Podsednik's leg injury stokes Griffey rumors
August 15, 2005
BY DOUG PADILLA Staff Reporter
BOSTON -- With Scott Podsednik's health still in question, perhaps the White Sox will sweeten the pot to acquire Ken Griffey Jr.
Various reports this weekend have said that Griffey has cleared waivers, which means he is eligible to be traded to any team. While a trade of that magnitude seems unlikely, the Sox were willing to pull it off just more than two weeks ago at the non-waiver trade deadline.
The biggest problem with the trade is that if acquired, Griffey would not have an every-day position. He would be in a platoon situation similar to what the Sox had when Frank Thomas and Carl Everett were sharing the designated-hitter spot with Everett getting some time in the outfield.
Griffey would be able to play all three outfield spots, but the Sox are not down on any of their outfielders. In fact, with the way Aaron Rowand has played since the Griffey trade rumor first became public knowledge, the Sox never have been happier with their Opening Day center fielder. Rowand's play of late might have made the Sox less interested in a Griffey trade.
A deadline deal with the Cincinnati Reds was reportedly nixed by the team's controlling partner Carl Lindner and never reached Griffey for approval. Griffey has a right to veto any trade. The Sox were only giving up three prospects in the deal and the Reds were going to eat some of Griffey's contract, which pays him $12.5 million a season until 2009.