Sheffield: 'He ain't me'
Wrote my story for tomorrow's newspaper about Bobby Abreu and the extreme differences between him and the Yankees previous rightfielder, that guy named Sheffield.
Of course Sheffield made the hook for the story easy by referring to Abreu a few months ago as, "He ain't me." I asked Abreu what he thought of that, but he did not take the bait. "I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. I just focus on me and my game. I don’t worry about what other people say.”
Remember, also, one year ago Sheffield arrived in camp bickering about the $13 million team option for 2007, basically demanding it gets picked up. Abreu is in similar situation -- the Yankees have a $16 million 2008 option -- but Abreu won't even address it. “I don’t think too much about that,” Abreu said.
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Comments (20)
If it's all about someone taking the "bait" so you can get a "story" out of it then that's not really an honest journalistic approach ,maybe you could ask him about baseball which is what most of us bloggers care about,as far as I'm concerned Sheffield is old news,Abreu is our rightfielder and I'd like to know more about him,baseball related stuff of course.
Bobby Abreu has been completely impressive since becoming a Yankee.
Bobby has been everything the Yankees hopes for in a dangerous hitter, an on base machine, a good fielder, and even more. He has mentored Melky and Robbie and now will do the same this spring with Tabata. When there was talk of getting him I was not happy about it but I could not have been more wrong. He has been terrific.
Way too early to say, but at this point I would think his option would be picked up as one of 4 outfielders with Damon and Matsui playing more time at DH so Melky is a regular fielder.
I don't see Tabata joining the club until 2009 at the earliest.
Hey, and Bobby wears an orange glove. I say we keep him.
I'll miss seeing Sheffield step up to the plate for us, but I think we came out ahead in the exchange.
I liked Sheff when he played for the Yanks. He always played hard, and he played hurt. I do prefer Abreu over Sheff as Abreu has more speed on the bases, and can "spray the ball" anywhere at any time. Sheff was always trying to hit the ball into next week.
Sheff is right - even tho he's has to be an a$$h-le about it. He is a bonafide superstar and future HOFer.
Bobby Abreu is solid major league star, but will never reach the level of a Gary Sheffield. However, at this stage in their careers and on the type of team each would be playing for, I'd take Abreu every time!
So shut your big mouth Gary and save your rants for the Tiger fans!
I definately prefer Abreu because of his attitude alone. He wants to play for a winner and is grateful for the opportunity to do so, unlike Sheff which only cares about the money and his image. I was a big fan of Sheff, but I prefer Abreu any day. He has speed, hits for average, can bunt the ball if asked and won't question anybody. We really need that on this team because the ego's of this team are just incredible. Do you guys think his option will be picked up??
As always with Gary, it's a lovefest when he goes to a new team but just wait until someone starts making more momey than he does or his contract is close to running out, then they will see the real Gary in action. The guy who can divide a locker room, undermine the authority of his manager and make himself out to be the victim. Yeah, I'll miss his offensive stats, but not his offensive behavior.
Sheffield & Abreu just looking at seasonal averages,they're remarkable similar statistically,they both average 174 hits per and 104 runs scored with the advantage to Abreu in Doubles 41/30 stolen bases 30/16 OBP .412/.398 advantage to Sheffield in HRs 33/22 and RBI 109/96 SLG .525/.507 Abreu walks more but also strikes out more...Sheffield is a statistical lock on the Hall of Fame,but a special wing should be set up for Sheffield entitled "The Complain and Whine" Wing....If Abreu continues to put up similar numbers for the next 5-6 seasons he has an outside shot at the Hall of Fame w/ close to 600 Doubles 1400 RBI 2500 Hits 325 HRs 500 stolen bases 1600 BB that's not a bad looking resume...Dave I didn't bring my crystal ball but I would have to say if Abreu comes close to his season averages ,the Yanks will have to keep him,he's the same age as Jeter and an all around great ballplayer.
Jim B
Great story on Sheffield and Abreu. Sheff's right that "He ain't me". And THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT!!!! I love Bobby A and think he is a great upgrade for our team overall. I hope he stays here for a few years.
I really hope Bobby does even better than he did last yr. I would love to see him take right field for the next couple of yrs (until tabata is ready)because of the over all game he has. And to be the type of ballplayer that he is, but at the same time, truly believe in the team concept and actually do whatever it takes without bashing people is just a plus. Hopefully he stays humble and healthy. He'll be doing big things for us.
JIM B.
Thanks for the Abreu story. If you have to "bait" an athlete to get him to reveal his true feelings, so be it. That is what we readers are interested in, and what you are paid for. Keep up the good work.
I don't have mixed emotions about Bobby A. as our RF and Gary Sheff. in Detroit. There was a time when I appreciated GS's play but if you watched closely. You will see the real GS. Roy: He did play hurt one season with a shoulder injury. He is a person who needs to watched because his emotions always need stroking for him to play well. He's a problem and will wear down a team in the clubhouse because he's easily distracted. Bobby A. is so much a better player all around than Gary S. Sheffield was a liability in the field and I questioned if he played hard all the time. He did at the plate because this puts money in his pocketbook.
Brian Cashman did a nice job with the trade for Bobby A. and the trade of Gary Shef.
I wonder how long before Gary S. starts talking bad about Leyland. Only Leyland will tell him to take his glove home.
Wow Sheff I am glad he "aint" you. I mean he never booted balls on purpose like you did to get out of Milaukee. He never pissed and moaned EVERYWHERE he went. He never had any type of ties to 'roids and Balco.
Abreu showed class in not responding and I am very glad we got him. I believe he will have a monster year (all around numbers).
I really don't think any of "us" are interested in what Abreu "thinks" about Sheffield.The latest "Gossip" is better left to "Gossip" columnists,getting "2" quotes from a disinterested Abreu constitutes a "Story" is to "Me" not great reportage,especially when Bowa does all the "Talking"."Rah" "Rah"
Yankees will miss Sheffield a lot. He could be difficult at times, but was a real intimidating presence that the Yankees really need. The Yankees are too mellow, they need more fire.
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