One of the DTBL's all-time greats will play for his fourth team in four years in 2004. On Thursday, the Kings dealt outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to the Darkhorses for relief pitcher Tim Worrell. Griffey, a first round pick each of the last two years, is currently on the disabled list and will not play again in 2003. However, the Darkhorses are expected to protect him for next season.
When the Kings made it known that Griffey was available, several teams inquired about receiving him. The Darkhorses were the only team willing to give up a closer, something the Kings desperately needed. Worrell has 20 saves for the Darkhorses this season and 23 overall since being signed as a free agent in April. He will join Braden Looper as the only two regular closers in the Kings bullpen.
The Kings currently lead the Moonshiners by four points. This trade could give them a boost in the saves category, where they are currently ranked eighth. Meanwhile, the Darkhorses will likely finish the season in last place. Worrell has little future value to the Darkhorses, who should get a healthy Trevor Hoffman and Robb Nen back in their bullpen next year.
Griffey has 383 DTBL career home runs, but only 33 in the last 3 injury plagued seasons. He hit .230 with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs for the Kings this season. Griffey only got 22 at bats as a member of the Choppers in 2002. Prior to that, he spent his entire career with Peter's Panthers.
Worrell is in his first DTBL season. To go along with his 20 saves, he has a very impressive 1.98 ERA and 1.100 WHIP. He will likely be a finalist for DTBL Rookie of the Year.
This deal figures to help both teams. The Kings needed immediate bullpen help and had little use for the injured Griffey. The Darkhorses acquired a superstar outfielder that could help them turn things around next year.
