Griffey Picks Braves

**Cincy Fan 44** Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:36 pm

http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/2009/02/17/ddn021709griffeyweb.html

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Ken Griffey Jr. has chosen to sign with the Atlanta Braves, according to a person close to the veteran star and familiar with the ongoing negotiations. Griffey and Braves general manager Frank Wren met Monday in Orlando, and Wren and Griffey's agent were scheduled to meet today, Tuesday, Feb. 17, in an effort to finalize a deal.

The Braves would be adding a 13-time former All-Star who's one of six players to hit 600 or more home runs.

The 39-year-old erstwhile "Kid" — also known as "Junior" — decided to sign with the Braves over an offer to return to Seattle, where he played his first 11 seasons with the Mariners and was the American League MVP in 1997.

The two teams made similar offers, believed to be in the range of $2 million guaranteed, with incentives tied to staying healthy and getting a lot of plate appearances.

This really surprises me. I thought for sure he would return to the Seattle Mariners to close out his career (if this is his swan song). I'll have to look at the schedules to see when the A-T-L comes to the 'Nati and maybe go down for a game or 2 (at the very least, make sure I watch it via Dish).

**Cincy Fan 44** Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:16 am

Oops. Not so fast. Various outlets report now that Junior turned down the Braves offer and has instead signed with the Seattle Mariners, returning to the team that he started his career with. I'm happy for him. I know the Seattle fans will treat him better than a lot of Reds fans ever did, and that pains me to say that. I hope he hits 40 dingers and drives in 110 ribeye steaks this year.

Griffey Picks Braves

Griffey Picks Braves

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