The critics are already claiming that Mets G.M., Omar Minaya, displayed "...desperation" by inking Gary Sheffield to a contract...for $400,000.00. Desperation? Hardly! Other teams wanted to sign him--- in both leagues. Sheffield opted for the best fit.
These expressed views sound like 'sour grapes', to me. Ironically, they come from the same sources who wanted the Mets to sign then free-agent Barry Zito to a long term and very expensive contract (!20M/7-yrs). Minaya refused (fortunately for the Mets). Well, the Giants came to Zito's rescue, and made him an offer he couldn't pass...much to their regret.
Well, after making several starts for the Giants, but finishing few, and getting knocked-around with regularity, he was banished to the teams' bullpen. They got very little for the BIG BUCKS paid. The San Francisco Giants mourn having signed him. And the critics think that $400,000.00 is a waste of money. A mere pittance, comparatively.
Sheffield already has HOF numbers: 1653 RBI's; 1435 BB's; 499 HR's; .394 OBP;516 SLG.; .292 Batt. Avg.; 8949 at-bats/225 grounded into double plays; and 2615 hits. Hitting another HR is partial motivation for success, and helping the Mets win the World Series only ads to that effort.
He has also expressed a desire to play beyound this season,and knows that his performance this season is critical for that to happen. The incentives are there.
No, not a "sign of desperation", rather common baseball sense. If his production is impressive even the critics will offer praise, and start dumping on the tigers for making an ill-advise decision to have "cut" him.
These expressed views sound like 'sour grapes', to me. Ironically, they come from the same sources who wanted the Mets to sign then free-agent Barry Zito to a long term and very expensive contract (!20M/7-yrs). Minaya refused (fortunately for the Mets). Well, the Giants came to Zito's rescue, and made him an offer he couldn't pass...much to their regret.
Well, after making several starts for the Giants, but finishing few, and getting knocked-around with regularity, he was banished to the teams' bullpen. They got very little for the BIG BUCKS paid. The San Francisco Giants mourn having signed him. And the critics think that $400,000.00 is a waste of money. A mere pittance, comparatively.
Sheffield already has HOF numbers: 1653 RBI's; 1435 BB's; 499 HR's; .394 OBP;516 SLG.; .292 Batt. Avg.; 8949 at-bats/225 grounded into double plays; and 2615 hits. Hitting another HR is partial motivation for success, and helping the Mets win the World Series only ads to that effort.
He has also expressed a desire to play beyound this season,and knows that his performance this season is critical for that to happen. The incentives are there.
No, not a "sign of desperation", rather common baseball sense. If his production is impressive even the critics will offer praise, and start dumping on the tigers for making an ill-advise decision to have "cut" him.
Last edited:
