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Season of discontent Griffey, Reds see playoff hopes dim
By Mark Viviano, CNNSI.com ATLANTA -- No one is likely to find out who Ken Griffey Jr. is because he rarely does interviews, explaining that he doesn't like to talk about himself. When he is heard from he is usually firing back at critics who call him a whiner. It is left to his teammates to speak on his behalf. "The tough part is when you get those negative vibes going through the media," said Cincinnati first baseman Sean Casey. "And it all starts circulating and no one gives it a rest. But Griff's having a great year and he has been great for this team." Added Casey, "I think the expectations are so high for Ken Griffey Jr. He's the Michael Jordan, the Tiger Woods of baseball and they [the fans] expect astronomical numbers. But he's putting up some big numbers this year." Griffey has said he would need lawyer Johnnie Cochran to defend himself against all his critics. But Griffey did take up his own cause when he was hammered by Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman for a lack of hustle. The two engaged in a shouting match before a game in Cincinnati last week. Brennaman declined an interview saying he doesn't want to perpetuate the controversy. But says he stands by his criticism of Griffey and won't hesitate to point out a lack of hustle if he sees it again.
"I don't think it would be easy on anybody," said outfielder Michael Tucker. "But he's one of those guys who's used to succeeding wherever he's been. So now he's going through a rough time. It's a little difficult for him, but the numbers he's putting up... a lot of people would be happy with the numbers he's putting up now." Griffey's current production has him on a pace to hit 40 homers and drive in 120 runs in his first season with the Reds. That's outstanding production by most standards, but Griffey's a victim of his own higher standard. He averaged 52 homers and 142 RBI in his last four seasons in Seattle. So he hears boos in Cincinnati. "Well, I guess when you're in that class, that's part of the game," said manager Jack McKeon. "It's like when you're a manager and you're winning, you're great. When you're losing, you're a bum. It's all part of the game. We have to live with it and you have to accept it because of the celebrity status." Has the negative publicity gotten to Griffey? "Yeah, it gets to some people," says second baseman Pokey Reese. "I don't know. I can't answer that question. I don't let it bother me. People will say what they want to say. I just go out and play and give 110 percent. That's all we can all do, you know what I mean? Who cares what people say about you." But Griffey makes it known that he does care what's said about him. And it's part of why this season has been an unhappy homecoming.
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