I normally don't do blog entries on the weekend, but I just can't resist this one.
It's time for Gary Sheffield to hang it up. His shoulder injury is obviously not okay and he's an MLB-worst 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position. A perfect example of this was last night's game against the Angels. Instead of just trying to get a base hit, Sheff went for the grand slam. Admittedly, Sheff came about 3 feet from hitting a grand slam, which would've no doubt led to a 6th straight Tigers' victory, but a simple base hit in that situation would've scored two runs and given the Tigers a 5-4 lead. That might have been enough to win the game.
Cutting ties with Sheffield would also allow Jim Leyland to move his infield pieces around properly and give him a better designated hitter option. Leyland could keep Miguel Cabrera at first base, install Brandon Inge back to his regular position at third base and move the rangeless Carlos Guillen to be his everyday switch-hitting DH. In the process, Inge would become a starter again and that would certainly make him feel better about his situation.
Tigers have enough injuries right now. The jury is still out as to whether relief pitchers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney will even be activated this season. Curtis Granderson is still not playing at 100%, and is one head-first slide away from probably re-injuring his hand, Placido Polanco's back is probably one tweak away from a trip to the DL, and I think the Tigers are hiding something with Kenny Rogers, who hasn't looked good at any point so far this season.
So, it's time for Sheffield to go. Can the Tigers trade him? Not sure. Probably not, because he's worthless with the shoulder problem. His next team would be inheriting the same problems the Tigers currently have with him. Plus, his days as an outfielder are done, so that means he can only play for American League teams. The Tigers simply don't need him with Cabrera now in the fold and, moving Guillen to the everyday DH would keep him healthy. Guillen is a liability defensively no matter where Leyland puts him. Sure, moving him to third base might improve things, but he's still going to commit 25 errors no matter which infield position he plays. The Tigers have gone from having Inge and Casey playing the corners, two excellent defensive players, to Guillen and Cabrera, who combined for nearly 50 errors last season. Casey's gone but Inge is not. Installing Inge back at third would at least solidify the left side of the infield. Cabrera will no doubt struggle for a while at first base, but in time hopefully he'll grow into the position.
I interviewed Gary Sheffield when I was in Lakeland two months ago. He was very nice to me and extrememly accomodating. But I think it's over for him. I doubt he will just retire because his ego won't let him, and because he's playing on a team that still could turn things around and make the postseason and possibly get to the World Series.
Releasing Sheffield will allow the Tigers to become a better team in many ways.
It's just time.