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Fans have mixed emotions about Griffey trade
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
DAYTON — Cincinnati Reds lamented the trade of Ken Griffey Jr. today, July 31, but they didn't seem sad.
"The team won't miss him," Rick Pummill of Centerville said while eating lunch downtown on Courthouse Square. "He had problems with the injuries, the money, and I don't even think he wanted to be here."
Damon Haislip of Dayton said Griffey — who joins a contender in the Chicago White Sox — was the major reason he watched the Reds, but wasn't too happy with his recent antics.
"I saw that game where Griffey hit a home run and then slashed his throat (toward announcer Jeff Brantley)," he said. "That was probably a link in this whole thing."
Others aren't ready to see Griffey go, and were disappointed in what the Reds got in return for the future hall-of-famer.
"He was my favorite player," Trent Alexander of Englewood said. "I'm an outfielder, too, and he's my inspiration. I remember when he first came to Cincinnati, and the city erupted.
"(The Reds) definitely didn't get enough for him. They need somebody who can do something this year and win some games."
At Cardboard Heroes Sports Stuff in the Dayton Mall, Griffey's jerseys and T-shirts were crammed onto a rack and marked half-off.
"People asked right when we opened if we would have them on clearance, and asked if we had any of his White Sox jerseys," Cardboard Heroes employee Doug Pilgrim said. "Reds fans might buy the shirts just to have something with his name on it."
Destin Kokocha, 12, of Centerville, has long admired Griffey, and shook his head when he saw the jerseys on the clearance rack.
"You go to a Reds game and half the jerseys you see are Griffey," he said. "My Griffey jersey is probably gonna stay in the closet now. It's time to get a (Brandon) Phillips jersey."
More quotes from Reds fans:
"When he was traded (to the Reds), it was one of the happiest days of my life. The team was coming off a great season, and I really thought we were going to be in the World Series. I knew the day was going to come (when Griffey would leave the team), but it's bittersweet. I want him to be successful, and the Reds can continue their youth movement, so I guess it's good for both teams." — Bruce Dye, a 34-year-old Hilliard resident and lifelong Reds fan who named one of his children Griffey Aaron Dye in honor of Griffey. Dye said his son is a triplet (Griffey wears No. 3) and is left-handed, even though no other member of his family is.
"The Reds didn't get enough (in return) for such a prolific player. He was the face of the franchise. Who's going to take his place as the face of the Reds? It's just sad to see him go." — Trent Alexander, Englewood
"It was sad that he never seemed to reach his full potential in Cincinnati. He's a likeable guy, but the Griffey that was in Seattle never came out here. The Reds are doing well by dumping his salary." — Rick Pummill, Centerville
"We went down to the clubhouse and he shook my hand and talked to me like he knew me for 15 years. He signed a baseball for me. It was one of the best experiences in my life." >— Matt Cravens, Lebanon, who met Griffey in 2002 during a job-shadow in Cincinnati.
"Griffey getting traded makes me less of a fan. He brought that excitement when he comes to the plate." — Damon Haislip, Dayton"Griffey wanted to win a World Series. Chicago is a contending team, so it's a good fit for him. Maybe heÕll finally get a ring." — Ted James, Bellbrook
Comments
By BOB DUERSTOCK
August 3, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Ballplayers with class do not make jestures like Graves and Griffey. All you have to do is look at Griffey,s rbi,s and batting average and see why they got nothing in return, plus terrible defense and hustle. His presence in the clubhouse was terrible for the younger players. Many other great ballplayers have been booed and critizied on the air and not reacted like GRIFFEY. HE HAD TO GO!!!!
By Tom
August 2, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this
There were two games on Friday. The White Sox defeated KC with, the help of Junior. Two hits and two RBI’s. The Reds were defeated by The Nats. Ken Griffey wasn’t the reason the Reds loose. Between the pitching and the managing there is no hope for this years team. Give Baker his walking papers and pay him the remains of his contract and get a manager that can WORK WITH THIS UP AND COMING TEAM.
By Tom
August 2, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
There were two games on Friday. The White Sox defeated KC with, the help of Junior. Two hits and two RBI’s. The Reds were defeated by The Nats. Ken Griffey wasn’t the reason the Reds loose. Between the pitching and the managing there is no hope for this years team. Give Baker his walking papers and pay him the remains of his contract and get a manager that caN WORK WITH THIS UP AND COMING TEAM.
By Scott Blount
August 1, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
To keep it simple - Thanks Jr. for all that you gave us! Wish you nothing but the best where ever you career takes you!
By Jason
August 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
OMG! Who has some of these fans been watching the last 9 years?? He has been horrible, a great player?? What ?? Yeah 10 years ago. What did you expect to get for a guy who was batting .240, can’t run, and doesn’t hustle?? Im suprised anyone was stupid enough to trade for him. I don’t care if we win another game this year the cancer of last decade is gone!!!!! Patterson and his .100 average who cares, at least I won’t have to watch someone hit a ball of the wall and only get a single.
By kevin
August 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Jr. was one of the few reasons I still follow the Reds. I met him as a teenager, and saw him play, and knew he would be better than his father. I guarantee he will go down as one of the 5 greatest hitters of all time when all is said and done assuming he never tests positive!) Ruth, Aaron, Mays and Griffey. I still marvel at the ability of the players in the 60’s and 70’s that I grew up watching. I saw Bench at the Boat House earlier this year and was still in awe.
By Mike
August 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hal,the definiton of the word “class” in Mr. Webster’s book states , dignity,style and integrity. But when Griffey used his finger to do the throat slash towards Brantley and the fans he exhibited another definition..”distinguished from the masses” He certainly did achieve that status! When he did it and uttered the “F” bomb as well, his possession of dignity and integrity was then a mockery and a betrayal to the fans. You can’t have it both ways!
By I'll miss him
August 1, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Jr. is a class act. I remember a few years ago, I took my then 13 year old son and two of his friends to a game. We had great seats right behind home plate third row back. When Jr. got up to bat the boys couldn’t contain themselves and yelled at him. He turned to them and waved said hi guys and smiled. Even though they lost by 1 run, the boys were in heaven and had a great time. He has and always will have my respect. Jr never quit on the fans, the fans quit him. We love you Jr. Thanks !!
By seriously?
August 1, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Pre-madonna? What would that be? The days before Madonna? LOL And those that praise Marty, they have therapy for you. He was great in his day, but there is no one more overly cynical than he is. You want a good announcer, try Steve Stone. You’ll learn the game in and out and it will be an enjoyable experience, not painful. true, one player does not make a team, but attitude can certainly hold others back. This is the case in Cincinnati.
By Jerry
August 1, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
The front office won’t admit it but Griffey was let go because their patience was worn thin with his “rabbit ears” and pre-madonna attitude. He has cursed at fans on numerous occasions this year (witnessed this personally) and the throat slash gesture was the last straw. They didn’t want his bad attitude rubbing off on the younger players. I applaud them for making a statement to the rest of the players that this kind of stuff will not tolerated. For once, kudos to management.
By Gary
August 1, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I understand why the reds traded Junior but why take a shortstop in the trade they have about 4 shortstops. WHY NOT GET SOME MORE PITCHING!! What they need. If they don’t they need a new general manager soon!
By boxter
August 1, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
There is a God. Don’t go away mad Jr., just go away. The Reds had a losing record with him and he HAS NEVER played on a winner. He is a cancer in the clubhouse and a whiner. He still hasn’t grown up. Dunn will now be a better player w/o Jr. around bringing him down to his level. I got so tired of his “I took less money” speech. He didn’t earn what he took. See’ya jr. It’s been real!
By Colgar
August 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Marty is a great PBP guy but not such a great analyst. Even when he is right, he often overstates things in the interest of creativity. He over dramatizes at times. Brantley as a former player has to learn that the game is not as easy as it looks from the booth. He crossed the line encouraging boos. As Hal would have done he should have reserved judgement until he asked Griff what happened. It’s not as easy as Brantley remembers. If the game was that easy we’d all be playing but for free.
By Colgar
August 1, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I got to know Griffey since 2000. He is a good person that is as human as you or I. He has a great heart and is at times too sensitive (causing the Brantley incident). At times he showed great class as Hal said and at times not so much. I believe deep down he wanted to just be one of the guys. Unfortunately for him that is not possible. He was the lightning rod for criticism because so much was expected. Players are and rightly so in awe of his talent and the ease with which success came.
By TonyCiuffo
August 1, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
And for the folks bashing Marty Brennaman, that’s a joke.
There’s not a better PBP person in the game. Problem is that most fans don’t want honesty. They want sugar-coated analysis.
Marty’s delivery is crisp, detailed and right on. Brantley is not much of a PBP guy, I’ll definately give you that, but I think he’s got potential as an analyst.
Get a few more arms, sprinkle in a little more defense, better selection at the plate and the recipe is right for the Redlegs.
By TonyCiuffo
August 1, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
What’s in the air in Cincy.
Ken Griffey did all he could for this organization. Took a pay cut. Didn’t take steroids. Played his butt off. We all get old. Some of the post must be from kids who don’t understand just how difficult it can be to play baseball for eight months at 38-years-old, not to mention on a major league level. Most athletes at that age are playing golf if they’re lucky.
Griffey is an example of everything that is right with pro sports.
Good Luck Ken!!!
By Tony Thomas
August 1, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Hal, for your kind and honest comments regarding Junior.
P.S. I love your writing style, too.
By Bert
August 1, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Well, Well mabey he will get ring after all. People have to realize that Ken, is not the team. A team is all of us. Famous he is, a great hitter he is, but when you have a team you count on everyone on that team. So many people have gotten mad because he’s been hurt or he didn’t make a run, but look at the other team members that didn’t make a hit or missed a catch, or even got hurt. Now remember, we loved him as a Red’s player so now can’t we just love him as Ken Griffey Jr?
By seriously?
August 1, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Certainly not a Reds fan, but I will say that Griffey leaving will pay off. He was a cancer to the Reds and definitely not a team player. You want people that have positive attitudes and don’t give up when there is the slightest chance that you’re struggling and may not make the playoffs. I was excited to see him come to town, but what a disappointment. Good luck in your new town, just glad you didn’t get traded to the Cubs.
By Rachel in Columbus
August 1, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
Thanks for being a Red, Griffey. Thanks for being such a great player. We will miss you, and I’ll be rooting for the White Sox for the rest of the year, hoping you’ll get a ring. Thanks for everything you and your father have been to Cincinnati. We will miss you!
By nyc
August 1, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this
Hal, that was GREAT article about Jr. Listen up all you negative Griffey ‘fans’ this is the real deal! No matter who saw him do this or say that he is driving force not just in baseball but in the lives of those around him. Griffey knows how to ‘Pay it Forward’ we could all learn some lessons from his example.
By Shawn
August 1, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Say it isn’t so? Griffey has/is/& will ALWAYS be my favorite player in MLB! I still remember the day he was traded to us I skipped school to see his first game as a RED and it was rained out lol So I missed his first at bat as a Red BUT Im glad I was able to watch his last game as a RED and he went out with a bang w/ a MONSTER 3-Run HR! I NEVER wanted to see Griffey leave he is class personified! Maybe somewhere down the road he and Barry Larkin can end up in the Reds front office! Good Luck Jr.
By Stan H
August 1, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
Glad he gets a chance to play on a contender instead of being stuck with the Reds. Hope he stays healthy and gets in the playoffs. They didn’t get much for him and will still pay him. The hard turf at Riverfront got him hurt so he had a disappointing career here but was still good when healthy, until now. This team is near the bottom in hitting, pitching and dfense so they are where they belong. At least they have promising young players, most ex-Dragons. Why do they have such bad fundamentals?
By DeHere
July 31, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Can’t just blame Jr for the reds struggles…blame the management…Jim Bowden wouldn’t know pitching if it came down and bit him in the a*s and lets not get started on the cluster that was O’Brien…yes Jr got hurt a lot but that was because he had to carry this joke of a team on his back…happy trails Jr…hope you go far in the playoffs with the Sox…
By Josh Manley
July 31, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Ken Griffey Jr. was an asset that was wasted by this organization.
By Josh Manley
July 31, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Ken Griffey Jr. was an asset that was wasted by this organization.
By Josh Manley
July 31, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Ken Griffey Jr. was an asset that was wasted by this organization.
By Karl LaFong
July 31, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
I won’t miss him and his accomplishments. I can’t think of two times he has helped a ball game in nine years. I thought he was a good balllplayer before Cinn. I think a u-haul is needed for Marty’s ego and Junior’s to fit. Good luck to Junior. I wish they could trade announcers, even if we got Mel Tellis from the Sox.
By Bryan Rodgers
July 31, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
To all you idiots who didn’t appreciate Jr., he is finally gone. You all think he was THE problem with the team. Well I guess now we will all see how things turn out for the Reds. I wish them well and I know they are a couple years away from contending still, but you whiners who are Jr. haters can stop pointing your finger at him! Hopefully the White Sox make it to the playoffs and they get hot. We’ll see. Go Reds and now Go White Sox (ugh, I haven’t got used to that yet. Stupid AL).
By Max Tash
July 31, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
The Reds would rather have Corey Patterson and Ryan Freel playing in the outfield than Griffey Jr. and Josh Hamilton. I hope that the Reds are now cursed to last place in the NL Central Division for another 15 years.
By dusty
July 31, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Some one earlier talked about how dumb the White Sox GM is how many championships have the Reds GM brought to them lately. Anyways I think the Sox need mental boost along with Griffey. Now teams will have to fear our lineup even more. You no the sox are 50-23 when hitting atleast 1 homerun and something like 30-17 when hitting than 1. Hmm Griffey 600 something homeruns sounds like wins! Sucks to be the Reds also they got stuck paying half of what Griffey is still owed for this year and next.
By Dan
July 31, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Ok, sure Grif isn’t what he used to be, but wow, I am a better prospect than these 2 clowns. As for what we need to do from here out is…take all the money we save next year and go after the following FAs next year
Vladimir Guerrero Ben Sheets
Or do something that actually will give this team a chance to end up over .500….so tired of losing.
By steve
July 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Its about time somebody got some nuts to unload a high price washed up hall of famer. I thought the reds gave up to much to get JR. in the first place. The reds got a strong for the pen and a good young infielder. Something the reds needed. So long JR. you lazy azz bum.
By Mac
July 31, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
AAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!! Are You CRAZY!!!!!!! KEEP THE GRIF you morons
By chuck fenwick
July 31, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
FINALLY. It took a small U-Haul to move his equipment and a semi trailer to move his ego.
By Jim
July 31, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
I got to see Griffey play in Pittsburgh during the 2006 season, I am glad to say I got to see a true legend on and off the field play. I thank him for all of the wonderful things he did for my Reds. I don’t blame him for the injuries, I wouldn’t expect people to blame me for the times I missed for having an injured back, or the times I have had to call off sick. Take a deep look at our own work record, is there anytime nothing was wrong but we just didn’t go? Did anyone taunt you for it?
By BOB DUERSTOCK
July 31, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
After nine terible years now we can enjoy good baseball once again.GO REDS!!!!cowboy is by far the best reds announcer!!!!He played the game,He knows you need good defense.That ball was one of several hundred that fell out that should have been CAUGHT!!!
By Crotchrotch
July 31, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
My first response was OH MY GOSH (or OMG for those texters). I can not believe that Ken Jr., The Natural…is leaving his home town to play for someone else. I never thought it would happen.
Second thought…Awwww Crapppp…thats right, now I remember he went to Moeller. Of course its all about the money….well that’s if you have the money. Be Gone Ken Jr!!!! and take your all male, all nevermind!!!
By Adam
July 31, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
gawd we sure do have some stupid effin fans here. anyways i wish junior the best. the past years have been a pretty bid disapointment but that isn’t all griff’s fault. he was injured most of the time and i’m not sure there was much he could’ve done (besides juice) to avoid that. he’s always been a great guy to have in the dugout. i agree w/ the trade though. i mean how much are we really gonna get for a 39 year old who’s well past his prime.
By AC
July 31, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Some of you must be joking. I don’t go to watch a game for what a player used to do. He never put up great numbers here and was injured far too often because he didn’t keep himself in shape. Nobody else would have been allowed to stay the number 3 hitter with a two-forty something average with 15 homers. Ellen is not even worth comenting to
By joe
July 31, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Griffey and dunn ran Hamilton out of town, besides once an addict always an addict. Sorry to ruin the touching story but Volquez will have the longer more successful carrer, Ham’s will be littered with inj’s and off field issues.Good luck JR!!!!!
By mm
July 31, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Who cares what kind of gestures Griffey made to drunk fans in the stands. Most if not all the ones getting all over Griffey can’t even spell the word baseball. So I don’t fault him for lashing back.
What pissing me off about this trade is we got basically nothing for a hall of famer. I mean we could of sent him to Texas for Volquez. Instead, of trading Roy Hobbs, I mean Josh Hamilton. Pissed…..
By Tom
July 31, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
That’s it! I’m done with the Reds. I’ve been a lifelong fan, but if they aren’t going to have the respect for the fans and keep a player as important and iconic as Griffey jr. around, they do not have my loyalty anymore!
By Ihate Coreypatterson
July 31, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
COREY PATTERSON SUCKS DONKEY BALLS!!
By Ihate Coreypatterson
July 31, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
COREY PATTERSON SUCKS DONKEY BALLS!!
By Ihate Coreypatterson
July 31, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
COREY PATTERSON SUCKS DONKEY BALLS!!
By Cait
July 31, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
To bad someone tries to play the race card. If Ellen would look at the Reds roster, she would see that the Reds have several non-Hispanic black players - maybe more than any other MLB team. If we include the full season, just off the top of my head I can think of Griffey, Phillips, Hairston, Hopper, Thompson plus coaches Baker and Hatcher. No, the evidence is not there to label the Reds racist. Sorry Ellen, you lose.
By Doug Wolf
July 31, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Well its about time jr got out of cincy since the fans didnt like him.Now he has a change and a winning team to play for.Always been a fan of Ken and wish him well.A big fan from Venice,Fl.
By LK
July 31, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
GOOD LUCK GRIF,ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.CAN I HAVE A EXTRA MILLON ?
By Max D
July 31, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Ellen said, “Granted,I have never been a Reds fan” and that was enough for me. Ell, if you don’t know a subject, either learn about it or don’t speak. AND THEN… she goes on to say, “Considering the previous Reds’ owner mentality and intelligence…” and it makes me wonder what that has to do with anything. Thanks for being such a polarizing figure, Ell, and for proving yet again that Ohio schools are in bad shape.
By Jason
July 31, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Ok to the person who said he was having a good season!! Ha Ha Ha you call .240 a good season?? The White Sox could have traded a bucket of baseballs for him and it would have been to much, and what is even more funny is they plan on playing him in center field!! WoW! A team that has management that is even bigger idiots than what the Reds have. I am so glad he is finally gone, he isn’t a winner never been a winner.
By c
July 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
As a Griffey and Cincy fan, Im happy for Grif. Get the hell out of here, you deserve a better team, a better city and better fans. Thanks for the memories KG.
By JAM
July 31, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
WOW ! I’m not sure what to address. Ellen you are all that is failing in our Ed. system. If someones opinion doesn’t agree with yours they are ignorant and a racist. It must be very sad to be you. As for Griffey ! Long over due in my opinion. I guess I will wait for the Jack boot Brown shirts to come and get me. According to Ellen…
By JAM
July 31, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
WOW ! I’m not sure what to address. Ellen you are all that is failing in our Ed. system. If someones opinion doesn’t agree with yours they are ignorent and a racist. It must be very sad to be you. As for Griffey ! Long over due in my opinion. I guess I will wait for the Jack boot Brown shirts to come and get me. According to Ellen…
By Herb
July 31, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Griffey was one of the best players in baseball with Seattle. By the time he got to the Reds he was above average, injury prone but still an asset as a player. Now, however he is a 38 year-old injury prone outfielder making $ 12.5 million for the rest of the year. He is hitting in the .240 range and will be a part time player for Chicago. What GM would offer more for that? I think it was a good move for both teams. That is assuming the Reds make smart moves with the money they save.
By Old Red Fan
July 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I was a fan of Ken Sr. and a big fan of Junior but I agree it was time for the Reds to unload Junior in order to get some salary relief and receive some young talent in return …albeit we didn’t get a lot. According to Ellen that makes me a racist. It is a sad day for all Red fans but her comment is more sad. Maybe someday she will have enough confidence in herself that she won’t have to include her educational credentials in her e-mails.
By Old Red Fan
July 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I was a fan of Ken Sr. and a big fan of Junior but I agree it was time for the Reds to unload Junior in order to get some salary relief and receive some young talent in return …albeit we didn’t get a lot. According to Ellen that makes me a racist. It is a sad day for all Red fans but her comment is more sad. Maybe someday she will have enough confidence in herself that she won’t have to include her educational credentials in her e-mails.
By Thomie P
July 31, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
First the time has come and he deserves to be traded just like when we picked him up we exspected more from the hometown GUY. We never should of let him get out of Cincy anyway, so for those of you bashing Jr. be quiet.
We got Barry L and the next year should of had Jr if the Reds would of played there cards right. Granted Jr. didn’t put up the numbers we all expected when we got him in 2000 so we waited 10 years and we expected him to come in here like a 19 years old and put the # up.
By Amber
July 31, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Factoring out steroids, Griffey has been the greatest home run hitter of my era.Probably the greatest player I will ever see in person. I was proud that he was on “our” team. A stand up guy: no controversy, no steroids, no arrests(a rare occurence in Cincy). It is a sad day to be a Reds fan. We will miss you Griffey. I’ll root for you in Chicago!!!
By Joe Hancock
July 31, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Griffey wasn’t too big for the Reds. Sure he had a high salary but he was worth it. Whatever happened to the Big Red Machine? This used to be the place to be in baseball. People used to refer to Cincinnati as a place you WANTED to be. Griffey was an attempt to get back to that I think. Unfortunately, the Reds failed to do that, leaving Griffey on his own. He couldn’t hold up the team himself. I wish him luck.
By Bad Deal
July 31, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
While I’ve never been opposed to trading Griffey the Reds didn’t get squat out of this deal. They got a mediocre second baseman and a pitcher that will never make it out of Triple A. While I wasn’t expecting a top level prospect for a player on the downside I would have liked to see the Reds get a little more. However I, unlike many, will not trash or wish good riddance to him. He was a class player that has accomplished everything how it was supposed to be done, honestly and steroid free.
By doc
July 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
JUNIOR—ALL GOOD AND BAD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END..GOOD LUCK IN CHICAGO..YOU R JUST NOT WHAT WE BARGAINED FOR.. AFTER WATCHING IN NINE YEARS OF SPRING TRAINING AND REGULAR SEASON…U GOT THE BEST DEAL.. BE MORE FAN FRIENDLY WHICH INCLUDES ADULTS..EVERYONE IS NOT OUT TO GET U…ALL FANS WANT A PIECE OF U..[AN AUTOGRAPH]…EVEN IF WE DID WANT TO SELL UR AUTOGRAGH IT WOULD NOT EQUAL UR HARD EARNED SALARY.. DON’T BE SO THIN SKINNED..ENJOY THE DAYS AND YEARS U HAVE LEFT..
By Ma Ubu
July 31, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t trade him for Bill Pout at DaytonMostMediocre.Commedy. All he does is hurl brick bats at Papa Ubu!
By Ron H.
July 31, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I think they did not get enough fo him he was having a good year for the Reds this year.As far as what they got in return they could have brought up thier own players with the same stats or better they got robbed.WE need a good catcher not a second baseman.
By doris
July 31, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Who will they pick on now w/Grif gone? JR has been a household word for many years and I for one am sorry to see him leave the Reds.
By Derek
July 31, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I remember Ken Jr. when we went to Moeller HS. His mother is a sweetheart. His Dad was a well known player then. All he wanted to do was to play major league ball, like his Dad. I am sure that he will be happier in Chi-town. Junior thanks for the memories!!
By ross
July 31, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
please sale the team castellini..u have done nothing but lie..as for walt jockitch he will try to be the savior and destroy this team even more…Dunn is the guy the Reds better sign..Phillips, Dunn, and the young pitching..everyone else is pretty much terrible
By Bob
July 31, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Why play the race card? He is a baseball player. They get traded without respect to race. Sounds like someone is trying to get something started. It seems that black people frequently do this when something does not go their way.
By screamin
July 31, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Jr. We wish the best for you. My 10 year old was furious this morning as the news hit. He is now a White Sox fan because of it. We hope you have a successful rest of your career there and hope you break all sorts of records. The departure was best for both camps. As much as I hated to see him go, both parties will be fine.
By GETT
July 31, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe what I’m reading here. The trade well help the Reds. Anyone every heard that Joey Votto plays first base. Ross / Bako behind the plate is adequete. You want to trade the MLB homer run leader? We need a #3b.Griffey has been a great player throught his career. Unfortunatelty, he was injured a great deal of the time, so the Reds fans only got a glimpse of his greatness. I hope he gets a ring since the Reds don’t appear to be able to get in the wild card race.
By Bob
July 31, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
I think that Ellen (above) must be black and looking to play the race card. Seems that when ever something does not o the way a black person thinks it ought to the first reason they suggest is because of racism. I sincerely doubt that it matters what your race is, sooner or later you will be traded from one team to another. It is just the way baseball works. If there are more blacks in baseball then by golly more blacks will be traded. It’s math DR Ringer not racism.
By Jack Beggs
July 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I am sick about it. Even on a bad night, it was still great to go down to GABP and watch Junior. He added excitement always. Spend a pile of bucks and go see a team that might just get as many hits as errors they commit. But at least you could still see Junior. And it sounds like the Reds got NOTHING in return. I say dump Baker & Company instead and get field management that can change something; anything. Like the Reds seeing the least number of pitches per game of any National League team.
By Bob
July 31, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Now that Junior is gone, and I wish him nothing but the best, I cannot imagine that someone is still asking for Adam Dunn to be traded. If Dunn goes as well, we could end up with Corey Patterson playing full time! As it stands, I expect that Bruce will move to right and Jerry Hairston will take over CF. Adam’s outfield play has improved, but his arm still leaves something to be desired
By Neal
July 31, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I hope Junior gets to play in the World Series before he hangs it up. I really wish that could have happened with the Reds, but that’s not happening this year.
I can intellectually understand why he might not have hustled everywhere as his body began to wear down, but the fan in me would generally rather see hustle than pure gift. But he was a gifted player, and I’m glad I got to see him in a Reds uniform, even if injuries and age made him less than The Kid from Seattle for his time here.
By Shannon
July 31, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Our family is so sad to see Griffey go…he was our hero. Griffey turned a bad thing into a good for my son when my Father passed away in the stands in 2005 with my son on the other side of him. We will always have a place in our hearts for you, and will always be of fan of yours no matter where you go! You deserve the best, and we wish you lots of luck. Go and win…and get that ring you deserve!! Thank You for your kindness to our family. Shannon, and Antonio
By Tom
July 31, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I wish Jr. Good Luck. I am and old White Sox Fan. Ken I hope you succeed in getting your WS Ring to match your dad. Keep up the good work and forget about what some of these jerks say about you. I have your Upper Deck Rookie Card and will always remember you as one of the best players in the game. I just hope you make the Reds Hall of Fame. There is no question about Cooperstown. Good luck and keep playing the game as it should.
By Reds Fan
July 31, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
We all knew this day was coming, as the front office continues to send the Reds in the wrong direction, ever since Marge was the owner, the mishandling of money and assets by her predesors have been as bad as the current presidential administration. They tell us the Reds are looking towards the future or that the future is now. Its sad to know that the harsh reality is that more clubs like the Reds care about dollars than they do about winning. Good luck Jr., your a class act who never cheated..
By Matt
July 31, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I hate to be mean, but Bonni you are an idiot. The Reds traded Hamiltion because that is the only person Texas wanted. I am sure the Reds would have liked to have traded David Ross or maybe a bag of balls for Volquez, but it takes two teams to make a trade.
As for Griffey, I wish him the best of luck and hope he wins a title in Chicago.
By James
July 31, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I only wish Junior the best! It has been great watching you since the days with the Midland Braves! What a sweet swing. Go and Become a Bomber in Chicago…..Best of Luck….
By Bonni
July 31, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
I am mourning the loss of Junior. It just helps me see clearly that the ownership is not thinking forward. If this was an option, why not trade him instead of Josh Hamilton? Mark my words, the Hamilton trade will come back to haunt. Jr’s gone and Dunn’s sure to follow. Now who plays outfield? Corey Patterson? Ryan Freel? And contrary to popular male belief, Jay Bruce can’t play ALL the outfield positions! Don’t worry, next year Bruce will “try” first base. They do that with everyone..
By Bonni
July 31, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I am mourning the loss of Junior. It just helps me see much more clearly that the ownership is not thinking forward. If this was an option, why not trade him instead of Josh Hamilton? Mark my words, the Hamilton trade will come back to haunt. Junior’s gone and Dunn’s about to follow. Who plays outfield? Corey Patterson? Norris Hopper might be an option NEXT YEAR. Ryan Freel? And contrary to popular male belief, Jay Bruce can’t
By MANVAN32
July 31, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK JR.YOU WILL BE MISSED IN MY EYE.BUT THIS IS A BUSINES AND LIFE GOES ON.THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
By Florida Buckeye
July 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
I, for one, was never a Griffey supporter. I didn’t like pickging him up. I had friends in Seattle who told me of the rumors of him being a clubhouse cancer, albatross, etc., But, when he got here, I was excited. I loved to watch him play when he was in his prime. Unfortunately, over the last five years, he hasn’t even been close, and for the last two years, if he was any other player - other than CP, ha! - he probably wouldn’t even have been given a roster spot…I wish him the best…
By NotOurFault
July 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
One thing needs to be said…Griffey made it publicly clear several times that he wanted to be in a place where he had a chance of winning a World Series. He has flat out said he wanted traded. So don’t act like this is hurting Griffey, it’s what he wanted - be happy for the guy. He loves Cincy, and we love him…but it’s best for both.
By FLIPPER08
July 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the throat slashing and dropping the F bomb in front of thousands of kids and you call yourself a great family man. Chicago will rip you to shreds for you strike outs and lack of hustle. If you think the cincy media is bad, good luck in the windy city.
By ME
July 31, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
WHO CARES - THE REDS SUCK!
By nyc
July 31, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Good Luck Griff. Thanks for the memories!! There are tons of fans who still appreciate you for what you are and were to this team. TWO THINGS- the ‘poll’ about agreeing with the trade doesn’t reflect those of us who voted ‘yes’ because it’s clearly what Jr wanted, I’m not too worried about the Reds in this whole thing. and..what’s with that GOOFY cartoon faced picture of Jr on the front page?
By Ellen S. Ringer, Ed.D.
July 31, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
After reading all the good and bad comments about Ken Griffey, Jr., I am appalled that Ken Griffey, Jr. is being considered and expected to leave the Reds. Granted,I have never been a Reds fan, but I expected more respect for a player whose injuries did not deter his ability to hit 600 Homers. I do not think this is being lazy. Considering the previous Reds’ owner mentality and intelligence, I am not surprised by the subliminal messages of racism and ignorance.
By jay
July 31, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Mr. Griffey was one of the best ever. Yes his injuries stopped him from many more accomplishments, it still doesn’t deter the accomplisments he did meet. Mr. class, Mr. clean, Mr. Griffey will always hold a special place in my heart as a great player on and off the playing field. Good luck with the rest of your career. You are and always have been a winner in my opinion.
By ANDRE'
July 31, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
First of all Jr, is not about to let the negativty bother him he is not the type of person who gets caught up in all that talk right now it’s a bussiness decision and I truly think it would be in his best intrest to leave and at least have a shot a world series at the least give the guy a chance he is truly a gentelmen in all aspects of the game without a doubt got for it Jr,
By ANDRE'
July 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
First of all Jr, is not about to let the negativty bother him he is not the type of person who gets caught up in all that talk right now it’s a bussiness decision and I truly think it would be in his best intrest to leave and at least have a shot a world series at the least give the guy a chance he is truly a gentelmen in all aspects of the game without a doubt got for it Jr,
By John Doe
July 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Well, they got absolutely nothing for Griffey. Typical Reds trade. BC, WJ, DB, they all stink.
By scott
July 31, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
One thing’s for sure. Junior batting 3rd and playing-slowly but surely-right field for this team was not working. No one can argue that. Change was needed. Hopefully someone in the clubhouse steps up and new leadership emerges. I wish Junior the best with the ChiSox. And I hope this is the first step in attaining a fresh, consistent winning environment.
By Rick
July 31, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
While the baseball purist in me will miss him, it was time. The Reds can not afford a 13 million (or whatever his annual salary is) .230 hitter with diminishing fielding skills. This is a small market team. I wish him well and hope the White Sox can bring him a ring. In his prime there was no one better. Good Luck Jr.
By Norman
July 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
“Now the Reds need to trade Dunn…”
And now the Reds give me NO reason to watch the Reds. With Junior and Dunn, I could watch 75 win team. Now I can’t.
For all the fans who say, spend that money on pitching. What are you going to get for $15 million that Yankees can’t get for $20-25 million. I am tired of the Reds trading for propects. After all of the trading for propects, we have none on the current roster and the minor league teams have little to no big league talent.
STUPID…
By GTown Fan
July 31, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Bottom line… Junior cost in the Reds small market has been a problem. Now it is time to build a team within the Reds budget and hope to beat the big market guys.
By John
July 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I think a lot of “Reds Fans” thought that Junior would hit a home run every time (or at least every game) because that’s all they saw on SportsCenter of him. They never saw him strikeout, or ground into a double-play or miss a fly ball until he came here and we got to see him on an everyday basis.
Good Luck Junior. Loved having you in a Reds uniform. I just wish the PTB would have surrounded you with better players like they promised to.
By Jo
July 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I am sad to see Griffey go, but I wish him all the best and hope he finally gets his ring. He is one of the best and I am going to miss him in Cincy. Good Luck Jr and I’ll always be your fan with lots of love :)
By HuberTucky
July 31, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Red’s albatross traded to Chisox. Oh dear. Now who’ll bat 3rd? Ahhhh, cancer free is a good feeling. Brantley 1, Griffey 0. Hahaha!
By Bob540
July 31, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
To me, the saddest part has been that Griffey, the youngest player to reach 400 HR’s, won’t be able to set the all-time HR record (over that druggy, Bonds) due to injuries. If he stayed healthy, he’d be right up there poised for history (sigh). I hope he gets to the World Series with Chicago and gets that Championship ring. He deserves it!