Wednesday, December 01, 1999
Reds continue Griffey talks
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Reds' trade talks with the Seattle about Ken Griffey Jr. have remained at a steady hum, which could prove significant as next week's winter meetings approach.
Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said Tuesday that he “continues to have dialogue” regarding Griffey with Seattle GM Pat Gillick.
Bowden cited remarks published in The Enquirer last Saturday, when he said that the Mariners still insist on a package including most of the Reds' best players — a quartet believed to consist of first baseman Sean Casey, second baseman Pokey Reese, Rookie of the Year reliever Scott Williamson and left-hander Denny Neagle. Bowden has steadfastly refused to trade Casey or Reese.
But the annual meeting of club officials scheduled to begin next Friday in Anaheim, Calif., could give the Reds and Mariners a chance to intensify negotiations by convening face-to-face.
Griffey, the 10-time All-Star center fielder and Cincinnati native, was unable to agree on a multiyear contract extension with the Mariners, prompting them to explore trade options as he enters the final year of his current deal.
Despite Griffey's status as a premier players, the Mariners have found little interest among teams besides Cincinnati, partly because they won't allow prospective employers to discuss a contract beyond next season with him.
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