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03/08/2003 Archived Entry: "Today's MLB News: O's Pursue Griffey"
Today's MLB News by Eric Gartman
According to a report in the Baltimore Sun, Orioles owner Peter Angelos has given his baseball people permission to take on the remaining $79 million Griffey has over the final six years of his contract. But Reds general manager Jim Bowden has denied reports that Griffey is on the trading block. "We've had no discussions about trading Ken Griffey Jr.," Bowden said. "We plan on starting opening day at Great America Park with Ken Griffey in center field for the Reds."
How the mighty have fallen. When Camden Yards opened in 1992 amid glowing reviews, the O's began an attendance boom that lasted for years. In its first year at the new park, attendance increased from 2.5 million to 3.6 million and stayed there. But in 1998, the O's began a prolonged losing streak that has now lasted five years. Attendance slowly began to taper off during this time period. But with the retirement of Cal Ripken in 2001, attendance fell below 3 million for the first time in Camden Yards history. Those still aren't bad numbers, but it is indicative of a lack on interest in the team. Owner Peter Angelos has now decided to try and revive fan interest in the team, while adding a big bat to the lineup, the Orioles most pressing need. But is it worth it? Griffey is 33 and still has six years and $79 million remaining on his contract. His numbers have been slipping for years, and even if he is healthy he might not be able to justify that kind of money until he is 38.
Meanwhile, the Reds were hoping to open their new park with Griffey as their centerpiece. The temptation to dump his huge salary in return for some desperately needed pitching might be too great, however. The Reds have long been interested in the O's Sidney Ponson, a talented pitcher who has yet to fullfill his potential in Baltimore.
Replies: 1 Comment
and they settled for Jack Cust...
probably better for the O's but short of DH types they are not.
Posted by Bart Ewing @ 03/11/2003 02:19 PM EST
