Griffey a Brave?

Spring training officially kicks off for the Braves in 12 hours but the Hot Stove is still warm. After looking like he was going back to Seattle a couple of days ago, Ken Griffey Jr. is being targeted by the Braves as a platoon partner for Matt Diaz in left field. Nothing is certain right now as there were rumors Seattle was close to signing him just yesterday. Frank Wren has confirmed the interest though, and David O'Brien has spoken to sources today that believe that Atlanta is Griffey's first choice. It makes sense for both the Braves and Junior. The Braves desperately need a veteran bat in the outfield, and the payroll is too tight to take on any huge contracts. Griffey gets steady work and will be close to his Orlando home. His son is playing football this autumn and his daughter plays basketball on a team in Atlanta. Until the contract is signed you can't trust any of these rumors flying around especially not in this offseason. It would be really cool to see Junior with the A on his cap even though he won't have a Manny-type impact on the team. Then again that kind of impact can go both ways.

I'm sure Mariners fans out there will be just as infuriated with the Braves if Griffey signs with Atlanta as I was with the Dodgers for filching the fink Furcal. It would be a nice story for Griffey to go home to Seattle, but this wouldn't be the first time Junior has sported a Braves uniform...

Don't forget his pops played here, and Bobby Cox was the guy who traded for him.