Seattle Mariners: Grampa Griffey in a Rocking Chair

Mariners fans aren't the only ones bored by their lackluster performances on the field anymore. News came out recently that Ken Griffey, Jr. was asleep in the clubhouse during a game and missed an opportunity to pinch-hit in a game last week.

Yes, The Kid, 40 years old, was asleep in the clubhouse during a game.

How long can the Mariners keep this up? They're paying Griffey $2.35 million this year to bat .208 with only five RBIs in 23 games and 77 at-bats. He's making more this year than Franklin Gutierrez, who's batting over .300!

It's obvious that they didn't sign the Kid for his baseball skills. His contract includes not only performance bonuses, but bonuses based on this year's paid attendance at Safeco Field.

In 2009, 2.1 million people showed up to Safeco Field. If 2.5 million people show up this year, Griffey nets an extra $100,000 on his contract. If he also reaches 400 plate appearances, he gets an additional $150,000 on top of that.

They're paying $2.35 million to a 40-year-old washed-up superstar to put butts in the seats, plus extra for those filled seats. They're probably paying more to Griffey than they'll make off people going to see Griffey in the first place!

Two point three five million dollars on the open market will buy you more than a .200 batting average from the DH spot. The fact that the Mariners even start a DH that bats .200 is a bigger abomination than the Pat Burrell contract down in St. Petersburg.

It's clear what should happen. Griffey should be released as soon as possible.