On Thursday July 31st, 2008 Ken Griffey Jr. was traded to the White Sox in a deal that was made about 10 years too late.

Be certain that Griff Jr WILL be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. The thing is, the majority of his numbers were put up while in a Mariners uniform. The guy roamed center field on Seattle's old beat up turf and has paid the consequences with injury after injury. Don't get me wrong... back in the day, Jr. WAS the premium 5 tool star that every team coveted.

It remains to be seen how this trade will benefit the Southsiders. The only thing that I can think of is that management thinks that Griffey's presence will put some pressure on guys like Nick Swisher and Paul Konerko to produce to their full abilities. The season is barely even HALFWAY over! These two will produce... Swisher is going to get in his late season groove and Konerko's just got to get healthy.

What I see is a desperate move to fill a void left by Konerko's possible impending absence due to his wrist problems. Otherwise, I can't see how this is justified... Carlos Quentin in left field, Swisher at centerfield/ first base, Jermaine Dye in right field, Jim Thome at DH, and Paul Konerko at first base (if healthy). Where does Griff Jr. fit in?

Time will only tell...

Go Sox!