Knights 2B part of Griffey deal

Cincinnati has been bracing for a Ken Griffey Jr. trade since about four seconds after his 600th HR ball landed.

The prevailing thought was that Griffey would end up in Seattle, where his career began.

Leave it to Kenny Williams to change all that.

The White Sox GM, never shy from pulling the trigger on any deal, added Griffey to the South Side today, giving up RP Nick Massett and Charlotte Knights 2B Danny Richar.

Griffey, who had to approve the deal, was linked to the White Sox a couple offseasons ago, but the Reds were unwilling to part then. But his willingness to play for a World Series contender was enough for the future Hall of Famer waive his no-trade clause.

Richar has been one of the more promising prospects playing in Fort Mill, although his numbers have been mediocre this year, hitting .262 with 9 HR and 11 SB this year.  Richar played 56 games for the White Sox last year, hitting .230 with 6 HR and 16 walks.

Here's a clip of Richar working the count in a 14-pitch at-bat last year against Pawtucket. The video is edited, less than two minutes and the final pitch may very well surprise you:

Fantasy spin: Griffey's value should increase a hair as he'll be joining a slightly better lineup but should be rejuvenated. He's worth a claim in AL-only leagues, but wait to see what happens with the Manny Ramirez before putting in a claim.

Manny update: Ramirez has waived his no-trade clause as a possible three-way deal between the Red Sox/Marlins/Pirates heats up. The early buzz has Manny going to the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida going to Pittsburgh and Jason Bay to the Red Sox. Boston would also pick up all of Manny's salary.

The deal seems to be hinging on prospects and/or other complimentary players in the deal. Everyone is weighing in their opinion on whether or not this deal will get done. My gut says that Boston wants to do whatever it takes to wash their hands of Ramirez, who vocalized earlier today he wanted out. The problem is that about one of every 10 rumored three-way deals every comes to fruition. They're just too complicated.