Bringing It Back

They did it! The Mariners finally came to their senses and signed a former All-Star, once considered one of the most feared hitters in the AL. My prayers have been answered. This is a great day for Mariners fans. Almost as good as the time Omar Vizquel had a conniption fit over Arthur Rhodes' bling.

Thursday's Mike Sweeney signing can be looked at from two perspectives:

1) It's a low cost, high upside deal that could pan out if Sweeney can stay healthy for more than 127 games (something he hasn't done since 2001).
2) The Mariners are definitely not bringing back Griffey.

The second perspective might be a pipe dream at this point. I had a conspiracy theory going on in my little brain last week that revolved around the giant Raul Ibanez billboard not being replaced immediately because it would soon adorn Junior's likeness.

Much to my dismay, a Felix Hernandez billboard showed up a few days before the Mariners annual Fan Fest.

The most irritating thing about the Junior saga is that the Mariners have yet to rule out a Griffey return. It's like they're purposely leading on the guy who bought season tickets under the assumption that Griffey would return, making his tickets a Willy Wonka golden (Not me. I swear. Although I can't deny it's under consideration).

While the Sweeney signing proves that Zduriencik is infinitely more competent than former GM Bill Bavasi (you know Bavasi would have given Sweeney a 3-year deal worth no less than $30 million), it does beg the question of why the hell haven't the Mariners signed Griffey?

At this point in his career, Griffey is far better than Sweeney. Junior's last good season was 2007 when he belted 30 bombs and knocked in 93. Sweeney hasn't been productive since 2005.

Yes, Sweeney signed a minor league deal - something Griffey is undoubtedly too proud to accept. So this contract is a win-win for the Mariners because Sweeney will either shatter his ankle going up the dugout steps in Peoria and get cut, or he will make the team, earn a few hundred AB's, and break his ankle going up the dugout steps at the Safe.

With Spring Training about a month away, the time bomb known as my annual Bring Back Griffey campaign is about to self destruct.