Two things from John Hickey:

Goldberg [Griffey's agent] said he talked with Mariners' club president Chuck Armstrong...

...and Armstrong made it clear in no uncertain terms that new general manager Jack Zduriencik has full control and will be making the decisions on shaping the roster.

"Full control" sounds nice and all (No more commands from on high! No more blocked Washburn dumps! No more useless input from know-nothing suits!), but Armstrong is undeniably, irrefutably, hopelessly nostalgic, so we'll only know if he's telling the truth if Zduriencik arrives at the proper conclusion that Griffey has no place on this team. Because while it's one thing to make a promise, it's quite another to keep it when breaking it would give you something you really really really want.

Bakery Owner: Are you sure?
Cookie Monster: Yes, my trainer Amanda is in charge of my diet.
Bakery Owner: But why?
Cookie Monster: I'm way out of shape and I can't get better on my own.
Bakery Owner: This is what you want?
Cookie Monster: I think it's definitely going to be good for me in the long run.
Bakery Owner: Okay, then I'll just go ask her what I should do with this big box of snickerdoodles...
Cookie Monster: :leaves:
Bakery Owner:
Bakery Owner: :leaves:
Cookie Monster: :comes back:
Cookie Monster:
Cookie Monster:
Bakery Owner: :comes back:
Cookie Monster:
Bakery Owner:
Cookie Monster:
Bakery Owner: Amanda is dead.
Cookie Monster:
Bakery Owner:
Cookie Monster:
Bakery Owner:
Cookie Monster: Give me the cookies.