As soon as we think all the big names have been traded, setting up a boring MLB Trade Deadline, Ken Rosenthal drops this bomb on his early Thursday morning.
Ken Griffey Jr. has been traded to the Chicago White Sox pending the Cincinnati Reds right fielder's approval.
UPDATE: He approves.
Griffey has been the subject of trade winds in Chicago for what seems like the past three-four seasons. First on the south side, then the north, and back south. In 2005, the White Sox and Reds were close to a Junior deal, but it didn't make sense financially for Cincinnati.
This deal makes sense for both parties. Cincinnati needs to move on and find the right fielder of their future, while Chicago needs another bat in the worst way.
Griffey Jr. will likely assume centerfield duties, sending Nick Swisher to first base on a more permanent basis. A move I know most Sox fans approve of. While Swish hasn't been setting US Cellular Field on fire, Paul Konerko can't hit a beach ball of it was throw to him from 5 feet away.
The bad news is, of course, Griffey having to cover centerfield. That's more work than he's accustomed to of late. His late turn in center resulted in numerous injuries.
Since Griffey has more than 10 years of service he had the right to block this deal. He's never played in a World Series, and this is as good an opportunity as he's likely to get while he can still contribute.
Junior is only batting .245 this season, with 15 home runs and 53 RBI's, but we know he's still capable of more and GM Kenny Williams is a believer.
No word on who has been given up on the Sox side, but do you think this is the right move for Chicago?
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