8+ million last season so my guess is that he won’t sign for any less than $6 million. If the Braves don’t take him then he’ll sit out the spring and possibly even the beginning of the season until someone breaks down and signs him. Not like he HAS to play right now. Clemens sat out considerable time to get his contract, why wouldn’t Griffey?

If money wasn’t an issue with Glavine then he would have signed by now. Come on people… Why would anyone take a positive spin on this? He leaves the Braves a few years ago to prove a point for the Players Association—for the Mets of all teams—because he could have signed for the same $$$ with the Braves, then he sticks it out this off season saying money is not the issue and yet money is the issue why he hasn’t signed by now. He had $1 million guaranteed on the table apparently with some incentives but he wants more? That’s not wanting more money??? Then what is??? He wants a bigger base like $2 or $3 mil and differed or not for the incentives, it still means MORE money.

I wish people would just admit it—not just players. Money is the issue for just about everything or we would all be working for free.

By Drexel Gal

February 15, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

The Braves had Griffey, Senior, toward the end of his career, in 1986. If they get Griffey, Junior, at the end of his career, they will be returning to those not-so-thrilling days of yesteryear. For those of you who are too young to have experienced the 1986 season (or had no interest in baseball then), the 1986 Braves finished last in their division, with a record of 72-89, 23-1/2 games behind the division-winning Astros. This was early in the Braves’ six-year run of finishing last or next-to-last.

Will history repeat beause we didn’t listen well enough the first time? Stay tuned.

By fieldofdreams

February 15, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Drexel Gal: Great post. Spot on. I remember those days. We might as well bring back Chuck Tanner and Ozzie Virgil. I remember a game in September attended by me and 2000 of my closest friends, when the only reason to be there was a beer vendor who could bark just like a dog. By the way, I’m not sure what Smolt-Zeus has left in his arm, but he’ll get another (greatly deserved) WS ring this year. Good for him.

By DaleM

February 15, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Junior is no kid anymore. He is 39 years old. He played a full season in 2008 and only managed 18 home runs, 71 RBI. That’s the same RBI total as Frenchy had last year & everyone complained. Think bigger!

.

By DaleM

February 15, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Junior is no kid anymore. He is 39 years old. He played a full season in 2008 and only managed 18 home runs, 71 RBI. That’s the same RBI total as Frenchy had last year & everyone complained. Think bigger!

.

By 2Late

February 15, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

Yeah, this is a good fit, 10 YEARS AGO

Why didn’t the Braves consider this when junior Griffey signed with the Reds? They could have opened up the bank then instead of way too late in his career.

Who knows? He might not have been so injury plagued like he was with the Reds. Who knows? Playing with the Braves he could have broken Aaron’s home run record.

This move is a day late and a dollar short

By Kris in NC

February 15, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Griffey is willing to platoon with Diaz in LF plus this year the deferred salary starts from the huge contract that he signed back in 2000 with the Reds.

Griffey wants to come to Atlanta for one big reason, family. It isn’t money. He wants to be closer to Orlando so he can see his son play football. His daughter plays AAU basketball in Atlanta. He can fly down to Orlando to see his son, which is an 1 hour flight from Atlanta. He doesn’t want to be 3 time zones away in Seattle and not be able to see them play.

For the past several years when the trade deadline has approached, Griffey’s name always came up and Braves were mentioned as a place where Griffey could go. Now here is a chance to get a veteran guy who can help a guy like Heyward, who is a LH hitter, to make the switch to play LF. Griffey would give another veteran leader in the clubhouse to go with Chipper.

I say get it done.

By eea

February 15, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

I like the idea of signing Jr for a year. Obviously the young guys aren’t quite ready or we’d have them up here already. Give Jr a chance to platoon with Diaz. My gosh, it couldn’t HURT anything. Can’t get any worse than it already is.

By scott

February 15, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Sign Griffey ASAP

By Illegals/criminals are ALWAYS right

February 15, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

Griffey deserves so much more than the Braves.

By DAWES

February 15, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

sign griffey asap great move we mike wln another world series with him

By Brent

February 15, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

YES!!!!!!

By gato muerto

February 15, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

Why not Barry Bonds? If the the Braves are scraping the scum off the bottom of the barrel, dig deep.

Ridiculous.

By Do the Braves have a chance!

February 15, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

NOPE. Trade for Xaiver Nady. Enough said.

By prosport

February 15, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

Rally Time!!! Wear your ball caps backwards (tribute to Jr) until we sign Ken. We should have gotten him back in 2000. A quiet professional who goes about his business. Sounds like the blueprint for the Braves organization, doesnt it? Sweet swing. Need to get those right field seats so we can haul in his yard balls.

Come on Frank!!! Show us some b*lls

By Matt

February 15, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

I’d love to see Griffey in a Braves jersey. I know he’s battled the injury bug for a while now, but I still think he has productivity left in him, and I believe playing in Atlanta would be just the right fit for him.

Make it happen, Braves, and I’ll be there on opening day to cheer for him at his first at-bat.

By alex

February 15, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

I thought we were looking for a power bat. Griffey has lost all of the power he used to have. I believe he hit two during his entire stint with the white sox. I’m sorry, but this money is better spent somewhere else. Whether it be on a reliever or simply another outfielder.

If we do sign Griffey, then platoon him against righties only.

By borden

February 15, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

I think it would be a good fit for Griffey and the Braves. You would have Griffey platooning with Diaz. Griffey against righties and Diaz against lefties. On top of that you’ll bring leadership and mentor to the younger guys comming up. I like the sound of that.

By CaliChopper

February 15, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

Give Jr the shot and sign him, It’s just a short term stop gap. Garrett Anderson is not an answer to anything. I’ve seen alot of Angel games being stuck out in cali (a lot more now that TBS doesnt show Braves games) and while Jr may end up on the DL, at least he won’t take plays off like GA does. GA continually shows a lack of heart, disinterest in the game or call it a boredom. If he puts a tomahawk on his chest we are in for a long year.

By RAYMOND K

February 15, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

A smart move ! Griffey, even at his age, has more power than Anderson, Blanco and probably Jones. He costs no players or draft picks and buys the team a year for Schafer and Heyward. Do we need to get ripped off by the Yankees and give up good prospects for Swisher ? How is that better ? Griffey serves the short-term needs assuming he doesn’t want a big salary.

By Turnin2

February 15, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

Why pass on AJ for nothing but a minor league contract w/invite to ST to go after Mr. DL himself -

Just see what it looks like in the outfield before signing away millions on someone like Jr. who has spent more time on the DL than in the outfield? Let him end his career in Seattle…

By Big League Chew

February 18, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

That would be a nooo……..