By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - No matter how hard he tries, Reds general manager Jim Bowden can't kill the Ken Griffey Jr.-Baltimore Orioles trade rumors.

"I can't help it," Bowden said. "It didn't come from me. We haven't had any trade discussions about Junior."

The story started when the Baltimore Sun, citing sources, reported Thursday that Orioles owner Peter Angelos gave his front office permission to take on the $79 million due Griffey in the final six years of his contract.

Bowden, however, says the trade won't happen because Griffey's not available.

"Several teams have inquired about Junior," Bowden said. "I've told them the same thing: Ken Griffey Jr. is going to be our center fielder on Opening Day in Great American Ball Park.

"You can't be any clearer than that."

The Reds tried to deal Griffey to San Diego in December for Phil Nevin, but Nevin blocked the trade.