In a weekend filled with great sports moments, my favorite has to be the one involving Ken Griffey Jr. Reports out of Seattle are that when Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu wanted the lefty to pinch-hit during a game last week, Junior was asleep in the clubhouse. Two unidentified teammates were quoted as saying Griffey ran back to the clubhouse to grab a jacket in the fifth inning and was found 'sound asleep' in a chair in the seventh. I don't blame him. Have you tried to watch a Seattle Mariners game lately? They should prescribe videotape of M's games to insomnia patients. Forget counting sheep, watch a Casey Kotchman at-bat. It will be morning before you know it.
Seriously though, enough's enough with this guy. I've heard of pitchers sleeping in the clubhouse on their off-day or closers catching a few z's until the seventh inning stretch, but this is a tad ridiculous. You're making a couple million dollars, at least stay conscious during the game if you're only going to hit your weight. Manny might show up at the wrong stadium or in the wrong clubhouse but he's always ready to play. I just hope Seattle doesn't react to harshly and cut him, which is what any player other than Griffey would probably get dealt. His legendary status in that city will save him, but for how much longer remains to be seen. He was so dynamic and spectacular during his career, this is not the way I want to remember him. Had it not been for several unfortunate injuries, brought on by how hard he played, we would be looking at Junior approaching 1000 home runs. The sweetest swing in baseball history is now used only to cool off the pitcher when he's feeling a little too hot. Please Junior, just hang 'em up. You'll sleep much better at home.
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