Agent shoots down Griffey-to-Rays rumors

There's been recent Internet reports stating that Reds RF Ken Griffey Jr has monitored the Rays as a potential destination and that the future Hall of Famer would waive his no-trade clause to get dealt to Tampa Bay, which is close to his family's home in Orlando.

But Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, told Mlb.com Sunday that "nobody has mentioned anything to Junior or I."

"It's got to be a media member thinking out loud," he told the site.

Goldberg said no trade proposals have been brought to the 39-year-old Griffey, who recently hit his 600th career home run.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman declined comment through a spokesperson.

Griffey is in the final year of a nine-year, $116.5 million contract, with the Reds holding a $16.5 million option for the 2009 season, something that could hamper any potential trade proposal.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

[AP Photo]

Comments

[Jason]

Forgot to point out all of Floyd, Gomes, Hinske and Gross combined make over $3 million per year less than Griffey's 2008 salary.

[Jason]

You know what, this doesn't pass the smell test. Griffey makes $8 million + this year. If we get him for half of a season it will costs us roughly $4 million for that 1/2 season. Who in their right mind would pay $4 million for a part time player. Some of you are talking about having him platoon in RF or DH part time. Who honestly think he would be a significant upgrade, at either position, considering how much he plays and how much his salary is? Forget about the option next year that we could never afford. Anyone check Jr.'s stats this year? AVG-.249, HR-7, RBI-30, Runs-31, SB-0. So far in the month of June he's batting .216 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. I wouldn't trade the bat boy for that production. Here are the salaries of the guys Griffey would "platoon" with: Floyd - $2.75M, AVG-.274, HR-6, RBI-15, RUNS-13, SB-1, Gomes - $1.275M, AVG-.223, HR-5, RBI-13, RUNS-16, SB-5, Hinske - $800K, AVG-.250, HR-12, RBI-35, RUNS-24, SB-5, Gross - $414K, AVG-.243, HR-5, RBI-15, RUNS-11, SB-0, and to recap Griffey - $8,282,695. Do the math. No increase in production + more money = Stupidity. Yes, Griffey's an icon but I don't think he could improve THIS team at this point in his career.

[Rob]

Ichiro for Gabe Gross, Niemann, and cash... are you crazy??!! Ichiro is the face of a franchise owned by NINTENDO. They just signed him to an extension. Their problem is overpriced players like Sexson, not Ichiro. Once Sexson and his $18,000,000 pay is off the books, they will be fine. You have got to be kidding me... Ichiro for garbage...HA!

[Rob]

Well... we can either trade for Griffey or sign BJ Upton to a an extension...hmmm... not really that hard.

[skp]

last to the party here, but Ichiro to the rays for a gaggle of prospects would be a nearly-unthinkable wet dream and the icing on the cake for friedman being MLB's exec of the year....we will only be able to accomodate 1 full-time outfielder and 2 pitchers, max, on the big-league team given the youth and talent at those positions, i would trade away a couple young pitchers, gomes, and one of our more finished OF farmhands (or ruggiano) for 3-4 years of ichiro in an instant. that would just be insane, ichiro in front of upton, CC, and pena, aki somewhere in the 6-8 spots - our DH might be the least threatening offensive player on the order!! everyone else is either a terror at the plate, on the basepaths, or both

waking up in 3...2...1...

[Ray F]

I'll take a drunk who's 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA. Better than Jackson who can't stay out of the big inning.

And like I said. we can dump him too.

We can be to him what Texas was to Hamilton.

As long as he doesn't go on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show... he should be fine.

[Bodog]

Lolol, have you checked the waiver wire lately - noone is knocking down any doors....He's to much of a disruption. He is a drunk. Stay away! I doubt if he gets picked up.

[Ray F]

Bodog,

1st- Bradley- no thanks... not even in the running

2nd- Griffey- only 2 years AT MOST @ 16m a year for a DH??? no thanks

3rd- Ichiro- 17m a year much better hitter and far less suseptible to injury.

GM Ray F would look at the M's as his b--ches because they're down and out and vulnerable with a new GM (as much experience as GM Ray F ;-)).

He would structure the trade as such...

Rays Get- Ichiro and player to be named

Rays Give- Jeff Niemann, Gabe Gross, Jonny Gomes, and cash

The Mariners would be happy to dump their highest paid player for my slew of under achievers.

What Say You Bodog about Ponson??? Can't be worse than Garza the cry baby... Worse case scenario, we dump him like Dan Johnson

[Bodog]

Come on Ray F - put on your GM hat, it would take a slew of prospect to get Ichiro - plus do you want to carry the numbers on Ichiro's contract, he's only 4 years younger than Jr. Ichiro would make a very nice addition to the Rays but not at the cost it would take to get him. You know - you could even look at Milton Bradley, but do you want that baggage Bradley will bring, I don't - Bradley is a wack job. If I'm the Rays GM, I'd make a pitch for Jr. I know folks will say he's not an every day right fielder on Turf because of his knees, we don't want him to play every day. He could platoon with whomever is not involved in the rumored trade. Hinski, Gross, Gomes, Floyd, Ruggiano, one or two of these guys plus a couple prospects will be involved if a trade is done. All right GM Ray F, what's your rebuttal.

[Whitney Johnson]

Hip Ho waddya know gang?
Let's all ask my main man Rocco @ Bay news 9 what he thinks, ok?

How 'bout it gang? Is that cool or what?

ALL RIGHT! ROCK & ROLL!

[Jeff Gilbert]

Didn't Ponson kill that girl down in Aruba? The last thing we need is a murderer on the squad. Another thing he'd kill would be the team ERA.

[Ray F]

Can't be any worse than Dukes.

[Ray of Sunshine]

I saw the Ponson release on waivers, too. Apparently he is a jerk, punching out judges on the beach in Aruba and insubordinate and disruptive in the clubhouse to the point the Rangers gave up on him. But he is a talented pitcher, even pitching effectively in Texas. IF we could pick him up at the waiver-wire price (aren't the Rangers responsible for the balance of his contract?) and IF he could get his head screwed on straight it would probably mean the Rays might have the best starting rotation in MLB.

[Ray F]

There's probably nobody left here, but how about Ichiro???

Perfect- an everyday right-fielder, a lefty, a lead-off hitter, on a last place team with a brand new GM.

The M's are the Rays 3 years ago.

[Philip]

Sidney Ponson is a Dick. I would rather have Casey Fossum over him any day.

[Bodog]

Kyle, Rays management is not stupid. Jr. is in the last year of his contract with an option year for 09 for 16.5 mil. It is obvious that Cincy is not gonna pick-up the 09 option and with Jr. having the No Trade Clause with his contract. It will be in Cincy's best interest to get something for Jr. now, Rays management as well as Cincy's know the contract situation - dangle a couple of minor league prospects and a one other guy from the 40 man roster in Cincy's face and they may bite, but the kicker will be Jr.'s option year money - will he be willing to opt out of the option year money for 09 and maybe sign a two year contract with the Rays. We know he certainly doesn't need the money. There are certain players on the 40 man roster that WILL be off limits to Cincy. The key to the rumored trade will be the prospects and Jr.'s willingness to renegioate that 09 option year.

[melissa]

I just saw on mlb.com that Texas released RHP Sidney Ponson. Is he someone we could use? I did see he's had some alcohol problems. Bad seed?

[melissa]

I just saw on mlb.com that Texas released RHP Sidney Ponson. Is he someone we could use? I did see he's had some alcohol problems. Bad seed?

[jeff]

ROCKN' WITH KAZMIR

[Kyle E]

I love the way people just pull names out of the air and assume a trade could be made. The Reds would want a bunch of our prospects and Griffey would want a ton of money. Bad idea all around. Our new owners aren't that dumb. I think Vince Naimoli is using a false identity and sending us emails.

[Edgar]

I don't want Bonds even near the clubhouse. He is a cancer. Gene, talk about Bonds being in jail for the next year, Ken Griffey Jr. is in the cellar right now. With that clown (Dusty Baker) as manager, that is more like torture. Trade Gabe Gross and 2 more C list guys the Rays have for Griffey. Eric Hinske is a role player not and everyday guy. He is a poor mans Ty Wigginton. Before they trade Griffey, why not give Justin Ruggiano a shot RF. He play LF CF and RF. He hit .300 vs LHP and RHP in AAA. Explain to me why Joe Maddon keeps insisting on playing Gabe Gross everyday? What are they getting out of him?

[Bodog]

Ray F - I have to disagree with you, I respect your opinions - you have a good BB mind. I think it's safe to say that Jr. isn't the long term solution - we all agree on that. We have the players in the minors A, AA, AAA, to withstand a loss like Neimann if he is part of that rumored trade. Rays manangement has the right ideal about this team winning and I don't think they are worried about putting butts in the seats. Back to Neimann, remember, we already have a rotation of Kaz, Shields, Sonny, and Graza - these guys are already signed for multi years. Price is gonna be the piece to that puzzle for year to come. Hell, we can give the Red legs Jackson and Neimann for that matter.

[Bodog]

@Bill.....I love that line-up, also, don't forget - against the lefties the Rays could use either Gomes or Aybar in the DH position.... The player combo's are out of this world.....Look out Pinky Sox, the Rays are on yo azz.

[Ray F]

This isn't the year we play the trade game with a player like Griffey.

at 39 all he could do is be a lefty DH... isn't that what we got with Floyd???

I know, I know... Floyd/Griffey- no comparison.

If we do trade for a R-Fielder, it has to be a workhorse to play every day to give us the true 3-some Maddon hoped for. I don't see Griffey as that guy. He's too old to waste our youth on.

..and that is going to be our true bargaining power in the next 2 or 3 years. Imagine what Niemann will fetch at the end of July with Price coming around as planned...

[Ray F]

This isn't the year we play the trade game with a player like Griffey.

at 39 all he could do is be a lefty DH... isn't that what we got with Floyd???

I know, I know... Floyd/Griffey- no comparison.

If we do trade for a R-Fielder, it has to be a workhorse to play every day to give us the true 3-some Maddon hoped for. I don't see Griffey as that guy. He's too old to waste our youth on.

..and that is going to be our true bargaining power in the next 2 or 3 years. Imagine what Niemann will fetch at the end of July with Price coming around as planned...

[Bodog]

Isn't Bonds older than Jr., getting Jr. to accept a trade to Tampa is gonna take the Rays picking up Jr.'s option year money of 17 plus million. If Jr. would forgo that option year money and Cincy is willing to Give up Jr and Weathers for Gross, Townsend, and a player to be named. I'll take that in a heartbeat. Forget about that chemistry crap, Jr will fit in just fine. Go get Jr. I love that left handed trio of Floyd, Hinski, Jr., in the dugout.

[Papelbon]

I'll hit him too.

[Bobby]

DO NOT trade for Griffey. Don't get me wrong, I think Griffey is great - a first ballot Hall of Famer - but his best days are far behind him. And you can't deny that a major part of the driving force behind this Rays team has been its chemistry. Don't screw with something that is working just to sell a few more jerseys. I live near Cincinnati and watch the Reds all the time - I hate to say it, because I do really respect Griffey and all he's accomplished, but the Rays are better off with Floyd/Hinske/Gross.

[Gene]

Ray of Sunshine, Junior is also not likely to be in jail over the next year as well! Junior would be a great addition for the team and the fans. Yes, he is not the player he used to be, but he would be an alert that we are willing to try something for the team and fans.

[Ray of Sunshine]

My initial reaction is that Junior is too old and far too fragile at this stage of his career (especially on artificial turf). But, if indeed the Reds are asking no more than Gross, Townsend and a third player (as long as the 3rd player isn't named BJ, CC, Longoria or Kaz) the idea intrigues me. On the other hand, if Junior can only DH do we really need him? And if he can only DH why not sign Bonds instead. Sure, Jr. is "cleaner" and more loveable than Barry (heck, wild hogs are cleaner and more loveable than Barry). But Barry is more productive at the plate and we wouldn't have to give up prospects.

[Jay]

I would own a Ken Griffey Jr. Rays jersey in a heartbeat.

[Hawkeye]

We don't need another player coming in here to ride out his career and retire.

Now, if we could have gotten him about 10 years ago, that's another thing.

[Edgar]

Hey Ryan Callahan, if this is true that good enough. I would make that deal in a second. I can not bare to watch Gabe Gross at RF. I like Justin Ruggiano and he should be getting Gross playing time. But the Rays need a upgrade at RF. Gabe Gross blows, Wade Townsend was a wasted pick in the 2005 draft, and throw in somebody like Christopher Mason or James Houser. Here is better to idea another player should thrown in that deal be Edwin Jackson. Griffey and Weathers should seal the deal; Weathers is quality reliever.

[Ryan Callahan]

There are new rumors now. According to ESPN, (not that we can trust them that much) The Reds would trade Griffey and David Weathers to us for Gabe Gross, Wade Townsend, and another player. Thats not giving up that much, so i say that we should do it. Griffey has the experience, so only if he bats .250 and only hits 15 more homers this year, it would be worth it if we make the playoffs.

[Mark (again)]

Uhh, Gene? I think Griffey wants to play (and live) in Florida more than he wants to play in the Trop.

You think Lou Pinella wanted to manage the Rays more than he wanted to live in Florida like how old people do?

[Mark]

Don't get me wrong here, I would love Griffey to play for the Rays, but he's probably done after this year. The Reds would probably want too much for it to be a good trade on the Rays' end in the long run.

In my opinion, the Rays have too many good guys that have shared a part in the success this year, that if they were to get rid of a few just to bring in a guy that everyone likes, but doesn't have much left in his career, it would be bad in the future.

I just don't see Griffey on the Rays being much more productive than Carlos Pena, but that's just my opinion and maybe people feel differently.

[gene]

Gosh, the Trop must be a real pit if Griffey wants to play in it. So much for players not wanting to play at the Trop. NO waterfront ballpark is needed.

[Bill]

I think it would be great to 'rent' Griffey for the year(no way they pay him the 17.5 million dollar contract for next year.) I know he's another lefty bat, but it's better than Gabe Gross. It does, however, pretty much take Floyd and Hinske out of the line-up vs. lefties.

Look at this lineup(Full Strength)
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
BJ Upton CF
Griffey RF
Longoria 3B
Pena 1B
Navarro C
Hinske/Floyd/Gomes DH
Bartlett SS

[James]

Really cool? Hmm...was that before the team was fighting for the East?

I would love to get Griff because he would put more fans in the stands but OF's like 30 year olds Jason Bay and Xavier Nady make much more sense. The Rays need an everyday RF and the 39 year old Jr. will be better suited at DH. A position we don't need filled. Why trade player X, Y and Z for Griff when we can trade those same players plus player A and get Jason Bay who has hit .280+ 30+ HR's and 100+ RBI's consistantly?

[Ron]

That's a bunch of B.S!! I live in Orlando.My grand daughter plays on the same youth basketball team as Ken Jr's daughter and I speak to him often at games and practices.He has said it would be pretty cool if he were somehow to end his career with the Rays.