Talks to restart between Mariners, Ken Griffey Jr.

The burning question for Mariners fans ever since the season ended is this: Will franchise icon Ken Griffey Jr. be back for one more year?

Amidst growing speculation that the answer will be yes, the two sides will address the issue in earnest in the coming days.

"We definitely have plans to talk this week," Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg, said Saturday. "We just figured it wasn't worth discussing too much until the World Series is over.

"No matter what happens, whether Junior doesn't play again, or plays again in a limited role, or plays again in a major role, one thing that will never change is his and my special relationship with the Mariner organization as a whole, and individuals within it."

Goldberg and Griffey last met with Mariners executives in Seattle during the final weekend of the season in early October. The upcoming discussions will be by telephone.

Asked how Griffey is leaning as his 40th birthday approaches on Nov. 21, Goldberg said: "Really, the best thing I can say, nothing has changed since the end of the season, when Junior himself said he's open to coming back if the Mariners want him. It would never be Junior's intention to force himself on anyone, but at the same time, you want to see what the team has in mind."

On Friday, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik declined to discuss Griffey's status or that of any other free agent.

Goldberg refused to discuss specifics of negotiations or what each side is seeking as far as money or playing time. But he indicated that neither would be an impediment to a potential return by Griffey.

Griffey played 117 games last year as the left-handed platoon at designated hitter and earned $3.15 million.

"Whether Junior comes back or not, he certainly has no demands as far as dollars or playing time," Goldberg said.

While hitting just .214 in 387 at-bats, Griffey led the team in walks with 63, a sign that teams still respected his power.

Griffey is fifth on the all-time home run list with 630, trailing only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660). His 19 homers and 57 runs batted in projected to 26 and 80 over a 162-game season.

Griffey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Oct. 26 to remove a bone spur that bothered him periodically during the season.

Goldberg called the surgery "pretty routine" and added, "Whether he plays again or not, this will allow him to have more mobility."

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com