Gary Sheffield Released by Tigers
It didn't take long for the dominoes to start falling, in lieu of yesterday's trade for Josh Anderson. The Detroit Tigers released Gary Sheffield this morning, telling him they preferred a roster with more versatile players that could switch between positions.
Sheff, as we know all too well, is pretty much restricted to playing DH, though he insisted all along he could still play the outfield. The Tigers are on the hook for the $14 million owed to Sheffield for this season.
I have to say, I'm pretty stunned by this and didn't see it coming. A tip of the cap goes to Scott Warheit, who speculated such a move might occur (linked in today's Morning Prowl). This certainly allows the Tigers more lineup flexibility in terms of shuffling players around the outfield and DH spot. Sheffield looked to me like an immovable object at DH, anchored by that $14 million contract and a manager that seemed to be exceedingly loyal to him.
But apparently, Jim Leyland meant it when he said that players had to earn their opportunities. And Sheffield certainly hadn't done that this spring. Despite coming into camp presumably healthy, Sheff only hit .178/.378/.387 with three homers and five RBIs in 58 plate appearances. He struck out 10 times, while also drawing 13 walks.
Sheffield ends his Tigers career with a .247/.352/.431 average, adding 44 home runs and 132 RBIs in 247 games. It just never quite clicked as everyone had hoped when he was acquired from the Yankees before the 2007 season, largely because Sheff just couldn't stay healthy. And now, he'll have to hit that 500th career home run someplace else.
Where does this leave the Tigers, as their final roster needs to be determined? Well, it appears that Marcus Thames will remain in Detroit (we'll have to change that poll, eh?), now that he can toggle between the outfield and designated hitter. Jeff Larish will also likely find himself with the team as it heads to Toronto for Opening Day. Left field and DH probably once again become kind of a carousel, with opportunities to also give Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez a rest when needed.
Thanks to Sean and Trumbull and Michigan, who sent me a text message when the big news broke, everyone who commented on the news in this morning's first post, and to BennieBladesFan for posting a very timely note in the FanPosts.
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WELL.....
There goes my WASTED last pick in the Grandy League! At least I also predicted a MSU victory. 1 out of 2 ain’t bad……
Damien Easley
At least it’s only a year on the hook right?
Thames
The only thing I disagree with in Ian’s assessment of this roster move is that it assures both Thames and Larish a spot on the team. If Anderson is going to be on the roster the only thing releasing Sheff did was clear a spot for him. There are still presumably 4 guys (Larish, Thames, Raburn and Clevlen) fighting over two roster spots. And now that Anderson is on the team there is a little less opportunity for OF-only players to make it. Larish will certainly be on the team and possibly even an everyday player splitting time with Guillen between LF and DH. Taking another guy who is restricted to LF and DH seems unlikely. I wouldn’t be surprised if Raburn’s “versatility” gets him on the team despite his lackluster spring.
So my poll question is still valid?
Fingers are crossed.
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 31, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
OT
Brandon Lyon just gave up a homer. I’d like to stick him where the sun don’t shine. For the love of God, is this the best we can do.
In an earlier comment
Boney raised the idea of moving Granderson to third or fifth in the lineup. Should we be taking note that he’s batting fifth in the game against the Nats today? Signs of things to come, perhaps? Or just to get Anderson some time at lead-off and see how he does?
I don't know what to think anymore
Yesterday at this time, I’d have told you there’s no way Sheffield would be released. Yet I still feel like Anderson isn’t going to be a full-time player.
I might have to let Boney take over. He’s making the most sense out of all of us.
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 31, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions
Phillies
mlbtraderumors is saying the Phillies have contacted Shef’s agent… couldn’t we have arranged a trade, for say, a dozen bats and a bag of balls?
Phils probably didn't want to pay more than $400,000
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 31, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably so!
But wouldn’t you know it that he’ll probably end up with the World Series winners. He’d love playing there. No hard feelings, I wish him the best. But if he recovers, you know we’ll all be sick.
my first reaction to sheffied getting
my first reaction when I got a text from a fellow Tiger fan was “I thought my birthday was in July?” what aaaaaaaaaaaaaa relief..I only wish they could get some team to pick the bums contract up…and I only call him a bum because not only is he washed up forty year old..he has ALWAYS had a big mouth…good riddance

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