Griffey Trade Rumor

by MO Cubs Fan on Jun 21, 2007 9:30 AM CDT

Anyone see the Griffey trade rumor/request: http://fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/mlb?cnn=yes quoted from the Sun-Times. With the way Griffey is play this year what a great addition he would be (offensively and defensively). Who would we trade? Where would he play? I assume it would be JJ or Floyd or maybe even Murton in there somewhere. Would he play RF or CF? The piece mentions he is unhappy in Cinci, perhaps b/c of his move to RF. I think it would be very exciting to acquire him. I can't wait to see what happens.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Ugh.

We discussed this the other day when it appeared on our favorite site.

My thoughts: forget it. He's old and injury-prone and all it would do would make Cliff Floyd an expensive pinch-hitter.

More interesting from MLB Trade Rumors is this rumor about the Rangers being interested in Jacque Jones, which originated in this Sun-Times article:

The Cubs have talked with the Texas Rangers and several other teams about deals involving outfielder Jacque Jones, team officials confirmed. Jones has another year left on a contract that pays him $4 million this year and $5 million next year, which could make it tougher to deal him to a would-be seller such as Texas.

Interesting. "Several other teams"? Let's finish the deal with Texas today -- he can just stay there.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2007 9:34 AM CDT reply actions

oops

My bad. I thought I was coming w/ some breaking news. Turns out, it's old news.

I guess if we were to offer Marshall and JJ I wouldn't be too into it. Marshall has too much of an upside to risk on Griffey. However, if it were one old injury prone outfielder (Griffey) for another old injury prone outfielder (Floyd) and maybe a prospect, I'd be fine with that. Griffey usually gets injured b/c he plays so hard. I would like to see him w/ the Cubs. I guess it all depends on the deal.

by MO Cubs Fan on Jun 21, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm on the way out...

but just caught that ESPN First Take is reporting that one of the teams is the Reds, with Griffey involved. Stay tuned.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 21, 2007 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Right on Al!

Leave Grif in Cinci and leave JJ in Texas...PLEASE! How much worse does Jones have to be before we decide to drop his ass?

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 21, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Why don't we leave Jones in Texas

and Bring Gagne back with us?

"A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz every time." ~Humphrey Bogart

by Jettero2112 on Jun 21, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Cliff was signed as an expensive pinch-hitter

You put the best team on the field that you can, day after day. Griffey makes this a better team and a better defensive outfield. If you can get him for players that aren't going to offset what he brings, you do it.

by Scott @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 21, 2007 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Floyd an expensive PH?????

Not nearly as expensive as he would be if he reaches the required plate appearences and his options kick in and he's a Cub next year.

I agree with you Al on a lot of things but I couldn't disagree with you more on this subject. Floyd again is getting over valued by Cubbie fans. He's a terrible OF, he can't play everyday and is 1 wide turn around 1st away from the DL.

TO advocate not trading for Griffey because Floyd should play RF or that he'll be "an expensive PH" is absolutely absurd.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 21, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Floyd's not that bad...

... though I agree, he's not a very good RF.

I just don't get the excitement over the injury-prone Griffey. Plus, isn't the reason he's unhappy in Cincinnati the fact that he had to move from CF to RF? So why would he suddenly be thrilled to play RF for the Cubs?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2007 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Well I think some of the excitement is...

...that since moving to RF he's been healthy and he's on pace to hit over 40 HR's and drive in over 100 RBI's.

Put those numers in between Lee and Ramirez and the Cubs could actually make up some ground on the Brewers. That task is impossible for this current club.

I think that's where most of the excitement comes from.

Also, again, if Floyd reaches his plate appearances clause, the Cubs are screwed (worse than they already are, if that's possible).

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 21, 2007 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Many of his injuries...

in the past few years have not come because of defense - he's gotten hurt a few times on the bases. Therefore, I don't think the move to RF should be considered the reason he's stayed healthy. I think that's more a factor of luck.

Again, a healthy Griffey would be terrific. But it wouldn't be terrific if we're trading one small problem (inconsistent RF play) for a bigger problem (no 5th starter). And again, I'll be VERY surprised if Griffey doesn't miss 20+ games the rest of this season.

by SouthernCub on Jun 22, 2007 5:48 AM CDT up reply actions

One thought on Texas

I wonder if the Rangers would be willing to deal him for Brad Wilkerson, with the Cubs sending a reliever like Cherry in the deal.

Now, discerning fans will say, isn't that just trading two similar, unwanted, expensive players for each other? Almost. But Wilkerson's best positions are first base and centerfield, because he has no arm left. He could play left or right in a pinch. His troubles came from shoulder problems, and he is only signed through this year. The way I see it, the Cubs could get a similar player who could potentially replace both Jones and Ward on the roster and rid themselves of Jacque's 2008 salary commitment. The Rangers would get a young, Texas-born pitcher. Plus, Jones may still get hot, especially away from Wrigley and in the hitter-friendly confines of the Rangers' stadium. If he actually listens to Rudy Jaramillo, and accepts a platoon role, he might be tradable in the offseason.

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by cubzfan on Jun 21, 2007 9:40 AM CDT reply actions

Soriano plays left and only left

So Wilkerson would play right. I don't want yet another player who can't throw playing right field.

by NO100 on Jun 21, 2007 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Well to dump Jones

you can't be very picky.

by rlpete on Jun 21, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

While I sympathize with this sentiment

I don't want to replace a problem with simply a lesser problem (though I acknowledge that is an upgrade).

I know this may be a lot to ask from the Cubs' organization, but I wouldn't mind an actual, you know, solution.

by NO100 on Jun 21, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

My suggestion

is that Wilkerson would be the first man off the bench. He would essentially replace both Jones and Ward on the roster, leaving the Cubs free to carry someone who can actually field.

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by cubzfan on Jun 21, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't forget

...that Wilkerson can't hit either.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jun 22, 2007 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions

I say

go for it. What could it hurt? With the money they spent this offseason, this team cannot afford to rebuild for another four or five years. So why not make a deal if you can? Use free agency and the few decent prospects you DO have to make some deals and see if you can win for a couple years. As some of these contracts start dwindling away, hopefully Hendry will be gone and many of Tim Wilken's prospects will be nearing major league ready and then the team can focus on rebuilding and shed the remaining dead money, but for now? Do it. Griffey, or someone else, whoever, just do it and see what happens.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 21, 2007 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

I agree.

I'd love to see Griffey in Cub blue. I live in Louisville and know a lot of Reds fans. Not one of them wants to see Griffey traded at all and especially not to the Cubs. He's good for a couple more years. Sign him up and see what happens!

"I'm in no condition to drive...wait! I shouldn't listen to myself, I'm drunk!" ~Homer J. Simpson

by Jettero2112 on Jun 21, 2007 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

i disagree

as much as most fans dont want to admit it, our chance of winning the division this year are very slim. they dwindle away with each week we lose games in the standings to the brewers. griffey is an injury waiting to happen. even if not, i still dont think he is enough for us to win. and with z likely out the door next year and marshall gone via this griffey trade, our rotation would be something like hill, marquis, lilly, ?, ?. it sounds like the sell of this team is going to make it impossible for us to persuade any free agents or take on any salary beyond this year. that rotation is already bad enough the way it is. and i dont think we have anyone in iowa or anyone else in the system ready to be a starting pitcher next year. i dont think gallagher is ready. this season is looking more and more like a lost season by the week. i think this team losing and getting rid of hendry and starting over is the best thing for this organization in the long run.

by bennyha on Jun 21, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Jr.

The more I think about it, the more I want him. He would be a perfect fit for this team. RF, lefty POWER and OBP stick, and seems to be somewhat healthy. Platoon him with Cliff. Sice Lee can't hit homers anymore, I think we really need him. Just think about the first five in the line up:

Soriano R
Pie L
Lee R
Griffey L
ARam R

That has tons of runs scored all over it.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Jun 21, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

There is no way in hell

that any team trades to get KG Jr. to platoon him, its just not gunna hapeen.

PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Jun 21, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

What I mean is

He plays 3/4 or 4/5 games. Give him a day or two off each week and play Floyd.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Jun 21, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Why platoon?

Griffey and Floyd are both LH batters. You platoon guys R/L. There'd simply be no reason to platoon Griffey (who hits RHP and LHP), so Floyd is completely wasted.

As for the worth of a trade for Griffey, I have trouble getting excited about a 38 year old who has missed at least 50 games in 5 of the last 6 years, and hasn't topped 130 games since 2000. Griffey's injury history is way too reminiscent of Floyd's.

If you could guarantee me that Griffey would play 80 or more games the rest of this year and be healthy for 140+ games in 2008, I'd be okay with trying to frame a deal for Griffey. But no one in their right mind can guarantee that.

by SouthernCub on Jun 21, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

In this case...

...you're doing a nontraditional platoon desgined to promote good health and well-being. Basically, you platoon two injury risks to limit the risk.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 21, 2007 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

The way things are going

in a week it may make no difference who we get or sell. This team's offense is pitiful and Marquis seems headed north with his ERA. The jury's still out on Lilly.

But our biggest problem now is scoring runs. We're getting shut down by terrible pitchers.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 21, 2007 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

AGREE

by bennyha on Jun 21, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

thanx

for the worse case scenario. again..

the obvious solution is to call up murton and leadoff theriot....

griffey can really help this team this year and next..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jun 21, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

why the hell would we call up murton?

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Jun 21, 2007 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know if you have been reading closely

lately, but apparently Murton is 7'5" 350 and can leap tall bldgs in a single bound. Man, they must have a serious training program down there at Iowa...

by LT on Jun 21, 2007 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions

If you can't say something dumb

don't say anything at all.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 21, 2007 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions

keep crying

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Jun 21, 2007 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Tell your mommy

that her writing isn't very insightful.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 22, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

I prefer to think of it as...

"we just haven't seen these pitchers. Next time we will CRUSH him"!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 21, 2007 11:06 AM CDT reply actions

I think the only problem with acquiring Griffey

is what number he would wear. Didn't we retire the #3 to honor Jeromy Burnitz?

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 21, 2007 11:21 AM CDT reply actions

lol...

who gives a crap what number he wears, as long as his uniform consists of a jersey that has royal blue pins and a blue hat with a C I'm satisfied.

PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Jun 21, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions

lol

by tbizzle83 on Jun 21, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Are the Reds doing subtraction?

What actually is Griffey's worth? Maybe it is Jones, AA-pitcher (Gallagher or Holliman and some other player like Harvey.

It will be interesting to see. One problem is the no trade, that devalues the team, is Griffey interested in playing for Lou and in Wrigley possibly hitting 40 HR's and shooting for 700? Possibly.

I would say depending on the deal Griffey is very welcome. He would provide offense. He would provide balance in the lineup, put him 4th behind D-Lee and protected by Ramirez and he could probably make some offense. Defensively he would be alright in RF.

Harry Carey: 3 & 2, 2-out, no place to put him...tying run on 3rd...winning run on 2nd...THE PITCH....HEE POOOOPPPED....IT UP!

by Ivy Walls on Jun 21, 2007 12:09 PM CDT reply actions

A healthy Griff...

would be a plus, for sure. But again, only if it doesn't mean we kill our starting rotation. And again, that doesn't consider the fact that Griffey has missed over 400 games in the past 6 years, so a healthy Griff might just be a hypothetical entity.

by SouthernCub on Jun 21, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm just not seeing...

... why the Reds would want Jones. They've got to have ten outfielders in their farm system better than him.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

and why the price might seem less

First Griffey has a no trade clause so he could dictate who or where. Lowers the price. Next he has this contract and that lowers the suitors more. Then there is the injury bug....that lowers the price even more....

I think it could be a three way, Cubs trade Jones & Cherry to Texas, pick up Wilkerson and Gagne then send Wilkerson, Murton, Gallagher, & E Patterson to Cincinatti. Could be a big deal

Harry Carey: 3 & 2, 2-out, no place to put him...tying run on 3rd...winning run on 2nd...THE PITCH....HEE POOOOPPPED....IT UP!

by Ivy Walls on Jun 21, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

No possible way

that Texas does that trade. They could get more than Jones and Cherry for Gagne alone.

by Scott @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 21, 2007 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions

let the speculation begin...

Jones not in the lineup today against a right-hander

Check out Road To Wrigley, my NEW Cubs Minor League System website: Road To Wrigley

by jonpyardi on Jun 21, 2007 12:55 PM CDT reply actions

I speculate it's because he sucks

Loe is a rightie and Jones looked abysmal last night.

"Turn off's: Long walks in the park. Turn on's: Vagisil commercials." Peter Griffin

by pies20ready on Jun 21, 2007 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

by Rev Gunia on Jun 21, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Apparently

We are shopping Jacque too

Rangers talk to Cubs about Jones
Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 07:17AM ET

by Sammy Steroids on Jun 21, 2007 1:41 PM CDT reply actions

Huh?

"Shopping" Jones? You mean like I "shop" my garbage every Wednesday morning by rolling it to the curb? If there is a worse semi-regular OF in baseball than Jones right now, I'd love to see him.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jun 22, 2007 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I shopped my garbage yesterday.

It got picked up too! I think I saw Narron on the back of the truck too!

Send Jaque my way, I'll leave him out opn Monday and see what happens.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions

Carlos Quentin...

Arizona Diamondbacks.

.205/.291/.349

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions

At least Quentin...

... being young, still has a chance to get better.

Jones' 2006 season was about as good as he's ever going to be. He seems to have regressed to his 2004/2005 form, or maybe even a little worse.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 22, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

The question...

...was whether there was a worse semi-regular outfielder in baseball right now. I answered it. Cheeky? Sure, a bit. But it wasn't a serious response, exactly.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jun 22, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

With the "loss" of Barrett

The addition of Griffey makes so much sense, add a defensive minded Catcher and then add an offensive guy like Griffey makes alot of since to me, especially because Griffey is putting up the numbers that Barrett wasnt and isnt the club house cancer like some are portraying him as. Plus Griffey is on fire this year.

Why not take a risk? Its Griffey Jr. not Glenallen Hill or Burnitz.

Furthermore, It will piss off the White Sux fans that have all but gauranteed that Griffey would be partoling CF at the Cell.

GO CUBS GO! Hey Chicago whatdya say the Cubs are going to win today!

by Galvan316 on Jun 21, 2007 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

In other news....

Milton Bradley is about to be available as the A's have waived him.

by LT on Jun 21, 2007 3:06 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting.

I wonder why the A's waived him. His numbers (.292/.373/.446 in a small-sample-size 65 AB) seem decent.

Billy Beane doesn't often make mistakes. Is Bradley healthy?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2007 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions

He has been on the DL 3 times this year

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-athletics-bradley&prov=ap&type=lgns

Says they also waited 2 days to activate him after his last DL stint so he was unhappy.

by LT on Jun 21, 2007 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Bradley has always been a cancer

and he's never lived up to his expectations. He also has a pathetic time at staying healthy. He's had over 400 At bats only once in seven years.

He's got talent, he's a switch hitter, but I'd have a hard time justifying the Cubs picking him up.

by NO100 on Jun 21, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

We certainly don't want

any bad chemistry on the team.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jun 21, 2007 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Trade for Salttamachia

by CubFan BudMan on Jun 21, 2007 6:55 PM CDT reply actions

This is a great idea

but are you willing to part with Pie for him? He will not be cheap.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

No way

saltamacchia upside oes not = Pie upside

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 22, 2007 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Reported on ESPN...

Griffey would welcome a trade to the Cubs.

Also reported: Jayson Stark believing it won't happen.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 21, 2007 8:07 PM CDT reply actions

On Stark

The disturbing thing was why. He said that due to the impending sale the Tribune Company isn't letting the Cubs commit ANY money to 2008...even to Zambrano. I assume he means beyond current obligations, but that can't be right, can it?

Rich

by rgonzale on Jun 22, 2007 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Probably

I think this is one of the bad things about corporate ownership. They wouldn't want to strap the entity with additional liability if it doesn't have to.

The interesting gamble here is that a successful playoff run could increase the price for the team. Tribune Co stock price did take a turn upward in the 3rd quarter of 2003 due in some part to the additional revenues received from the Cubs playoff run.

If management could show some ability to be successful in the short term (i.e. right now) the team would be worth more.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

How

can a team with a 100 million dollar payroll suck so bad? Our friends the Brewers are way out infront and the Pirates! are !(1)! game behind us.

Jim has got to make some moves because this group of players isn't going to get it done.

I hate to be negative but...when does "wait till next year" start on this blog?

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Jun 21, 2007 8:16 PM CDT reply actions

The most hilarious thing about that

Sun Times article?

Floyd's health would be a reason to trade for GRIFFEY!

A guy who hasn't played a full season in I can't even remember.

Beautiful.

by Peoria Matt on Jun 21, 2007 8:20 PM CDT reply actions

No thanks

to Griffey. It would just be a matter of time before he came up lame again. Past his prime and injury prone which is not what this team needs right now.

by qccub on Jun 22, 2007 9:18 AM CDT reply actions

he is

Worth the risk.

by Kchance on Jun 22, 2007 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

What about Dunn???

He's a monster and we just upgraded our Defense at catcher why not get a butcher in the outfield who can absolutely mash.....Also If I had to choose between my daughter, Jacque Jones or Pagan throwing anybody out from right field, my 8 year-old wins in a landslide...those throws by Pagan yesterday were very Pierre-like. Thinking outside the box here what about moving Fontenot and a Minor Leaguer for any sort of bullpen help...

by thedaddy23 on Jun 22, 2007 11:29 AM CDT reply actions

If the Cubs aquire another frickin

left fielder I am going to scream. Scream I tell you. Scream.

by NO100 on Jun 22, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Griffey

well I am new to this site and I think it is great. Back to the Griffey rumors. It is def. getting the rounds here in AZ on the radio. Thats all they are pretty much talking about.

by ARAM FOR MVP on Jun 22, 2007 11:44 AM CDT reply actions