Sheffield Not Worth the Risk for Phillies

Earlier today, Gary Sheffield was released by the Detroit Tigers, creating a media frenzy about where he would best be suited, what he has left in the tank, etc. This immediately makes me think two things: one, it was a slow news day in the sports world, and two, if an American League team is cutting him, then Sheff might not have as much in the tank as he says or thinks he does. Which makes it even more bizarre that the Phillies have reportedly expressed interest in his services, according to a report by Buster Olney. According to Olney, the Phillies “are interested in Sheffield as a part-time outfielder after releasing Geoff Jenkins on Tuesday and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters the team has contacted Sheffield.” My reaction is: Why???

Ok, so we’re talking about a guy who has 499 career homeruns and 1,633 RBIs, which are some impressive and large numbers. I get that. But the same guy also hit .225 last season and played single digit games as a starter in the outfield. That same guy is 40 years old. And, as Mr. Olney astutely points out, there’s a similar player out there with similar numbers and the same delusions motivation to play. His name is Frank Thomas, and he is currently unemployed.

I also understand that Sheffield’s services come at a highly discounted rate; interested teams would only need to pony up about $400,000. But, as the old saying goes, you only get what you pay for. Sheffield might be able to provide a spark off the bench, but there’s an equally good chance that he will be even worse than he was last year. But that’s not even the primary reason I would avoid him. The guy is a cancer in the clubhouse and has always been a “me first” guy, causing problems everywhere he has gone. He’s a fan of playing the race card; he consistently causes headaches for players, coaches, and umpires; and whenever he doesn’t get his way everyone around him is sure to know about it.

So, back to the Phillies’ interest level. Why would a defending world championship team, built on team chemistry and a “team first, me second” attitude, have any inclination to bring in a guy like Sheffield? Ruben needs to read up on some risk management, appreciate the solid core group of players he has at his disposal right now, and move on. Whatever the question is, Sheffield is not the answer.

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