The Seattle Mariners have resigned Ken Griffey Jr. to a one year deal. Terms were not disclosed, but they are reportedly similar to the deal he had last year ($2million with another $3 million in potential incentives).
Report from the Seattle Mariners Team Site
So, Griffey is back again, and why not? There may not be a player more loved by his home town fans in the entire league. Griffey and the Mariners are like high school sweet hearts. It’s the perfect feel good story.
Junior won’t contribute much with the bat and he will contribute less with the glove. He’s basically playing at replacement player level these days, but he’s not blocking any young players from coming up and his value rests more with his locker room presence and leadership then it does on the field.
By pretty much all accounts, Griffey was a lark to the Seattle locker room last year. The M’s went from a 101 loss team in 2008 to a 85 win team in 2009. Most of that had to do with having the best defense in the league, Felix Hernandez and an overachieving bullpen. However, there is certainly a lot to be said for having a uplifting working environment. We can all talk about how money should be the only motivation a player needs to give every game his all, but baseball players are like any of us average working stiffs – it’s hard to put in 100% effort when you hate your job.
A guy like Griffey makes it a joy for his team mates to come to the ball park every day. He keeps things fun, makes people laugh and brings out the best in other players. People want to win for Griffey. Considering that fact alone, he’s probably worth the money the Mariners will spend on him this year. Add in the additional fact that they will definitely sell more tickets with a Griffey “fair well tour” and it makes a ton of sense to bring him back.
Considering how players seem to respond to Junior, one would have to think that he could make a great skipper some day. No doubt, Griffey will have plenty of work, if he wants it, after he finally hangs up the cleats.
