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Ken Griffey Jr.: He’s the one

Jul 27th, 2007 by Bill Burt

I’m going out on the limb, going off the board (from my two previous posts) for this trade deadline exclusive.

The Red Sox should get Ken Griffey Jr.

I really believe he would be the missing ingredient, left-handed power behind Manny Ramirez and in front of Mike Lowell, both righties.

Why Griffey over guys like Mark Teixeira, Paul Konerko or Jermaine Dye (he’s my second choice)? Because of price and value.

First off, the Sox could include Coco Crisp in the deal because he is affordable to a team like the Reds. Let’s be honest. Crisp’s days are numbered here, trade deadline deal or not. They would also have to add a big name prospect (see: Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and Brandon Moss), maybe even two of them.

I would not include Jon Lester in that mix. I believe the Red Sox believe this is a future ace or No. 2 caliber pitcher at age 23. That would be a deal breaker.

Here is a positive and negative look at this deal:

Positive: Power in the middle of the lineup (25 HRs, 67 RBI). He would not be the the man, which is something I think he would cherish, like Randy Moss. He can play centerfield almost as good as Coco, but with a better arm. At worst, he could play right field (instead of J.D. Drew) if they didn’t want to add Coco or wanted to give Jacoby Ellsbury a try. The climb toward 600 HRs and beyond would not steal from the this team, like it has with the Giants with Bonds. This franchise is too big and too important, which means he could “quietly” amass records. Plus, he has one more year on his deal, which means you’d be getting some value for him if you deal any of the “kids.”

Negatives: He’s not the centerfielder he once was. He is currently a right-fielder with the Reds. Some wonder if he loves the game like Red Sox fans will demand (see J.D. Drew). He turns 38 in November. His batting average is only .276, which isn’t bad, but not great either. He is a family guy and they live in Orlando, which means Boston is not really much closer to home.

This could be a perfect ending to Griffey’s career (Roger Clemens turned down that chance). He could come here and try to lead the Sox to a championship, which would be his first. Maybe it would invigorate him? Maybe having Manny in front and Lowell in back would add a few more homers to his total.

This is not a conventional move, but it’s out of the Nomar-for-Cabrera deal, which would take some getting used to. The Sox have a great thing in place, right now.

Let me know what you think.

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Posted in Red Sox | Comments

  • felix medina
    i def. agree with you especially with big papi also in the lineup
  • Sheryl
    I like it. At first I read the title and my reaction was "no way" but after I read your arguements I like it, it makes sense as long as they can make a deal that isn't a long term one and isn't outrageously priced!! I still feel they have all the pieces to the Championship puzzle it just has to all come together. Im confident with the pitching, both starters and bullpen along with a complete arsenal in Pawtucket for back up. Fielding hasn't really been an issue from what I can remember and he hitters we have ....... we SHOULD be putting up at least 5 or more runs against most starters. I just feel like this team doesn't have the cohesiveness as other teams have had in the past. In 2004 we didn't have the most well known players, or the most talented players in MLB but we had that cohesiveness that drove that team to beat incredible odds. I just dont' feel that with this team and that isn't something we are going to find and be able to trade for, it needs to come from within that organization, but I do like the Griffey idea :)
  • Tom
    He's 38! 38!!

    Texeira's 27. 27!!

    The only point I agree with is the "quietly put up record numbers."

    But, come on, he's 38!!
  • Tom
    He has 25 homers this season. The Sox would only be on the hook for two years. If Manny is gone next year, he could go to left. This is not a long-term solution. In fact, it's more for this year.
  • The iTod
    If you are going to do this, why not trade crisp for Torii Hunter and sign him to a 3-4 year deal. When Manny goes he can move to left with Jacoby in center. He has some power, is younger, can play center a little, put out the signals that he would like to play in Boston with Papi... Minnesota would get a cost-controlled young centerfielder who is starting to play really well.
  • iTod
    There is one problem. Torri Hunter will cost too much. I agree. He would be my first choice. But Jon Lester would have to be part of that deal and maybe Ellsbury and maybe Moss and so on. Hunter is in his prime and the Twins would rather keep him unless they hit the jackpot.
  • Jim
    Jeez ... Yes, he's 38 and that's very troublesome, but I'd worry even more about his health. He has a very scarey history of weeks and months on the DL. Do we really want to give up several major talents for an old, injury prone outfielder?
  • Jim
    I'm talking for 2007, more than any time after that. Again, this is not a conventional move because of his age. But this might be the spark he needs to out with a bang. I believe he is tired of being The Man. That wouldn't be the case here. He is not 38 until November. He has 25 HRs thus far. If the price isn't too much, I would do it. There is enough talent on the farm to do this.
    Jermaine Dye is an interesting possibility, too. He would come cheaper and has won a World Series before with the White Sox.
    Just my opinion.
  • The iTod
    I don't think that the Twins could get that much for Hunter if they do decide to trade him, although they may try to ask for a lot. I think the problem is they need to make him some kind of offer first before they can trade him since he is the face of the franchise. Unless the trader negotiates a deal as part of the trade he is: just a short term rental, he is not that young, his OBP is weak this year and for his career, his career numbers are not superstar and his fielding is getting worse as he ages. He also will be an expensive resign because he is playing a special position. He is a good player but he is no Beltran or Wells. He is having a career year for power but that is not likely to happen for the next 3-4 years. If they have no intention of re-signing or just don't want to cough up the cash and could get a young, cost-controlled player like Coco and maybe something else, they should take that ALL day. I think Griffey can put up the same numbers as Hunter for the next 1-2 years and will play about the same defense.
  • The iTod
    PS - Hunter is not in his prime. He is at the end of his prime. His prime was the last 5 years.
  • Mark
    Griffey is a RED not a RED SOX....Please ...leave him be. We don't need another high priced overpaid aging ballplayer...we have our share already. Best record in Baseball...HELLLOOOOOOOO...should be good enough around here. Lifelong fan here..and know what we have NOW is so much better than we ever had around here. We're setup for our stand in any series comming our way...leave the youngsters alone...they are our Future!
    Sometimes the best moves are the ones we don't make!
  • Mark
    Are you saying Sox should go to "war" with the team that brought them? I believe they need to make two moves, one for a bat and another for the bullpen.
    Stay tuned.
  • Mark
    Yes I do think they have all they need to go to "War"
    If they set up the rotation right, Schilling comes back with decent stuff....Lester...Wake...Travares...put in long relief..and I like what we have going into the 8th and 9th
    1 Bat make a difference...maybe...but look lately at all the low scoring games...defense will win us more...and I like what I see out there at the present!
    Again...will not give up our future stars and roll the dice...The Nomar trade was a once in a lifetime...glad it was in mine
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