Braves Report

Update #3: According to seattlepi.com, Griffey has chosen the Mariners over the Braves. A disappointing end, to be sure, that only adds to the list of the players that the Braves have been unable to sign.

As for the current situation of the team, I question how the lack of a powerful offense will affect the Braves in 2009. Hopefully, Wren will make some moves for a bat, because this team only has two or three consistently reliable bats and an outfield that is deficient in power. At this point, however, I just hope that they sign someone.

Update #2: Griffey has not made a decision yet.

Update #1: The Braves’ website is reporting that Griffey has not made a decision yet. Hopefully, this doesn’t turn into another Furcal incident. Will update again as soon as more information is revealed.

While it appears that the Braves have seemingly done nothing to address their power problems/outfield this off-season, a piece to the puzzle has been found. Ken Griffey Jr. has tentatively agreed to sign with the Braves, according to the AJC.

Ken Griffey Jr. has chosen to sign with the Braves, according to a person close to the veteran star and familiar with the ongoing negotiations. Griffey and Braves general manager Frank Wren met Monday in Orlando, and Wren and Griffey’s agent were scheduled to meet today in an effort to finalize a deal.

…

The two teams made similar offers, believed to be in the range of $1.5-2 million guaranteed, with incentives tied to staying healthy and getting a high number of plate appearances.

The 13-time All-Star would likely play in a platoon (ugh) in left field with Diaz and/or as a backup center fielder. Either way, because his guaranteed salary is so low, the Braves aren’t taking that much of a risk for somebody who has so much experience. Certainly, he stands to add more power to the outfield, which was absolutely deprived of it last year.

[Above: An artist's depiction of "The Kid"]

As for me, a Little Big League aficionado, this is a dream come true. If nothing else, he’ll provide some entertainment value in the upcoming season.

More details will follow as they become available.