Should Griffey retire?

One of the classiest players in baseball over the past 20+ years has been Ken Griffey Jr. He has been a bright light and a fun player to watch for years. Lately he has been struggling and his .200 avg, makes you wonder how much longer does he have and how much longer can the Mariners afford to give him playing time.

Griffey has 2779 career hits, could he be hanging on to try and get to 3000 hits. He has 630 homeruns but none this year, so it is unlikely that he will reach 700 in his career. I wonder why he is still hanging around. Maybe it isn't about the numbers for him, maybe it is because he can teach younger players how to be good pros. I have a feeling that he is still around because he loves the game and being in the dugout and in the locker room.

I will be sad to see him go, but the writing has to be on the wall for him right now. The Mariners have some young talent that they need to give opportunities to. Players like Michael Saunders the 23 year old Canadian need to be given a chance to play regularly. I can see Griffey being a great mentor to the young guys like him.

Are the M's paying to big a price to keep Griffey on the roster. I think not, as I believe that he adds much more to this team that what he brings to the field. I hope that he can become productive again and that he can get to some of those lofty hitting goals he may have. So, until then I say Go Kid Go!