04/25/24
April 01, 2009
Tigers Release Sheffield One Homer Shy of 500: Nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield has been released by the Detroit Tigers with just one home run to go before he reaches 500. The 40-year-old was hitting .178 in 18 spring training with five homers. Any team can sign Sheffield for the $400,000 minimum and Detroit must pay the remainder of his $14 million salary. "I wouldn't say I'm shocked, but I am surprised," said Sheffield. Hitting 500 will put Sheff in the 500-homer, 2,500-hit, 1,500-RBI, 200-steal club with five others. Before following the link, can you name them?
He's a 40 year old who was a below-average player last year that either didn't show he can still hit this spring or couldn't be bothered to show it in spite of carrying a big price tag and a bad rep. I've no doubt someone will give him a look-see at the veteran minimum, but I can also see why the Tigers might rather just get rid of him. Yes it costs you $14 million, but he costs $14 million whether he sits at home or sits on your bench grousing. If someone else gives them a better chance of winning (and Thames does if last year wasn't an aberration for either player) and you're worried Sheffield might not like being a bench guy, you cut him.
posted by yerfatma at 03:40 PM on April 01, 2009
From the article:
"I wouldn't say I'm shocked, but I am surprised," Sheffield told The Oakland Press of Pontiac. "To do this when somebody is one home run away I don't know how to react to it."
So Sheffield thinks that the Tigers shouldn't cut him because he's about to hit number 500? Thanks for making the Tigers point for them, sheff.
posted by cjets at 04:20 PM on April 01, 2009
Pick him up, keep him until his 500th homer, merchandise the hell out of it, then kick his ass to the kerb.
Seems like common sense to me.
posted by Drood at 04:21 PM on April 01, 2009
I don't think Sheff's quote is that bad. He went on to say that "It's probably a blessing."
posted by rcade at 04:36 PM on April 01, 2009
It speaks to his "me first" attitude, which is probably one of the reasons he's been on seven teams, soon to be eight, in his career.
posted by cjets at 05:17 PM on April 01, 2009
I can't argue with that point, but he had family coming to Detroit to see the milestone and had $14 million reasons to think he'd be there to achieve it. Sheff is not generally at a loss for words when he's pissed, and here he's pretty mild.
I don't think Sheff's home run milestone is very marketable for his next club. If he was 5 or 10 away, the team could make a big deal out of it. But just one?
posted by rcade at 05:28 PM on April 01, 2009
rcade, I totally agree that his being only one homer away from 500 really diminishes the value to a new team. No chance to build up to it. Heck, he could hit it in the first game he plays, then what?
It would be sad to not see him get the chance to hit 500, I'll be surprised if someone doesn't pay the $400,000 for him.
posted by dviking at 06:29 PM on April 01, 2009
Sheffield was never that impressive while in Detroit. Yes he still has power, but he also hit .225 last year which didn't help the team out at all. Thames has some scary power and has the potential to be a fearsome everyday hitter, provided he has the stamina for a whole season. Personally, I think it is better that they got rid of Sheffield over trading Thames, even with the salary hit they'll be taking.
Plus it gives the Tigers a little more flexibility with their opening day roster.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:38 PM on April 01, 2009
I entertained the thought that Sheffield might return to the Brewers, the team that drafted him in the first round and where he played his first four seasons. But two years ago Sheff said Bud Selig was lying about not knowing the steroid problem. I can't imagine Bud has forgotten.
posted by rcade at 06:44 PM on April 01, 2009
I think any team would be stupid not picking him up for $400,000. Let the anticipation build a little (by not inserting him in the lineup right away), set it up for a ten game home stand, and my guess is that the $400,000 used to acquire him would be paid back quickly just by fans who have the desire to catch that ball or hold that ticket stub. $14 million is a whole different story.
posted by BoKnows at 07:17 PM on April 01, 2009
Heck, he could hit it in the first game he plays, then what?
Then you're very happy you got a guy who can still hit HR's for league minimum? :-)
posted by bdaddy at 07:19 PM on April 01, 2009
I entertained the thought that Sheffield might return to the Brewers, the team that drafted him in the first round and where he played his first four seasons. But two years ago Sheff said Bud Selig was lying about not knowing the steroid problem. I can't imagine Bud has forgotten.
I can't imagine the Brewers have gotten over Sheffield intentionally throwing balls into the stands in an attempt to be traded.
I hope this douchebag ends up stuck on 499 forever.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:20 PM on April 01, 2009
I can't imagine Bud has forgotten.
And I can't imagine you've forgotten the team was sold in 2005.
posted by yerfatma at 08:59 PM on April 01, 2009
Ouch. What are you going to tell me next, that the Brewers have switched leagues?
posted by rcade at 10:11 PM on April 01, 2009
Spitball's still legal, right?
posted by yerfatma at 10:16 PM on April 01, 2009
The Brewers should sign him and bench him for the season. Obviously, this would completely waste a roster spot, but I can't imagine a competitive disadvantage that could feel better.
posted by rocketman at 11:31 AM on April 02, 2009
yerfatma: I've no doubt someone will give him a look-see at the veteran minimumJust like they did for the greatest hitter of our generation, two years in a row, when he was only 65 hits from 3,000 and 4 RBI from 2,000?
posted by hincandenza at 04:35 AM on April 03, 2009
Looks like the Mets picked him up.
Of course I now retract all those bad things I said about Sheff. Heh.
posted by cjets at 06:17 PM on April 03, 2009
At that price, he shouldn't have any trouble finding a home (even if he does talk too much). Come to DC, Sheff. We like our athletes with attitude problems!
I don't get it. Is he really that unworthy of a roster spot? If you have to pay him anyway, why not have him on your roster?