“An indication of how the landscape has changed” here in Tampa Bay.

That’s how one of our sports gurus here describes recent trade rumors involving the Rays and Reds slugger, Ken Griffey Jr.

Very-unlikely.

First of all, I love Junior! He was my favorite player growing up, with the backwards hat during BP and the way he patrolled the outfield. He redefined the way centerfielders played the game by crashing into walls to make acrobatic catches and sky-ing over the fences to rob homeruns.

That being said, we don’t need him here in Tampa Bay.

And furthermore, the Rays won’t pull the trigger on this deal.

Do the Rays NEED another left-handed OF/DH?

Will the team pick up his $16.5 million option for next season? No way.

No doubt about it, Junior would do the Rays a favor by putting butts in the seats, but ultimately, the Rays have made WAY to much progress this season to deal it away for a 39-year-old outfielder.

And in the end, they don’t really need him.

>Bobby Lewis