Former Alabama and UALR Arkansas basketball coach Wimp Sanderson once gave me the secret on how you make a pre-conference basketball schedule.  He said you pick good football schools that didn't have good basketball teams (like Nebraska) or schools that had a good year a couple of years ago but are down now (Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Arizona). 

I was reminded of that story yesterday when the White Sox picked up Ken Griffey Jr.  Once a great baseball player, time and injuries have taken their toll on the hall of famer who is in the sunset of his career.  Instead of finding some relief for a struggling bullpen or backing up the floundering Jose Contreras and Javy Vazquez, Sox GM Kenny Williams instead went for offense.

The assertion that Junior is still a huge upgrade over any of the Sox struggling bats or their backup center field has more stretch marks than a woman who gave birth to septuplets.  Sure, if the Sox had speedy corner outfielders maybe it wouldn't be so bad for Griffey in center.  But, with Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye around him, Griffey will look old and slow.

Here's another item: All year long you've heard about what a great clubhouse this is.  I'm not saying Griffey is a bad clubhouse guy, but the complications his presence now causes are many.  There are a number of players whose PT is now in jeopardy because of the acquisition.  Paul Konerko would be the first name out there, much to the delight of many Sox fans (not me.)  Nick Swisher will also see less PT.  And Brian Anderson and DeWayne Wise will get to play once in a blue moon, used primarily for pinch running and perhaps late inning defense.  Even Jim Thome, who has performed well as of late may have some of his PT threatened by Griffey. 

So, what did this move do besides create a log jam?  Nothing.  Nada. Zip.  And if you think Griffey will suddenly become rejuvenated and return to his once held glory, I suggest that you study the highlight film of the 1973 world series, specifically the performance of Willie Mays.

In addition to the Griffey trade, there is the frustration of a second game in the Twinkies series that got away from the Sox.  A 4-0 lead wasn't safe.  Matt Thornton stunk and coughed up a well pitched game by John Danks.  Yet, Kenny ignored this aspect of the game with the thought that if the Sox can score eight runs a game then they can simply out slug everyone.  Forget speed, defense and pitching, we've got guys who can hit.  And if they can't, we've got other guys that can hit.  Kenny, I love you, but this time you are killing me.

Some other thoughts on the big trade:

• Chris DeLuca has had a big glass of Kool-aid.  I couldn't disagree more.
• Paul Moro likes the trade but isn't quite sure where Junior fits in (Ump Bump)
• Jeeves has been eavesdropping again. (Life in the Cell)
• Here's a positive detailed analysis (South Side Sox)
• Andrew believes this was a great move...if it were 1995 (35th Street Review)
• John says the acquisition of Griffey will ease Paul Konerko's one way ticket to Palookaville (Bugs & Cranks)
• Rickhouse, who runs Tremendous Upside Potential,is thrilled his baseball hero has arrived on the South Side, although he has more questions than answers. (Tremendous Upside Potential with link to Chicago Sun-Times)
• The Cheat questions why Kenny didn't go after what this team needs: Bullpen help (South Side Sox)
• The Cheat is also concerned about how entering Junior into the mix will affect everyone else (South Side Sox)
• The Natural Mevs is a little upset with the Reds and wonders how Junior will fit in with his new team (Diamond Hoggers)
• Jeeves does a nice breakdown of the series with the Twinkies (Life in the Cell)

Two other quick items:

• The dumbest thing I heard yesterday was on ESPN News (shock!)  About 4:45 they were going out to commercials and the male anchor (unless you count Linda Cohen as a man) was doing the tease out to spots.  They flashed Junior hitting a home run and he says "The White Sox now a contender."  EXCUSE ME?  I guess since the Sox are not the Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs or Braves he hadn't seen them play this year and had no clue that they've been leading their division since May.  Please, pick up a newspaper once in a while, assclown.
• Yahoo has Junior listed as #17.  Nick Swisher is the current occupant of Junior's number with the Reds, #30. Junior wore #30 with the Reds as a tribute to his dad who wore it when he played in Cincinnati.  He wore #24 with Seattle, but that number of course belongs to Joe Crede.