[EmpireWF]

From Ken Rosenthal..."When the Reds' Ken Griffey Jr. makes his Grapefruit League debut, it will be in right field, according to a source with knowledge of his situation. Griffey, recovering from a broken left hand, does not mind shifting from center to right, the source said. However, Griffey was under the impression that the Reds would delay their decision until midway through spring training while attempting to acquire a legitimate center fielder. Instead, he learned at the start of camp that he would be in right."


At least it seems like Griffey doesn't mind the change. It may ease the burden on him health wise since he won't have to cover as much field as he did while in center.

Anything to keep the guy healthy, right?

[Lefty Noob]

azrael had hinted that the move was being considered; they apparently have this kid Hamilton who will be starting in center. Don't know much about the guy, but maybe our faithful Reds moderator will fill us in with some details? (hint, hint)

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

azrael had hinted that the move was being considered; they apparently have this kid Hamilton who will be starting in center. Don't know much about the guy, but maybe our faithful Reds moderator will fill us in with some details? (hint, hint)

Always happy to talk about the Reds.

It was always a foregone conclusion Griffey was going to RF this year. If it wasn't Hamilton, it would be Freel or Denorfia.

He is a former 1st round draft pick that got into a lot of trouble, I believe drugs.He left the game for about 2 years. He got everything in his life sraightened out and came back to baseball. The Reds got him in the rule 5 draft from Tampa. They need to keep him on the roster or give him back.

Hamilton is having a great spring. He is hitting .487 with 1HR and 6 RBI. IMO he is the front runner for the spot, although, there has been talk of Freel getting the starting spot to begin the season. He has cooled off some this season, but nobody can hit .520 consistently. He has been slowed recently from shin splints. They say he is OK now, but that is why his numbers dropped off, and Freel will get the nod in CF. Only for a short time.

Hope this helps

[EmpireWF]

Oh Josh Hamilton. Isn't he the guy who was a top pick of the D-Rays way back when but fell into substance abuse and dropped out of the game? Glad to see that's behind him and he's trying at a career.

With numbers like that in the spring, he should get a chance to start.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Oh Josh Hamilton. Isn't he the guy who was a top pick of the D-Rays way back when but fell into substance abuse and dropped out of the game? Glad to see that's behind him and he's trying at a career.

With numbers like that in the spring, he should get a chance to start.

Yep, that's the guy. Narron has taken a personal interest in him. Before spring training started he invited him to his house to work out. It looks like it has paid off.