Quote:Ken Griffey Jr. could be released this month, reports Larry LaRue of The Tacoma News Tribune. The Mariners would prefer retirement, but at any rate, LaRue believes "the end is near" for Junior.

The link isn't working at the moment, but LaRue's story details Griffey's problems beyond his lack of offensive production. Apparently he is not proving valuable as a teammate either. For instance, LaRue says Griffey was unavailable to pinch-hit recently because he was asleep in the clubhouse during a game.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/05/gr...um=twitter

The Sox could always pick him up.

I've been going with the assumption he'll retire sometime mid-season. Catching a catnap in the clubhouse during a game is one of those things I suspect is less abnormal than we think it is- but that's just embarrassing.

I hope he gets elected to the All-Star game like Schmidt did after he retired.