Swinging for the fences . . .

Griffey's move to the Reds could spark rivalry with Cards

by Chris Bunce
special to The Current

When you think of baseball, you think of the home run hitter, and I think of Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. These three players spent most of their careers with one team: Ruth with the Yankees, McGwire with the A's, and Griffey with the Mariners. But like any modern-day sports star, there is always that certain time to move on, whether it is for personal reasons or just simply because change is good.

On Wednesday, Griffey made his change after 11 seasons with the Mariners. This decision arose over the last few years when it was obvious that the Mariners were not making any changes to help the organization win.

Rumors began to fly everywhere, and reports were made that Griffey wanted out mid-season in 1997. Like any superstar, Griffey denied all rumors that he wanted out but did make an ultimatum to Seattle: spend some money and get some halfway decent players, or else he would request a trade.

The team received Alex Rodriguez via the draft, but when the Mariners lost Randy Johnson to free agency, it was clear to Griffey that it was time to move on.

The Mariners began reworking his contract after the '98 season, and he began turning them down one by one. They agreed finally to trade him, but when they tried, he vetoed that also.

Griffey had a clause in his contract stating that he does not have to play anywhere he does not want to.

So finally after discussions with his father, Ken Griffey Sr., and his family, he decided that he would only accept a trade to the Cincinnati Reds.

On Feb. 10 this all became reality when Griffey agreed to a nine-year, $119-million deal, almost $30 million less than if he would have stayed with the Mariners. Just like McGwire, I think that it will take Griffey time to get adjusted to the National League style of play, but once he gets set in, he will be back to his good old self.

I think that this will be great for the city of Cincinnati and the rest of the National League cities that have not had the chance to see him. I know I will be glad to see him.

The Reds are in the Central Division (the same as the Cardinals) and play here quite frequently, so I am sure that we will begin a great rivalry between the two.

No matter what, Griffey is iffy, Sosa is so-so, but McGwire will always hit his Mark.