Suggestions that the struggling Cincinnati Reds might trade outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. during the season are premature, general manager Walt Jocketty said yesterday without ruling out that it could happen.

The 38-year-old outfielder is in the final guaranteed year of his contract. The Reds have an option to keep him next year for $16.5 million and could buy out the option for $4 million.

The club's poor start has sparked speculation that Griffey and others could be traded in July if things don't improve.

Griffey would have the right to block any trade. However, he has said that if the club comes to him about one, he would listen.

"I think it's a little bit premature," Jocketty said in response. "I have had no trade discussions with him. I'm not saying that couldn't happen, but it just hasn't at this point."

Yankees

New York reliever Kyle Farnsworth attended his appeal hearing and hopes to have his three-game suspension reduced. Farnsworth was penalized for throwing a fastball behind the neck of Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez last month but insisted it wasn't intentional.

Elsewhere

The players association has expressed concern to the commissioner's office over the lack of offers to Barry Bonds. The union did not go as far as to file a grievance on behalf of the 43-year-old outfielder, who remains unsigned and hasn't received any offers since the Giants decided not to re-sign him last year.