Griffey to open season in right field

If Ken Griffey Jr. is ready to play on opening day, he will be in right field. Cincinnati Reds manager Jerry Narron said Monday he expects to start Ryan Freel in center because Griffey is still working his way back from a broken left hand. The longtime center fielder was injured in the offseason while wrestling with his kids. "Right now, that's what our plan is. We would have loved for him to be available opening day to play center field - it just didn't work out," Narron said. Griffey, a 10-time Gold Glove winner in center, has taken fly balls and made throws from right field in practice. Narron said he was very cautious about deciding to move the 37-year-old slugger from his customary spot. "We had to make a decision. This late in the spring we need to get our club out on the field," he said.

Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, said his client had known the Reds' plans. "Junior understands the team tells us where he should play, and that's the way it should be," Goldberg said. While moving Griffey to right field is big news, the more pressing issue has to do with Griffey being ready for opening day. He has been taking part in live batting practice, but he has yet to play in a game. The team hopes to get him in some games within a week. Consider the veteran an injury-risk sleeper in the latter rounds. This should be the cheapest you have been able to get the future Hall of Famer on Draft Day. While it's possible, don't expect a full season and 30 homers at this point.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Griffey Jr: Might Not Be Ready By Opening Day

On the road back from a broken left hand, Ken Griffey Jr. might not be ready by Opening Day. Griffey hasn't played in any exhibition games and has reported soreness after many of his batting-practice sessions over the past two weeks. "If it's March 14 and a guy hasn't been able to play yet, at some point, you've got to have some Spring Training," manager Jerry Narron said. "Hopefully, he'll be well enough to play here in a couple of days." Despite Narron's reservations, Griffey has not offered a timetable for his return to live action. "When I'm 100 percent, I'll play," Griffey said. "Not before that."
Source: MLB.com

Junior Not Hitting Yet

Ken Griffey Jr's broken right hand is getting better, but he's still not hitting yet, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Griffey has been able to participate in all the other spring training activities. "I'm stretching the tendons," he said. "I don't want to pop a tendon."

Advice: Griffey remains an injury risk as usual--he has not played more than 128 games in the past 6 seasons. If he plays 100 plus games this year, owners who take a gamble on Junior in the late rounds should be rewarded with 20 plus home runs. Monitor his hand through the spring and proceed with caution.
Source: RotoWire.com