Griffey files for free agency

Nov 5, 2008 - 12:19 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Ken Griffey Jr. highlighted a list of nine players that filed for free agency on Tuesday.

The Chicago White Sox on Thursday declined the club option for 2009 on the contract of the 38-year-old Griffey, who ranks fifth all time with 611 career home runs.

Griffey was acquired by the White Sox on July 31 from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar. The veteran outfielder combined to hit .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBI last season with Cincinnati and Chicago.

Known as one of the greatest players of this generation, Griffey ranks among the all-time leaders in many offensive categories. The 13-time All Star and 1997 American League Most Valuable Player ranks 10th with 1,152 extra-base hits, 15th with 5,092 total bases, 18th with 1,772 RBI and 30th with 1,613 runs scored.

Other players to file for free agency Tuesday were outfielders Cliff Floyd, Luis Gonzalez and Trot Nixon, pitchers Mark Mulder, Elmer Dessens and Mike Timlin, catcher Gary Bennett and shortstop Juan Castro. Floyd was a member of the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays this past season.

The file period runs through November 13.