White Sox OF Griffey has surgery

Oct 16, 2008 - 4:14 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago White Sox center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee earlier this week but should be ready for spring training.

The Chicago Tribune reported that the 38-year-old Griffey had the surgery to repair a torn meniscus and cartilage in the knee on Tuesday in his hometown of Cincinnati.

Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who serves as the Cincinnati Reds' medical director, performed the procedure. The newspaper reported that recovery time is around four to eight weeks.

"Junior wanted to get it done early so he can rehab it and play a little lighter next spring," Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, told the Tribune.

Goldberg told the newspaper the knee bothered Griffey during his two months with the White Sox and that he told general manager Ken Williams of the injury before Chicago acquired the star from the Reds at the trade deadline. Griffey agreed to the trade because he wanted a chance to play in the postseason.

"Junior played through the pain until there was fluid buildup," Goldberg said. "He tried to play through it and didn't want to shut it down."

Griffey, who is fifth on the all-time list with 611 home runs, hit .260 with three homers and 18 RBI in 41 regular-season games with Chicago. He got his chance to play in the postseason, going 2-for-10 in the American League Division Series as the White Sox were eliminated in four games by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Where Griffey plays next year remains to be seen. Chicago is expected to decline Griffey's $16.5 million contract option, and according to the Tribune, the team will offer him a $4 million buyout, splitting payment with the Reds.

Goldberg said Griffey is open to taking less money to return to the White Sox.

"Junior loved the dynamics of the White Sox, from Kenny to (manager) Ozzie Guillen to some of the coaches," he told the newspaper. "We'll see what happens."

A 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, Griffey hit .245 with 15 homers and 53 RBI in 102 games with Cincinnati this season before being traded.