By Derek_Deis. Published Thursday, January 28th, 2010

SEATTLE (AP) -- Ken Griffey Jr. is ready to go for spring training.

Griffey had surgery on his left knee in October. Seattle Mariners trainer Rick Griffin says Griffey is "better now than he was at any time last year."

Griffin spent a few days with Griffey at his home in Florida this winter. The trainer said Thursday that the slugger has lost about seven pounds.

The 40-year-old Griffey hit .214 last season in his return to Seattle, with 19 homers and 57 RBIs in 117 games. He was a designated hitter for all but the first weeks of the season.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)