Ken Griffey Jr has returned to the Mariners as today it was announced that he will be rejoining the organization as Special Consultant. The position will include assisting with Major League Baseball Operations, player development, the minor league system, marketing, broadcasting and community relations.

The hope had always been to keep him in the organization and for Junior the intent was always to come back. Despite his abrupt departure in 2010 his feelings for the organization run deep and any question about that should have been put to rest when he immediately answered the call when Dave Niehaus passed away, both agreeing to come on the air and talk about him and dropping everything to fly cross country to attend a private remembrance a few days later.

When I checked in with him shortly after the ceremony he told me that he would see us all in Spring Training. In what capacity? "Well I have got to be there to give the guys grief, and play some golf," he answered. He couldn't stay away from baseball or the Mariners for long.

Aside from the name Griffey brings an incredible eye for baseball to the organization. Yes, he was supremely talented but he also has extraordinary baseball smarts. Talk to him about any hitter and you quickly see this. Organizations need good baseball people and that is exactly what Griffey is. How much will he contribute? I would expect quite a bit. From talks that I have had with him in the past I always got the feeling that he was not looking for a superficial position, that he wanted to have a chance to make an impact. Time will tell.

Griffey is expected to join the club here in Peoria for a portion of Spring Training. He will work in both the Major League and Minor Leauge camps. He will also make trips to Seattle during the season as well as visiting most or all of Seattle's minor league affiliates during the year.