Merged: How long for Griffey? / Griffey's return on schedule

[BuckWoody]

Just saw this on Lance's blog:

1) Reds as a team with Griffey averaged 7.29 runs per game this year. Without Jr, they have averaged 5.1, a drop of 2.19 runs per game (and this includes 11 and 12 run games w/o Junior). Last 8 games, 4.11 runs per game.

2) Averages of Freel, Lopez, Dunn (regulars at the top of the order most affected by Griffey's presence in the lineup) with and w/o Jr in the lineup:

Freel: .438 with Jr, .219 since
Lopez: .324 with Jr, .221 since
Dunn: .370 with Jr, .212 since

Looks like a strong argument for getting Jr. back in there as soon as possible.

It looks as though that Aurillia has pulled a groin in tonight's game. If he is placed on the dl, that might clear the way for Dunn to shift to first and let Freel play in left. Aurillia was playing well, but him possilbly going to the dl might be a blessing in disguise...

Excellent point!

[TeamBoone]

Bad weather keeps Griffey off the field
By Hal McCoy / Staff Writer

DENVER | Ken Griffey Jr.'s injury odyssey continues and he isn't with the Cincinnati Reds in Denver for a two-games series, perhaps a weather-related decision.

Asked if the weather was an extenuating circumstance for Griffey's extended absence, manager Jerry Narron said, "Yes, it was. We saw the forecast and Griffey did, too."

Narron said it continues to be Griffey's call as to when his right knee will enable him to play, "Because he knows his body better than we do."

There is an interesting theory floating about.

With Griffey in the lineup, the Reds are 5-3. Since he hurt his knee, the team is 14-5. Perhaps because the team is doing so well, Griffey doesn't want to come back and disrupt what is happening, that maybe he'll wait until the team cools off and needs him.

It would be within Griffey's personality and his team-first philosophy.

"I don't think that's the case and I certainly hope it isn't," said Narron. "He is a pretty good player, you know."

Could the Reds see him in Phoenix, where most games are played under roof?

"All I know is that he did some running this morning (Wednesday) in Cincinnati," said Narron.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sport...snotesweb.html

[flyer85]

gosh and I thought it was his knee.
no, it was the back of the hammy,
wait, it's the tendon.

As it turns out it's just a weather problem.

[KronoRed]

Time for a bionic body

[RedRoser]

Time for a bionic body

. . . or a trade.

[Blarkin]

Let the rain keep coming then. We are winning with out him. "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

[Strikes Out Looking]

Waiting for perfect playing conditions is just plain stupid. If he can't play, have him retire and get the insurance on his contract.

If he can play, activate him and play him. This odyssey to getting Jr. back in the lineup is the nuttiest thing I've seen in a long time. While I'm no Bonds fan, he is at least playing when he can barely walk. It's time to fish or cut bait.

[reds44]

No Griffey this weekend

DENVER -- Word is, Ken Griffey Jr. still is not ready to go and will not be joining the team in Phoenix tomorrow.

The earliest he likely would be activated is Tuesday, when the Reds start a homestand against the Nationals.

-Marc's blog

[BRM]

I'm shocked by this news.

[VR]

Well at least he'll be back in time for the next homestand, let's run out and buy tickets! Hooray!

[edabbs44]

Starting to get ridiculous...you'd think they were guarding nuclear secrets at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if the next headline is "Griffey Has Routine Knee Surgery".

[membengal]

Tune in Tuesday for the next in the continuing never-ending saga of Reds' excuses when it comes to Jr.'s knee and his "return"...

[KronoRed]

We're gonna hear this before each series for awhile.

[Dunner44]

Please, front office, just be up front about his injury status. At least they are telling us ahead of time, but just say: His knee is crapped out, and it will be a month.

[Chip R]

Obviously it is too cold for him in Denver and too hot in Phoenix.