Ken Griffey Jr. Selects Legacy over Convenience

In one of the uplifting news items coming from the Hot Stove League this year, Ken Griffey Jr. is going back to the Seattle Mariners. Griffey is signing a one year, $2 million plus incentives deal with the Mariners to be an OF/DH for the team. Griffey had debated about going to the Atlanta Braves, since the Braves' home is so convenient for Griffey to fly back to his family in Orlando, but ultimately (apparently after a call from Willie Mays), Griffey chose to create a legacy bookend to his career instead. When Griffey goes to the Hall, with one of the best swings in baseball, he will easily wear a Mariners cap.

Ken Griffey, Jr. | A Mariner or a Brave?

Ken Griffey Jr., formerly with the Chicago White Sox after a trading deadline deal with the Cincinnati Reds, is reportedly deciding between the Atlanta Braves as his new team, or a return to the glory days in Seattle with the Mariners. There were rumors that Griffey had decided on Atlanta due to its proximity to his family in Orlando, but Griffey specifically went out on the airwaves to dispel that rumor. It seems as though Atlanta would be a great fit for Junior, as they need the OF help, but with Seattle Jr. could play a little DH and get the hero's return. Griffey, in either case, is not the sought after player he once was due to age and injury, but he still could be a productive bat in the lineup in a supporting role. Griffey is a lifetime .288 batter with 611 HR, and last season hit a combined .249 and 18 HR in almost 500 AB.

Felix Hernandez signs one year deal with Mariners

The Seattle Mariners re-signed 22 year old RHP Felix Hernandez to a one year, $3.8 million contract to avoid arbitration. Hernandez showed ace-like signs last year, finishing with a 3.45 ERA with 175 strikeouts in 200 2/3 innings. In his 11 no decisions for the lowly Mariners he had a 2.72 ERA.

Royals Find Their Utility Man in Willie Bloomquist

Willie Bloomquist, the utility man who played seven years for the Seattle Mariners, is reported to be signing with the Kansas City Royals in a two year deal worth $3 million total. Bloomquist, who nearly played every position for the Mariners, is more speed than power, and hit .279 last year in 71 games without a home run, but had 14 stolen bases in those 71 games.

Raul Ibanez, Phillies agree to a 3-year Deal

Former Seattle Mariners OF Raul Ibanez, 36, and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a 3-year, $30 million contract to be the Phillies every day left fielder. Ibanez hit .293 this past season, with 23 homers, 110 RBIs, a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage. Ibanez is a hard-nosed player that should fit in with the Phillies faithful. This likely means the Phillies will not go after their former OF Pat Burrell in free agency.

Mets get setup man Putz in 3 way trade

The New York Mets have acquired J.J. Putz from the Mariners to serve as the setup man to new closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets also received outfielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and, from the Mets, right-hander Aaron Heilman, center fielder Endy Chavez and four Minor Leaguers -- first baseman Mike Carp, right-hander Maikel Cleto, left-hander Jason Vargas and center fielder Ezekiel Carrera. The Indians received right-hander Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.