Griffey deserves to make his own decision

L.A. Angels vs Seattle Mariners in SeattleKen Griffey Jr and his agent Brian Goldberg are scheduled to meet with the Mariners soon to make a decision on his future. Griffey who at times appeared to be playing his swan last season finished the season with 19 homers and 57 RBI in 117 games for the Mariners.

Based upon statements by both the team and Griffey after this season, it appears Griffey could return to the Mariners in a role similar to the one he played this season, when he served most as the team’s designated hitter. – CNATI Sports

For Griffey who turns 40 in November the 2009 season may have been the worst in his 21 years as a big leaguer. While ‘Junior’ is no longer much of a contact hitter and nothing more then a fourth outfielder defensively the truth is Griffey can still get around on a pitch as evident by his homering once every twenty at-bats. While the number of at-bats per homers have gone up as Griffey’s career has winded down that mark is just up from the 17.6 at-bats per homer in his last 30 home run season of 2007.

The 63 walks Griffey received last year was his third highest total since 2000 when he was coming off back to back seasons of 90-plus and led the Mariners for the season.

Needless to say Griffey is not the same player he was 20 years ago, 10 years ago or even five years ago but the Mariners could do a lot worse then Griffey as an emergency outfield option and should should he struggle and the Mariners still have to turn to him for an extended period of time at the DH spot then that simply sums up the Mariners roster.

Simply put Griffey being a role player on the Mariners does no harm to the club and little to discredit the career of a future hall of famer.

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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