M’S, Griffey Eager To Start Talking Having Put Out The Fires, Extended Contract Now Takes The Spotlight

After a week of putting out fires, the Seattle Mariners will get back to the burning issue of 1996 - trying to extend the contract of Ken Griffey Jr.

Griffey’s agent, Cincinnati-based Brian Goldberg, will talk again Wednesday with team president Chuck Armstrong, their first serious discussions since Griffey hinted last week he might ask to be traded rather than continue his career in Seattle.

“The stories last week hurt the negotiations and slowed the process because both the Mariners and I had to deal with so many side issues,” Goldberg said. “Junior’s taken aback by the way it’s been portrayed. What he said wasn’t all that big a deal.

“All he meant was that if it didn’t work out, he was thinking ahead.”

Like Goldberg, Armstrong said the team was eager to focus on the issue at hand.

“He’s the most important player in franchise history; he’s the best player in baseball today,” Armstrong said. “I want him playing center field for us when we open the new stadium. I’d like him to be an icon here.. Cal Ripken Jr. is in Baltimore.”

Before that can happen, the M’s must lure Griffey, 26, into a contract that extends beyond this season.

“What’s happened the last week has been a disservice to the team and to Ken,” Goldberg said. “The team could not have treated Junior better. It’s not a matter of whether he likes them - his concerns are over whether the team can win.”

“He’s been chastised for things he said - or supposedly said - and I know there’s not a mean bone in his body,” Armstrong said. “I’m on his side in this. And we’d like to keep him on our side. We’re still cautiously optimistic we can get something done.”