Mariners, Junior Close In on Reunion

As a kid growing up, there's no question that my favorite player (non-White Sox) in the sport was Ken Griffey Jr. I emulated his batting stance for a while, I started wearing my hat backwards during practice, and I tried to get every Griffey baseball card in print. Of course, when I reminisce about Junior, I always picture him as a Seattle Mariner.

Frankly, while his time in Cincinnati had its moments, I remember it more for all the injuries that robbed him of any chance to break Hank Aaron's home run-record. Then he came to Chicago last season, and while it was nice to see him in a White Sox jersey, he wasn't the Griffey I grew up watching. Now, thankfully, after nine years away from the Emerald City, it looks like Junior is on the verge of returning to where it all started.

A little more than nine years after being traded to the Reds for four players, Griffey and the Mariners are nearing agreement on a one-year contract.

Griffey, who is playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament this week, could join the Mariners in Spring Training as early as Wednesday -- the day of the first full-squad workout.

Seattle general manager Jeff Zduriencik would not confirm or deny the report saying that he doesn't "comment on free agents" but word is that the deal is contingent on Griffey passing a physical in the Phoenix area, which is where the Mariners spend their Spring Training.

The concerns about Junior stem from the arthroscopic surgery he had on his left knee back in October to repair a partially torn meniscus and ligament damage that were the likely culprits in his lack of power towards the end of the 2008 season. Personally, I hope Junior passes it with flying colors because even though he's not the same player he once was, it would be nice to see him finish his career where it started.