Griffey to the ChiSox: Deal or No Deal

Now that the White Sox have made their deadline deal for a big-name, over-the-hill, former superstar it is time for speculation. You probably haven't been following Jr. that closely this year. I know I wasn't. When I saw his numbers(.245, 15 homers, 53 RBIs) I have to admit I was disappointed. His hitting has declined, he can't play center like he used to and who knows what kind of affect he will have on the clubhouse chemistry.

But this is a deal that Kenny Williams had to make. He got Griffey Jr. and his 600+ career home runs for for last week's SI and a 6 pack of Old Style(AKA the underachieving Nick Masset and the un-needed Danny Richar). You make that deal 10 times out of 10. It is a no lose situation. If he is terrible or gets hurt, no harm no foul. More likely he will be motivated by a chance to go deep in the playoffs, along with the chance to play in a hitter's park sandwiched by solid hitting.

He may not pay immediate dividends, or even be responsible for that many more wins. But in a division race and a possible playoff run, this is one aging slugger your gonna be happy to have on your side. And, Man, is that swing gonna look pretty in White Sox Uniform.