As the Phillies prepare for a big four-game series with the Cincinnatti Reds, Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. has something bigger on his mind.  600 home runs. 

The future Hall of Famer hit career home run 599 off Jair Jurrjens Saturday against the Braves, putting him one away from the most treasured company in baseball history (though some might debate the status of a couple members).  Griffey went 2 for 3 yesterday, but kept the ball in the park, so he’s looking to be the sixth memeber of the 600 home run club on the road.  Philadelphia might be the place it happens.  A well known hitters park, balls are known to travel out of it at record pace. 

Although Citizens Bank Park is known as a hitters park throughout the league, Griffey hasn’t had a ton of success there.  In 12 career games, Griffey is hitting .241 with 2 home runs and 13 RBI’s.  While his career numbers aren’t great at CBP, Griffey has been swinging the bat well, so don’t be surprised if career home run 600 is deposited into the right field stands between now and Thursday.

While fans of the Phillies and Reds alike look forward to seeing Griffey make history, he’s not so focused on it; or at least that’s what he’s saying. 

“You guys talk about it more than I do,” Griffey told the media in the Reds clubhouse Sunday. “My biggest thing is to get wins. I’m not worried about 600.”

He’s saying he’s not worried about it, but hitting #600 has to be on his mind.  Comments like this are something Griffey has done throughout his career.  It has to do more with the class Griffey has shown during his career, and he’d rather the media focus on the team, rather then himself.  Unfortunately, it’s a media circus.  The only way to get the focus off him is to hit 600.

Griffey no doubt will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, but in a way his career is sad.  If not riddled with injuries thoughout the middle of his career, Griffey would be chase the all-time home run recrod, currently held by Barry Bonds, not bein the first player since Sammy Sosa to hit 600 home runs.

As much as I want the Phillies to sweep the Reds and solify their hold on first place in the NL East, if Griffey hit 600 in one of the next four games, I wouldn’t be upset.  It’s history we’re talking about.