Loading ...Well, not yet. But it isn’t out of the realm of possibility, evidently.
I’m as big a fan of Ken Griffey, Jr., as you are likely to find, but there really is no question at this point but that the Reds outfield defense would be improved by moving Junior out of center field. He just can’t go get them like he could a few years ago.
I like Junior as well. Big fan of his, but I think a move to RF would be good. Or even to LF. Just let Freel or Denorfia man CF.
Center field, right field, left field, field of dreams . . . Griffey still has to be replaced for 40 games a year because he’s like the straw man.
Last I looked, the Reds are without a starting right fielder and still need another viable backup. Lest anyone forget the outfields they played the final two weeks.
Here’s to hoping Norris Hopper wins a slot in spring training.
Bonds is available
(where’s the puking emotion when you need it)
A move to RF could save some wear and tear on JR’s legs. Some say that it makes no difference what OF position you play. I think that explosive excelerations, the type that blow out hamstrings and ankles, occur much more often with a CF than they do with the corner positions. However, having a mad man like Freel out there could be dangerous to both Griffey and Dunn.
My read: If the Reds could somehow acquire an established center fielder, Griffey would move without hesitation. But they’d have to do plenty of convincing if they wanted to shift him to make room for Ryan Freel or Chris Denorfia. Those aren’t guys you can start out there six or seven days a week.
Florida thinks Denorfia could be an everyday CF.
My take is this. Griffey plays like he is 20. I love his passion. I love his desire. However, you can see that he doesn’t understand how to play the game at his age. Michael Jordan had to totally revamp his game when he got a bit older. Griffey needs to follow suit so that his body can handle it. Right field makes more sense in that regard.
The problem with the whole thing is the comment that Grif made when asked about it. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” The comment should have been “I’m not crazy about the idead, but if it will help the team, I’ll look in to it.” Also, when did he become the talent judge as to who will take his place in CF?