Battle Royale

1. Ken Griffey Jr. is one away from hitting his 600th career home run. Would it be in his and the Mariners’ best interest for him to return to Seattle?

Sheena

Ken Griffey Jr. is an immortal icon of Mariners baseball and one of the reasons I began to pay attention to the sport in the first place. I think it’s pretty clear — by the way he was greeted last June at Safeco and how Mariners President Chuck Armstrong told USA Today, “He was born a Mariner, and I’d like to see him finish up as a Mariner,” — there would be elation on both sides upon his return, not to mention a spike in ticket sales. Who knows how much difference this 38-year-old can really make, but it would sure make that 10-year-old girl inside of me extremely happy.

Maks

I can’t imagine why it would be in anyone’s best interest to join a team as bad as Seattle. No player alone is really good enough to salvage the Mariners’ season, and definitely not Ken Griffey Jr. at this point in his career. I’m sure he can help offset some of this Mariners’ financial losses, though. Jersey, anyone?

Christian

It’s in the Mariners’ best interest to stop sucking. Whether they suck with Griffey or without him is pretty much moot at this point. It would be nice to see him finish his career in Seattle, but it would also be nice to not be the worst team in the major leagues. Even with Griffey, the latter isn’t going to change.

Ben

It would be in any team’s best interest to have Griffey in its club right now. Cincinnati is going to have near sell-outs every game that Griffey plays in until he hits his 600th, and they know this. This being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Reds deal Griffey to Seattle after he hits it. After all, even an aged Griffey is better than most of Seattle’s offense, and Seattle would love to pull out their vintage 24 jerseys.

2. It’s the Celtics and the Lakers in the final show. Who do you think is going to come out on top, and what is going to be the deciding factor?

Sheena

It’s probably been said before, but the Celtics need to take care of their ball. Only one team has turned the ball over more times than the Celtics (16.9 per 100 possessions) during the regular season, so turnovers are going to be crucial for the Celtics if they want a shot. Even though both teams finished with the best record in their conference, my vote goes to the Lakers — with their incredibly efficient offense and ability to not do as poorly on the road — to take it all home.

Maks

I bet a Lakers fan $10 that the Jazz would take care of the Lakers two rounds ago, so I’m still bitter. Celtics in game six — I think the first team to outscore their opponent in four games wins.

Christian

Hopefully the Celtics. Boston sports fans have had to go without a championship over the last seven months, ever since the Red Sox won the World Series way back in Oct. 2007. I can’t imagine the pain they must be feeling by now.

Ben

Celtics vs. Lakers — a true classic. There is so much to be excited about for these finals that it’s got fans and, more importantly, NBA commissioner David Stern drooling. Like the Super Bowl, though, I feel that Boston’s star-studded roster will ultimately be upset. If reigning Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant continues his dominance, the Lakers will come out on top.