Ken Griffey Jr. Update

by Eli Greenspan on Feb 18, 2009 5:13 PM EST

The Ken Griffey Jr. race is starting to come to a close, with the Braves and Mariners as his two suitors. Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Griffey is sensitive about offending the Mariners while David O'Brien believes Griffey will choose the Braves after talking with Chipper Jones, who is currently working on his own extension. Griffey hit .249 with 18 HR in 143 games for the Reds and White Sox last season, but hit .274 with 6 HR after the All-Star Game.

Atlanta has a big African American population, something that could factor into Griffey's decision. Griffey approached Major League Baseball in 2007 about wearing the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. He also worked with young African Americans to get them more involved in the game. Griffey played in Seattle for 11 seasons and has been linked to the Mariners for a season and a half. He is expected to make a decision in the next day or two.

UPDATE:Ken Griffey Jr. agrees to terms with the Seattle Mariners.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

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Ken Griffey Jr. does something RIGHT!!

He chooses Seattle, and in all likelyhood will finish his career where it all began. That's class. He probably also noticed that things just aren't looking too good for getting a shot at the playoffs in Atlanta.

by Baseball Stu on Feb 18, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions