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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
Ugly ending to Griffey era
The love-hate relationship between Ken Griffey Jr. and Cincinnati is over. The era that began in 2000 with great hope when he arrived ended Thursday with much malice when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox.
It came just two days after owner Bob Castellini said general manager Walt Jocketty was not instructed to dump salary. Amazingly, they did NOT dump salary. The Reds are getting a major-league relief pitcher and a minor-league second baseman and are PAYING the $4 million still owed on Griffey’s contract.
In other words, the Reds wanted to get rid of him in the worst way and did it in the worst way.
Injuries curtailed what might have been for Griffey in Cincinnati, and many fans resented him deeply for it and expressed it in the stands and on talk radio. They blamed him for the team’s seven straight losing seasons that coincide with his arrival and looks as that streak will continue into an eighth year.
Griffey didn’t take criticism lightly. He is thin-skinned when it comes to criticism and responded — sometimes with unkind words to fans in right field. And sometimes he responded to criticism by the team’s broadcasters, Marty Brennaman a couple of times and lately Jeff Brantley.
“I’m a lightning rod for everything that happens around here,” Griffey often said and manager Dusty Baker said, “Yeah, he told me that, too.”
On the last homestand Griffey reportedly cursed out a fan in right field and the fan told an usher, who wasn’t going to report it until a security guard told him he heard what Griffey said.
Then came the throat-cutting gesture and the mouthed epithets toward Brantley in the broadcast booth last Saturday in Cincinnati.
Did any of this play a part in Griffey’s departure? Nobody is saying, but it is known that Castellini was not happy about either incident. When he made his surprise visit to Houston on Tuesday, he reportedly talked to Griffey about it.
One now wonders if the real purpose of Castellini’s Houston visit was to discuss the departure of Griffey.
Griffey always has said he wanted to end his career playing in Cincinnati and it was thought he would turn down any trade. But if you aren’t wanted, why stay?
He was on the other end of this kind of trade during the Jim Bowden/Carl Lindner regime.
Lindner, owner at the time, wanted Griffey traded to dump salary after the team signed him to a nine-year, $116.5 million deal, with a $16 million club option for 2009. At the time, Griffey was not a 10-and-5 guy (10 years in the majors, five straight with his current team), so he couldn’t say no.
But on the other end of the trade, San Diego’s Phil Nevin did have a no-trade clause and invoked it, so Griffey stayed.
Griffey nearly went to the White Sox in 2006, but the Reds reportedly backed out when the Sox weren’t willing to take enough of Griffey’s salary. Now they aren’t being asked to take any of it. Play for the White Sox, be paid by the Reds. Interesting.
It is a sad ending to what might have been. The injuries and age robbed Griffey of what he was in Seattle and the fans expected to see The Kid, the young player who made the All-Century team for the 1900s.
They saw only glimpses of the superstar. What they saw most was a fast-deteriorating player in his late 30s, a guy who could no longer run and no longer played defense with the style and grace of his youth.
Fans, though, expected $116.5 million worth of talent. Griffey couldn’t give them what they wanted because he couldn’t, and it ended up that the fans resented him and he resented the fans.
“I was loved more on the road than I was at home,” he said. “I preferred playing on the road because I was accepted more.”
He was accepted on the road for what he once was. He was judged at home for what he is now, a shadow and a shell of what he once was.
Even though he was no longer productive enough to be a No. 3 hitter, Baker kept him there most of the season, mostly out of respect. But it no doubt hurt the team.
Adam Dunn or Brandon Phillips or even Jay Bruce probably would be better No. 3 hitters. It was often wondered why Baker just didn’t make out a lineup card and put Griffey sixth or seventh. What could he do?
Griffey made a lot of noise early when there was talk that he would be moved from center field to right field. Eventually, former manager Jerry Narron moved him to right and Griffey grudgingly accepted it. He didn’t like it, but he played it and kept his mouth shut.
Griffey furnished some excitement in Cincinnati during his chase for 500 home runs and then 600 home runs. But that’s all he became — a guy chasing home runs and not much else.
He was going to be gone after this season, anyway, and the Reds are going nowhere this year, so it probably was the right move to send him on his way while they could and get something for him.
Permalink | Comments (68) | Post your comment | Categories: Ken Griffey Jr.
Comments
By t.m.
August 1, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
What nobody wants to talk about is that Griffey came to Cincy in his prime, when he could have gone anywhere he wanted for however much money he wanted.He wanted to play for the Reds and he wanted to WIN with the Reds. He got injured. Plain and simple. Always hustling, always playing the “right way”. Anyone who says he’s lazy is a moron. You don’t become THE premiere player of a decade by being lazy. He may have turned into a misanthrope, but how many of you have beeen doing the same job since you were 19. He’s old, he’s hurt and, as of 10:11 pm he’s 2-3 with 2 R.B.I.s and a run scored in his chisox debut.By Kevin
August 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Mark my words Jr. will go down as one of the top 5 hitters of all time if he stays clean! Ruth, Aaron, Mays and Griffey. I saw him play as a teenager and knew he would be great. He could have burned out much sooner and been a thug like others.He was one of the few reasons I still followed the Reds.Good for him, you would be frustrated too with the treatment he got.By John H
August 1, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Griffey’s problems in Cincinnati were caused because he listened to the vitriol spewed by jerks who appoint themselves as “experts” (The comments by “Reds Authority” in this thread illustrates the style very well.) If he had taken to heart the thoughts of the majority of Reds fans (like me) who appreciated his efforts and were thrilled that we got to watch him play for our home club, maybe his time in Red could have been more fulfilling (for him and us.) Instead, he repeatedly reacted to the jerks, making them bold enough to keep it up. Sad. And I think Hal got it wrong in this article…Junior’s departure wasn’t “the worst way”. He wasn’t going to figure in the Reds future, and the team (unexpectedly) got him to a contender before it was too late. Nothing ugly about that. The only ugliness was the proximity to the “Brantley incident” (which shouldn’t have happened.)By Tyler
August 1, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Griffey was a special special player who we will always remember for the amazing talen he was and the player he could have been. I still remember the joy and excitement felt on the day he first came to the Reds. It truly was as if Michael Jordan had come to the Reds, but things just didn’t work out the way they were planned and thats nobody’s fault. But to hear people say that now we have no reason to watch the reds is completly ludacris. Instead of mourning what could have been we need to look at what will be. We have future studs right now in Bruce, Votto, and Burton. We have a budding superstar second baseman in Brandon Phillips who is one of the more underappreciated guys in the league. And guess what Reds fans? For the first time since I was a toddler (1990), we have legit pitching staff for the future. So on this day instead of crying over why the Junior trade never worked out the way we planned, we need to look toward the future which is a TEAM that can bring respect back to CincinnatiBy Jer
August 1, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Great article Hal. You the man.By Chipper34
August 1, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Matt, Thanks for the suggestion and the great insight. Make sure you get your blog patrol cradentials renewed chief. Now go ahead and tuck Hal in and give em a kiss for me.By Matt
August 1, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
No, he just sees things objectively, unlike some on this blog, who think ignorance is a virtue. They take pride in their ignorance, and gleefully ignore the truth because they don’t want to see it. If you don’t like Hal or his blog, Chipper, I suggest you don’t come here.By Chipper34
August 1, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Hal, Does this mean with your boy Griff heading to the Windy City, you’ll be joining him? Just wondered since you all are buds and all. I mean you are on Griff’s payroll right?By O RLY
July 31, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Germainia, you ignorant slut.By Matt
July 31, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Lazy? I guess it depends on what your definition of lazy is. If your definition of lazy is not being perfect in every way, then I’m sure that Junior failed you.By Matt
July 31, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Lazy? I guess it depends on what your definition of lazy is. If your definition of lazy is not being perfect in every way, then I’m sure that Junior failed you.By Andy
July 31, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Germainia, while you are entitled to your opinion, it is completely idiotic. Simply look at Brandon Phillips. He is quite possibly the team’s most popular player and earned a fat contract before the season. You are right about the blue collar aspect — but Reds fans respect any players who go out and play hard day in and day out. Playing the race card is just a lame copout — let’s face it, injuries and bad luck doomed Junior’s tenure here, not his race.By Mike
July 31, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Germania. Yep we hate black ballplayers in Cincy. That has to be it. I just remember how fans hated Joe Morgan, George Foster, Eric Davis, and that horrible, awful Barry Larkin. I mean if there is one ballplayer Reds fans hate its Barry Larkin. The reason we hated Ken Jr. is because he was lazy.By Wizard
July 31, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
I have never been able to completely swallow Dusty leaving Griffey in the #3 slot “out of respect” for his past, and what he had done for the game. Does that then mean he was dissing the Reds fans, who came to see the Reds win? Was Dusty saying he didn’t care that fans paid serious money to see success? That was the problem I had with his refusal to move KG down in the lineup—I think that was not a very good business decision. The main reason for going onto the field with teamates—is always, TO WIN!I still maintain Dusty was wrong.By Germania
July 31, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Griffey was doomed from the start because the majority of people in Cincy deep down just can’t accept a multi million dollar African American ballplayer. There is a deep seeded animosity towards anyone who is wealthy and doesn’t apologize for it. It goes against their German/Blue Collar stigma. They would rather watch a bunch of “hardworking” white guys being paid $200K per year. It makes them feel better about themselves. This explains why Pete Rose was loved and Junior was hated.By Germania
July 31, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Griffey was doomed from the start because the majority of people in Cincy deep down just can’t accept a multi million dollar African American ballplayer. There is a deep seeded animosity towards anyone who is wealthy and doesn’t apologize for it. It goes against their German/Blue Collar stigma. They would rather watch a bunch of “hardworking” white guys being paid $200K per year. It makes them feel better about themselves. This explains why Pete Rose was loved and Junior was hated.By Illya Harrell
July 31, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Hal, I have to disagree with you on this one. Reds country’s fickle fans can finally stop their love/hate relationship. I love the trade. Even if we do have to eat his contract. It allows us to move Bruce to his natural position, and it gives Junior a chance to play for a contending team rather than wasting one of his final seasons with a cellar dweller contender. Go Reds! And (since the Reds are out of it, and Chicago is in that other league) GO WHITE SOX!By Max Tash
July 31, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
“…so it probably was the right move to send him on his way while they could and get something for him.” The Reds threw Griffey Jr. away for two players that, other than their mothers, knew they were even playing in major league baseball. But, historically, the Reds are known for that. A lot of the blame for Griffey Jr.’s injuries should go to the medical staff that the Reds employ. They should worry about rehabbing players than making a name for themselves on television.By Calvin S.
July 31, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
I read that the Reds and White Sox are spilting the rest of this season salary and next year’s buy-out. Griffey was a great player in his day. I wish him well in Chiago, but I think the Reds did the right thing for both him and for the team.By ShockMonkey
July 31, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I’m not here to dog a man when he’s down or gone but seeing Dusty pencil an aging Griffey into the 3-hole night after night when common sense said it wasn’t working, is not something I’ll miss. We’ll be better off in the long run. Now as for Dusty crass lefty-righty nonsense, let’s hope he mixes the lineup card up a bit now.By chuck
July 31, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Hal, I haven’t heard much about Nick Masset or Danny Richar, the guys the Reds got for Griffey. After a cursory review, neither’s stats are very impressive, and the national media certainly hasn’t given much attention to our end of the bargain. Do you have any insight? ThanksBy Mike in Chicago
July 31, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Mr McCoy- As a freq. attendee of Reds games in Chicago and Cincy I have seen the flashes of brilliance from Junior. A couple of great throws to nab a runner. A big homer, etc. But as for the respect being greater on the road ,I found that to be interesting. When Junior hurt his leg last year in September in Wrigley (I was there), the entire park was standing and silent while the Reds’ trainers attended to him. That’s some show of respect in a pretty partisan place. I’d like to think that the Great American crowd would do the same.By Greg
July 31, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Hal, I think dusty and the Reds’ ownership got looking at that lineup card, and out into that view in the outfield and imagining what would be, next year, and decided to hurry things along. In no way can Griffey Jr. be portayed as a Manny Ramirez. His grumbling and negative attitude got him sent across the continent.I wrote you, last year, about how the White Sox dominated the Reds. this just helps that along, a litle more. I say thanks to Junior, for all that he did for us.By David
July 31, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Mr. McCoy. Obviously there will be strong emotions on each side and I understand that a large number of people are upset by his departure. You have stated a number of times that Griffey “mouthed” the “epithet”. I was watching and maybe my ears deceived me, but I thought he did more than mouth the words. Possibly next time you are in the Fox booth you can ask them to roll the tape with audio. You don’t have to correct the record, but maybe you will not continue to down play the bad behavior or blame it on the fans. This followed other reports of similar conduct on the field. In my opinion, it was time for him to go based upon his lack of production, lack of hustle and conduct. If Dusty Baker left him in the 3 hole out of respect or not to embarass him (it couldn’t have been anything else), then there should be a large consensus that it is better that he is gone rather than moving him to where he belongs in the lineup or sitting him, which may have caused more problems in the clubhouse and on the field. If he does well in Chicago, it is a win-win and I will not be unhappy, since the Tribe is out of it.By Bill Miller
July 31, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Good for Griff!I’m sad at what might have been(had big hopes for him in 2000),but the injuries aren’t his fault! Now that he’s escaped from the major league farm club they call Cincinnati,maybe he can win a ring(the White Sox are contending). Perhaps they should have dumped the real problem here:Dusty ‘The Greek’ Baker!By Chris
July 31, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Sad or not, this is a good step in the right direction for the Reds. Griffey would not have stayed in Cincinnati after this season, so why not take a chance where there’s an offer? I like that management is looking forward and weighing their options for next year. Who knows maybe these couple players from Chicago might pan out for us. Griffey’s career here in Cincinnati was in a sense disappointing, but the time is now to move on. It’s sad that this Jeff Brantley controversy will tarnish Griffey’s final days in a Reds uniform.By Tom
July 31, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Mr. McCoy: I am sad to see Mr. Griffey go, but I am troubled by one thing. If the Reds are paying all of his salary, why could they have not exacted a higher return in prospects? At least a good AA starting pitcher prospect and perhaps a similar position player, and certainly not one at a position you have locked up for four years. Tom Richmond, VABy Nate
July 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Griffey earned that money by putting butts in the seats for years while the Reds fielded a mediocre team around him. His contract was in no way a bust; it wouldn’t even have been if the Reds had given him as big a deal as he could have gotten on the open market. Certainly there has to be some disappointment with the injuries and age creeping up on him. But let’s not kid ourselves by saying that he has been for the most part a “fast deteriorating player”. Certainly, he has been a shell of his former self defensively these last three years, but let’s remember that this yeah has been his ONLY subpar offensive year for the Reds.By Mike C
July 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I would agree… What is so bad about sending a guy from last to first and asking nothing in return for it, and by the way, we’ll even pay your salary. What could the Reds have done differently? Continued to bat him 3rd and throw a grand parade for him at the end of the year? It’s time we stop walking on eggshells around the superstar athletes. I love Griffey, always have, but the Reds and the fans haven’t done anything wrong. You will always find people that say cruel things and are unfair. As a professional you can’t let those things bother you. Think what NY would do to A-Rod if he had a similar approach to Griffey.By jr
July 31, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
well said brian, well said!By Brian
July 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Jr was kept batting 3rd out of RESPECT in spite of hurting the team. Hal, if Junior was half the hero you make him out to be he would have went to Dusty and asked to be moved down in the order. Glad he’s gone and hope he has a good post season. That said I’m a Reds fan not a players fan.By MAC
July 31, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
No doubt, a bite of sadness for the whole Griffey era, but I think it was the best thing for both sides overall. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like the Reds got much out of the deal in terms of money or in player development? Anyone know where the 2nd baseman is ranked in the Sox’s minor league system? Here again, it’s hard for me to believe the Reds couldn’t have put more on the table to get more in return?By bigdoc
July 31, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Hal McCoy is a Great American and a Great (Hall of Fame)baseball writer. ‘Reds Authority’ is a Grumpy, Stupid, Old Man!By George
July 31, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Was it the “worst way” to send Griffey to a team in first place at the end of his career have had no shot at a ring? He may not have had the chance on the FA market. And the Reds plan a thank you for Grif for his time in Cincy. I think the Reds handled it the best way possible.By Mike C
July 31, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Hal and everyone else missed it because Reds Management is the most tight lipped organization in the Majors. Everything is kept to the vest.By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
We can’t complain about what the Reds received for Junior because it was surely the best offer they got. It was probably the only offer. The Reds also have to pay his salary for the rest of the season. Maybe Junior will get a ring with the Sox. He has a chance. The Reds now can try to improve the team. Junior was not going to be part of the future. It is time for the Reds and Junior to move on. This trade is in the best interests of everyone.By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
There is one criticism, however, that I do have of Hal that needs to be said. And it is this: Perhaps no single beat writer or broadcaster has cozied up to (read: “kissed a*s to”) Ken Griffey, Jr. more than Hal McCoy has. I have felt forever that this very fact has made for BIAS/SLANTED reporting from Hal when it comes to Griffey. Let’s face it, the Griffey era in Cincinnati has been nothing short of a disaster, but you would NEVER have gotten that from reading Hal. Why? Because Hal has great personal affection for Griffey and didn’t want an honest, unbiased article (that might be less-than-flattering to thin-skinned Griffey) to interfere with that relationship. Now that Hal has nothing to lose professionally, his LAST story on Ken Griffey, Jr. is his MOST HONEST and perhaps his BEST!By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
July 31, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Oh for God’s sake, when are you people going to move off the “Dump Baker” stupidity? He’s due $9.2 million guaranteed over the next 2-plus years, and if he’s dumped the fans are the ones who will pay. You’ll pay in ticket increases, parking increases, concession increases. You’ll pay in payroll issues that could limit player movement and the team moving forward. So why continue to harp on something that simply is not going to happen—at least, not without the cost coming back to you?By nick w
July 31, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
im gonna ignore the horrible post the the reds authority has been posting all day. Griffey was a good player but i do like the trade. Ive heard alot of different things espn reported first that the white sox would split jrs contract including the $4 million next year but ive heard a bunch of different things. Its good that we got something out of griffey instead of waiting to the end of the season and not picking up his option and he become a free agent. So goodbye griffey its been a bumpy ride to say the least. I was there when u hit the game winning inside the park homerun, i was there to celebrate u hitting 600 and i was there when they had the ceremony for the reds gold glove players and i will be able to look back at those games and no that i saw one of the greatest players ever in baseball history. I was also there for i think 3 of your injuries, one where u rounded third and fell to the ground and hurt ur hammy and another when u dove for a ball in center and seperated your shoulder and the one game where u broke ur toe on the wall. I know the fans and media have given u a hard time the last couple years but we all still loved to see the greatest swing in baseball.I hope u can help the white sox to the world series and finally get urself a ring..u derserve it.Good luck grif..By Kevin
July 31, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I feel like the Reds owe Griffey more than the way he was run out of town… I recall how delighted Reds fans were in 2000 when Griffey took millions of dollars less to play in his home town. Reds fans are fickle and if a player isn’t Pete Rose (who by the way disgraced the game) then they reject him. I can’t blame Griffey for his injuries but I can blame Reds fans for disrespecting a future hall of famer, a man who never cheated the game with drugs, and a man who never got into trouble off the field. Jr might not be Pete Rose, but I would rather have my children grow up like him than Pete.By Brarhopper
July 31, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Poor Matt must be hanging in his closet.By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m not attacking Hal personally. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Hal is extraordinary at what he does. He does an EXCELLENT JOB overall. But I continue to be quite shocked how Hal and other Reds beat writers, along with the TV/radio folks could MISS such a major story right in front of their face.By The Authority
July 31, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Did you read the part where it said that the media wasn’t told??? Bottom line is, you’re a prick and if you’ve got such a thing for the national guys, read them. Comment on their boards with other people that share your ignorance and total lack of respect.By Carp
July 31, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
The essence of being the best will always be with Griffey when his life and career are examined long after he hangs up his spikes. We were fortunate to have greatness play here and the lack of appreciation is astounding. It only shows how shallow ‘fair weather’ fans are! Griffey is an icon, a first ballot hall of famer and the last in line of the 70’s Red’s dynasty. Thanks for the memories. As far as slamming on Hal McCoy, it only points out the weakness of the critcism and it is not justified. Hal McCoy paints pictures with words that most of us can only dream about. What a gift you have, Hal and most of us appreciate it.By The Authority
July 31, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
“Baker said he had no idea the trade was made until after the game, after the media left the clubhouse, and nothing was said to anybody until Griffey told Brennaman, although Griffey privately said his goodbyes to teammates.”By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
WRONG again! Dusty was told IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE GAME last night that the deal had been done. Look, let’s don’t get into semantics here. Bottom line is this: the LOCAL press MISSED IT. It took a guy at a NATIONAL sports outlet with GOOD CONTACTS, making a few phone calls, sitting down at his computer and BREAKING A MAJOR TRADE over the internet…something the LOCAL MEDIA could NOT do. —Reds AuthorityBy The Authority
July 31, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
I second what Benjamin said re: Reds Authority. Also, I thought I heard a report that the Reds and White Sox would be splitting Jr.’s buyout, I could be wrong though.By Ryan
July 31, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Reds Authority you are a cancer to this blog like ocho stinko is to the Bengals locker room. I wish we could criticize you at your fast-food restaurant job like you criticize Hal. If you don’t like the blog, don’t read it any longer. A blog is a place for a person to post ideas, opinions, and insight separate from edited, printed media. Take it as it is and shut up.By The Authority
July 31, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
According to John Fay, the deal was completed early this morning when the team got to Washington. He thought something was up last night, but he thought it involved Adam Dunn. Hal posted his blog last night at 12:13 A.M., before arriving in Washington and before the deal was completed. As people have said on this blog before, Hal doesn’t live in his office and he only does this blog as a courtesy. If you don’t like it, don’t read it.By Mark
July 31, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Griffey will be missed when he is gone in this city and everyone gets used to CP in centerfield again. Why can’t you embrace a legend of the game and treat him with the respect he deserved. I do not think Griffey should have been traded, or at least not for the return. A restructured contract? Let him cut a few million off his deal, maybe add a year to ensure he retires in Cincy, re-sign Dunn and try and get him to take a cheaper deal (they both claimed they loved playing here) then go out and fill in the missing pieces. It will be interesting to see what happens from here with so little time left. Do one of the three catchers get moved (Marlins?), does any of the bullpen go (Weathers, Affeldt), and what happens with Dunn now (numerous teams have inquired but doesn’t seem as serious as years past)… If this is the only move made then shame on Jocketty and the organization…By Benjamin
July 31, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Two Things… First, Reds Authority, you are a miserable person and no one here cares about your worthless rants. Why do you just go after Hal? What has he ever done to you? Hal provides great insight on the Reds and most of us really enjoy it. Who cares if he wasn’t the first to get the scoop? He was traveling to DC. So lay off of Hal. Or even better, find something constructive to do with your time. Second, this was a bit of a salary dump. Not for this year, but now the Reds won’t have to pay the $4 million buyout on Griffey’s contract for next year for not picking up his option. That will now be the White Sox’s job.By bigdoc
July 31, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
While I appreciate Hal’s fairness with Griffey the last couple of seasons, I don’t agree with some of Hal, here. I think this is the best way for the mostly sad saga to end—with JR going to a team which wants him, with a chance to play in a real pennant race for a change. Reds have had several ‘Thanks, JR!’ events this season; another one in September if they didn’t pick up his option wouldn’t have been good. He had lots of great moments here, including last nite’s dinger, his best swing of the year. Go, Sox!By mamapo
July 31, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I never resented Griffey for his injuries. I was disappointed with the seeming lack of energy on the field even when he was healthy. Once in a great while, he’d give us a glimpse of some hustle - but it mostly appeared to be just another day at work for him most games. Bad for him, bad for the team and the young players, and bad for the fans. I hope this trade is wake up call for Jr. and that he can end his career with an attitude worthy of the hall of fame and with all-out effort on the field. I hope the WS fans give him a chance and that he shows them that he still loves the game - which I believe he really does. Hal, love your articles.By Janelle
July 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Do you think Dunn is still “Happy Where He Is?” With his buddy being traded — after already losing his buddy Kearns — and the Reds not going anywhere quick, do you think he’d still be happy to not be traded? It’d be different, in my opinion, if they got someone who will actually for them; but will these guys ever see GABP? The positions they got in return are not a need at all. I wouldn’t have minded this trade if they had gotten something in return. These two fill positions we’re abundant in. Crazy. I thought Jocketty was a “good” dealer!?By mamapo
July 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I never resented Griffey for his injuries. I was disappointed with the seeming lack of energy on the field even when he was healthy. Once in a great while, he’d give us a glimpse of some hustle - but it mostly appeared to be just another day at work for him most games. Bad for him, bad for the team and the young players, and bad for the fans. I hope this trade is wake up call for Jr. and that he can end his career with an attitude worthy of the hall of fame and with all-out effort on the field. I hope the WS fans give him a chance and that he shows them that he still loves the game - which I believe he really does. Hal, love your articles.By Steven Ross
July 31, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
By Really? I did read some where that Griffey would be interested in coming back next year at a discount price to be able to retire a Red if they added another year, so this may not be the last of The Kid here in Cincy. YOu must have been reading the Comics because there’s no way in purgatory he’s coming back next year.By Cait
July 31, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
One other thing. I don’t get why we got the players in exchange that we did. They don’t seem to fill any need that we have, although more pitching is always good. But where is RH power or a CF/C? I don’t mind prospects, but why not at positions we need to fill!By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Nope, Diamond Dave, you’re dead wrong!! THE DEAL WAS DONE DURING THE GAME LAST NIGHT IN HOUSTON (wasn’t sealed until late this morning when Griffey finally signed off on it because of the 10-5 rule). Apparently you haven’t seen this little ditty from Marty Brennaman (courtesy John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer): Ken Griffey Jr. and Marty Brennaman rode on the elevator at the Mayflower Hotel after the team arrived in Washington at 5 a.m. this morning. Brennaman was going to the sixth floor, Griffey the seventh. “When the elevators stopped at my floor he put his briefcase up and stopped the door,” Brennaman said. “I said, ‘He want to thank you. You’ve been very fair. I appreciate that.” “I said, ‘What are you talking about?’” “He said, ‘I’ve been traded.’” “I said, ‘Get out of here. I don’t believe it. Where?’ He said Chicago. He showed me an email he had on his phone from (his agent) Brian Goldberg.” Griffey and Brennaman talked for 15 minutes. “It was very poignant,” Brennaman said. “He told me he wouldn’t change a thing. He was glad to put on the same uniform his dad did for nine years.” Breennaman said Griffey told him he until 1 p.m. today to approve the trade.By Really?
July 31, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t quite understand this trade. First of all, Griffey (while many hate him in Cincy it seems), did put more fans in the sits than any other player over the past 5 years. Those HR chases were all the Reds had during that time. Second, why wouldn’t the Reds at least try and get Brian Anderson, a respectable CF who is still developing, rather than a middle-of-the-road RP and a 2B still in the minors. I did read some where that Griffey would be interested in coming back next year at a discount price to be able to retire a Red if they added another year, so this may not be the last of The Kid here in Cincy.By The Authority
July 31, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Hey first 2:47, quit being a prick. You don’t like what Hal says, then don’t read it!By Diamond Dave
July 31, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Gee, Reds Authority - you’re such an authority that you didn’t know that the deal didn’t complete until AFTER THE TEAM LANDED IN DC! Hal may have known Jr. was being shopped off the record, which means OFF THE RECORD. None of the beat writers - John Fay, Mark Sheldon, or Hal got it before Fox Sports because they had to fly from Houston to DC ON THEIR OWN. Fay flew in about noon himself. I mean, good grief, it’s an OFF DAY, man! Trading deadline or not, no reporter is going to take the red eye to DC. They get up early and get to the airport for their flight. The Reds own radio station hadn’t broken the story until about 9 AM, either. By that time, Hal’s going through security. How you can’t figure that out is absolutely mind-boggling. - Diamond DaveBy Michael in Monterey, CA
July 31, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Good move unless it means CP will man CF for the rest of the year. Any chance Weathers can go with him just because? How about replacing one junior for another- Tony Gywnn Jr. Seems like he’s caught up in a back-log in brew-town.By Mike Grayson
July 31, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I agree Hal. It is a sad day, as much in mourning for what might have been. I told my 11 year old son that Jr. was traded today. Without asking anything else, he said “The Reds are stupid”. While I fully understand the baseball reasons at play, I hate how this all came about. Very sad….By Cait
July 31, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t mind the trade. But I greatly appreciate Griffey and what he brought to Cincinnati. It’s not his fault he was oft injured. I believe the injuries came while playing hard and giving full effort. I also don’t think he was thin skinned. A person can only take so much before reacting - or over reacting. Like other fans, I expected more from Jr., but it’s OK. At least I got to see him play live before his playing days ended. Now, Mr. C, and Mr. J., please get Dunn signed!By Steven Ross
July 31, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Even though he was no longer productive enough to be a No. 3 hitter, Baker kept him there most of the season, mostly out of respect for who he was at one time. But it no doubt hurt the team. Who’s fault was it Griffey was always put in the 3-hole? Dusty’s! Now we need to dump CP then find a manager who isn’t enamored with this silly nonsense of lefty-righty lineups. Then things will be looking up.By rockieredsfan
July 31, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Reading your article makes me wonder if we should not dump Baker. Putting him in the #3 hole out of respect? When does a manager complete his lineup based on a players’ need for respect? Shouldn’t he base it on the good of the team and not the individual? I wish KG the best, but it was the right thing to do. He liked it on the road better than at home because the fans liked him more? Trust me, when he came to Colorado he was a jerk here as much as in Cincinnati. Never signed an autograph, mouthed some unpleasant words to those asking for one, and had an attitude. I won’t miss him from the Reds.By The Chief
July 31, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Hal, as usual, excellent insight. I have been saying all day, I guess this is what “It will be handled internally” meant. Maybe Griff was pulling a Chad. Who knows? Regardless, I thank Griff for his efforts here and wish him all the best on the South Side. Here’s to you getting your 3,000 hits, Ken! Now go and pass up Sosa where he started! He doesn’t deserve to be in the top 5.By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Hal’s silence is deafening. How ‘bout this little ditty…in fact, the last paragraph of Hal’s writing last night: “Tick, tick, tick. The clock is running on the trade deadline. Dunn stays. Bronson Arroyo stays. No major trades.” The ironic thing is that WHEN HE WROTE THAT, THE DEAL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. I say that because it is mind-boggling that somebody so close to the Reds and so “inside” to the players, managers et al could be SO BLIND-SIDED to such a major story RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS OWN FACE! Absolutely mind-boggling. —Reds Authority