Griffey

Both Ken Griffey Jr. and his agent, Brian Goldberg, say the hype surrounding today's USA Today article is overblown.

In the article, Griffey said “everybody’s dream to go back to where they started.” In his case, that means Seattle.

The Reds’ 13-20 record has many wondering what sort of lineup shakeups could happen here - and the ninth-year Reds player is eligible to enter the market as a free agent after this season if the Reds don’t pick up his $16 million option for 2009. The story said Griffey expects the Reds to approach him before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline seeking his approval for a trade.

From Griffey, on the Seattle comment:
“OK, I said the exact same thing last year. The exact same thing. So why is it such a big story now?” Griffey said. “If I would have changed anything from last year, it would be a story. But I said the same thing.”

The difference this time is that players could be traded soon, and Griffey has more control of his destiny, a reporter said.

“I had control of it last year and the year before that. So why is it such a big deal?” Griffey said.
Griffey was asked if he would go somewhere else.

“That is not even…you guys are making more of an issue than I am,” Griffey said.

Goldberg said Griffey’s priority is to be part of a winning team – and he wants it to be in Cincinnati.