Discussing Center Field

Written by Colin on November 1, 2007 – 5:33 pm

Let’s take a minute and take a longer look at the Center Field position. The AJC’s sometimes misled columnist Terrance Moore has begun advocating that the Braves acquire Ken Griffey, Jr. using some of the money saved from dumping Edgar Renteria, and I want to assess that possibility and look at realistic options for Center Field.

Let’s begin by assessing the financial aspect. Moore says that the Reds would probably pay half of Griffey’s $12 million contract next year if he’s traded, which leaves the Braves with $6 million. Seeing as we saved around $9 million by trading Renteria away, and with Tex still unsigned and our rotation still the same, I believe it’s foolhardy to commit to or think about spending 2/3rds of that on Griffey. Once we address our other needs, it’s definitely an option I’m open to.

Wren has an opinion (like any good GM should) on his strategy. Read this quote and thank him for not going after Tori Hunter.

“I would say that going strong in the free-agent market would be our least likely alternative. I say that just because, with the young players we have coming (in the farm system), it just wouldn’t make sense to go sign somebody for four, five, six years when we have what we think are better players on the horizon. With that being said, the free-agent market probably doesn’t make as much sense as a trade. The trade market is probably the most likely way we’ll fill center field.”

Purely looking at stats, Griffey had better offensive stats than Andruw did last year, and although he may not be as brilliant a fielder as Andruw, he may be a viable option when considering a trade. I’ve always liked Griffey for his enthusiastic approach to the game, and even though he’s only averaging 127 games over the last three years, he’s not putting up shabby stats.

I see one issue with a potential Griffey acquisition - his contract. Next year is his last year of his Reds contract, and if they pick up half of it, we’re left with $6 mil. However, I don’t see why we’d trade for him for one year - we’d need him for probably at least two in order to keep CF occupied til our prospects are ready. The second year wouldn’t be discounted to $6 mil, most likely, and we’d be stuck paying more than we want to for Griffey. It doesn’t make sense to trade for this guy for one year of play. We have always traded players AWAY with one year left on their contract, not traded FOR them (with the brilliant exception of Tim Hudson and - we hope - Teixeira).

Let’s look at pitchers (Glavine at a bargain?) and our boy from GT (Teixeira) before we look at filling our recent hole in center field. But if we get our rotation solid and first base taken care of, Griffey isn’t a bad option.

Let me know your thoughts - would Griffey help sell tickets and fill the hole properly?

Colin

Posted in General, Speculation |