LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. -- The bidding to acquire the services of Ken Griffey Jr. is now a four-team race, according to a published report.

	Griffey

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Wednesday the Mariners have narrowed the list of teams in a potential trade for Griffey, but it is unlikely a deal will be done by the end of the general managers' meetings, which conclude Thursday.

Mariners GM Pat Gillick has met with 14 teams so far, with four standing out as contenders for the All-Star center fielder. Gillick did not identify the four clubs, but said "There have been some aggressive clubs in the (National League) Central."

Gillick said Wednesday he has received five tangible offers for Griffey, but none was to his liking. Gillick did not provide specifics on any of the offers.

The Astros, Cardinals and Reds are believed to be three teams that have expressed interested in Griffey, who last week requested a trade to a team closer to his residence in Orlando, Fla.

The New York Mets are also considered among the teams with the most interest in making a trade.

Meanwhile, there are indications the Atlanta Braves, the team first thought to be a likely destination for Griffey, are not willing to part with Andruw Jones and starter Kevin Millwood. The Braves reportedly are focused on signing third baseman Chipper Jones to long-term contract. Chipper Jones, like Griffey, will be a free agent after next season.

Gillick had no comment on the Braves' status in trade talks.