Detroit Tigers cut Sheffield
- Thread starter Ruff Ryder
- Start date
He's nearing the end of the road, but produced many good memories over the years. And therein lies part of the problem. Sheff is age 40, an age when many players---NOT ALL--start losing it (as in reduced skills). And some have lost it.
Last year, Sheff co-authored a book titled, "Inside Power"...an autobiography. He began by saying," Becoming a Major League ballplayer--for Dwight (Gooden,uncle,and former ace pitcher with the Mets, Yankees) and me, that was the dream". Sadly that 'dream' is coming to an end. The man has a had very colorful and acomplished career. He may be picked up by another team, allowing him to hit one more HR, reaching the the 500 HR level. A level that is a mythical number required by many-especially the Baseball HOF voters before gaining entry into the HOF. Although by the time Gary becomes eligible for the Hall, the 'entry' number might be at 600-HR's. Nevertheless, Sheffield has done well. His on-field records and achievements are many.
The Detroit Tigers will absorb the final year of his contract ($14M), as they did with Damian Easily (Mets)..his was $14.3M. For them it's simply a 'book loss'...the cost of doing business. More importantly, it frees up a roster spot for the recent addition from the Atlanta Braves, Josh Anderson (younger and more athletic).
In fact sone of the reasons given by the Tigers was their desire to become more "athletic" and "versatile". To which Sheffield replied: "...I feel that I'm the most athletic guy on the team".
A casualty of a bad economy? Not really. More like poor production at the plate, and lingering injuries over the last two seasons.
At least Gary was smart enough to negotiate a 2-year extention($28M) following his trade to the Tigers by the New York Yankees. Plus, the Tigers were HAPPY to get his bat into their line-up... but not the kind of production they expected.
Last year, Sheff co-authored a book titled, "Inside Power"...an autobiography. He began by saying," Becoming a Major League ballplayer--for Dwight (Gooden,uncle,and former ace pitcher with the Mets, Yankees) and me, that was the dream". Sadly that 'dream' is coming to an end. The man has a had very colorful and acomplished career. He may be picked up by another team, allowing him to hit one more HR, reaching the the 500 HR level. A level that is a mythical number required by many-especially the Baseball HOF voters before gaining entry into the HOF. Although by the time Gary becomes eligible for the Hall, the 'entry' number might be at 600-HR's. Nevertheless, Sheffield has done well. His on-field records and achievements are many.
The Detroit Tigers will absorb the final year of his contract ($14M), as they did with Damian Easily (Mets)..his was $14.3M. For them it's simply a 'book loss'...the cost of doing business. More importantly, it frees up a roster spot for the recent addition from the Atlanta Braves, Josh Anderson (younger and more athletic).
In fact sone of the reasons given by the Tigers was their desire to become more "athletic" and "versatile". To which Sheffield replied: "...I feel that I'm the most athletic guy on the team".
A casualty of a bad economy? Not really. More like poor production at the plate, and lingering injuries over the last two seasons.
At least Gary was smart enough to negotiate a 2-year extention($28M) following his trade to the Tigers by the New York Yankees. Plus, the Tigers were HAPPY to get his bat into their line-up... but not the kind of production they expected.
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