The Sheffield wait
While Hideki Matsui made progress yesterday, getting clearance to do tee work, GM Brian Cashman didn't sound too optimistic about Gary Sheffield making it back. He said hand specialist Charles Melone already has told him not to expect Sheffield getting cleared for tee work until Sept. 15. And that really puts him up against the clock.
Sheffield said last week he is scheduled to visit with Melone today, and has been swinging a bat underwater for the last week. But Cashman said he can only go by what the doctor tells him, so he can't get too excited. And if the clearance doesn't come until Sept. 15, it's hard to envision Sheffield making it back this season.
Sheffield would need to do tee work for a little, step up to soft tosses, then live batting practice, and the Yankees have said that if the minor league seasons are finished -- as they would be by then -- they would like him to do some simulated work before using him in a game setting. As Cashman said, "the time frame is short."
Sheffield, of course, has admitted he's in no hurry to get back on the field next month, anyway. His focus, he says, is long-term, being that he will likely be shopping his services in the offseason looking for another three-year contract once the Yankees decline his 2007 $13 million option, as they are expected to do.
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Comments (7)
That's too bad. I really liked Sheffield on the field.
He is more intimidating to the opposition than Matsui plus he can throw runners out.
Brian, if you're listening, pick up Sheffield's option and find a place to play him.
Besides, in this business you never know what injuries might creep up and then you might need him again, so sign him for another year at least.
ditto
I agree. Sheffield is one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. He's a fire starter. He makes things happen. If he can manage the shift to first -- which everyone seems to think he can -- he will also add 20 points to A-Rod's average (the same way Damon adds 20-30 points to Jeter's average).
Yankees should pick up this guy's contract. He's worth 30+ home runs, 100-120 RBI's and a 300-320 batting average. Plus, he'll start numerous rallies and push as many more out of reach of the opposing team.
And he won't make a fool of himself in the field.
Abreu gives the yankees a steady, methodical hitter --filing the role played by Chamblis, Pinella or O'Neil. But I don't see him ever playing the 'fire-starter' role that all those players brought to the game.
But none of those guys -- except maybe O'Neil -- batted third. Sheffield is a hall of fame-quality #3 hitter. Abreu is a solid, steady hitter with occasional pop. That's a #2 hitter on most teams and a #8 hitter on this team.
I'd keep Sheffield and find a place for him to play.
I'm surprised that no one seems to care that this guy is getting paid over $10 million a year and doesn't care about coming back to help for the pennant race and the playoffs. He's thinking about his next contract-what about this one? It's not like he's poor.
What a selfish player, but that's nothing new when it comes to him.
I agree with the last poster. Sheffield's recent comments about being in no rush to come back this year were a disgrace. This guy has been a creep wherever he's been, and he hasn't changed his stripes.
I haven't heard one teammate say that he wanted him back.
Let him walk and use the money on pitching.
Eric, Andrew & Tom: What are you guys smoking? Can't you see through this egomaniac? Of course he doesn't care about coming back to help the TEAM. It's always been about I with Sheffield. He is one of the biggest head case, selfish, and cancers on a team. I am glad he won't be back this year. Now we have a chance at a ring. And Cashman better not even think of bringing this guy back, either as the option year or worse, on a new 3 year contract !!!! P.S. Matsui is the ultimate TEAM player and is far more CLUTCH than Sheffield.
Rick, what you are saying about Sheffield is nothing new.
Everyone knows about his baggage but everyone also knows what he can do for you on the field.
The Yankees are a very veteran team and they are the team that is least likely affected by his antics.
Therefore, he is made for a team like them. He runs his mouth but he gives you tremendous and reliable production. Don't underestimate reliable because as you can see, it is very important :cough: A-Rod :cough:
Jon and Ralph, did you guys forget that it was Sheffield, that before the Abreu trade, was the one that wanted to rush back?
It was the Yankees that did not want him to rush it and told him to take his time to heal.
It was only after the Yankees got Abreu did Sheffield made the comment of not needing to come back too soon for precaution.
The Yankees need Sheffield to win the World Series, period.