Update, 4:04 pm:
“If he’s gonna help us win a World Series, then I’m excited he’s here,” Daniel Murphy said of Sheffield, when told of the signing in an interview with WFAN’s Mike Francesa earlier today.
Francesa is scheduled to speak with Mets GM Omar Minaya later today.
To listen to WFAN online, go here, where you can also hear Francesa’s interviews with Jerry Manuel, David Wright and John Maine from earlier today.
Original Post, 3:13 pm:
According to SNY’s MLB Insider Jon Heyman, of SI.com, free-agent OF Gary Sheffield has agreed to sign with the Mets.
“An official announcement is expected this afternoon,” writes Heyman.
Heyman believes the Mets will pay Sheffield the pro-rated portion of the $400,000 minimum.
...to me, what’s most noteworthy here, is that sheffield clearly was only going to sign in a place that will play him most… and so, sheffield must have been told, by the team, that he will play… or, at least play more than he would have played for the Reds and Phillies…
…now the question is: how much will he play, and at whose expense…
Sheffield hit .225 with a 19 HR in 114 games for the Tigers last season, and hit .265 with a .378 OBP and 25 HR in 133 games in 2007.
He played in just 39 games in his final season with the Yankees in 2006, while struggling with a variety of injuries.
In a poll on MetsBlog.com from earlier today, 55 percent of the 3,800 people who voted did not want the Mets to sign Sheffield.
For more on Sheffield, read Ted Berg’s report for SNY.
This can only end in tears
lmao..i dont know why but this just made me lol literally
I really hope it doesnt get cacelled im excited to watch the game tonight
i'll take it….if he does good, you can trade church and maine and evans and another prospect hopefully for a halladay or something…if he does bad, we only sign him for league minimum, u can just cut him…he plays iwth a chip on his shoulder and is a model citizen when he first signs with a new team…it's low risk high reward
wat r u fukn retarded?
hey chuck, i'll be at the game 2nite, over by the GA promenade bar by my homegirl…say that to my face and see what happens. Once you see me, you'll want NO PART OF ME…
2nd, what's the difference? for LEAGUE MINIMUM, if he sucks, u just let him loose. WHats he gonna do? come into the clubhouse and start pushin crack on people and tellin them to p**ssy loaf it out there? If he's HALF of what he normally is, this is a genius move…
but please, do me a favor and say that to my face..i just hairline fractured my left knuckle in boxing class yesterday, but i'll GLADLY fully break it over your face…repeatedly…aND if u dont believe me, come see me
im 6'1, about 210 lbs, solid, heavily tattooed, i'll be wearing a johan jersey and yellow timberland boots
hahaha you are not helping your case
Id take anybody on who wears yellow boots. Im 5'8" 214, 2 tats not that it matters…what does heavily tattooes have to do with anything…so what you look like walking comic book. You will break your hand over my face cause I have a big head. See ya at the game
im doing it to DESCRIBE MYSELF so he can recognize me…tattoos have NOTHING to do with toughness
if i told him "im a very handsome man" that does nothing for it
well are u a very handsome man ;) ;) ;)
lmao@so what you look like walking comic book. That just had me dying,lol.
oh my….
time will tell
The team was already good, why did they have to go and mess it up?
if it hurts us, we will release him
That's true. So who does he replace? I doubt the Mets will demote Murphy. Or at least I hope that's not the rational. The only obvious choice is the Cerrone logic…releasing Marlon Anderson.
I guess like this new MB format, I will need to get used to seeing Shef in a Mets uni! But, while I am on the fence with this, it's a low-risk deal.
Well it won't be boring.
Your name says it all. I guess the only thing we can hope for is that Omar knew what he was doing. But I'm with you Disappointed!
Not happy. Will. Try. To. Remain. Positive.
wahhhhhhh
wow….they got this done in a few hours. I hope omar has a plan for this……
What a joke!!!!!!!
SHIIIIIIIIIT!
At least your nephew will be on the team.
time to embrace it, people. let's hope he surprises us all. come on, monday! can't get here soon enough!
The only thing I hope is that Marlon Anderson is the one getting cut and not Jeremy Reed getting sent down.
that would really be the only logical move. Reed is really the only guy who can play CF, besides Church.
I'm not in favor of the move, even though our corner outfielders are question marks, I want those questions resolved by seeing both Church and Murphy full time for the whole season, or until they've proven they're not eveyday players and should be platooned. This won't happen with Sheffield getting the at bats against lefties for one of them.
On the bright side, if we're bringing in a pinch hitter with the game on the line, who would you rather see at the plate, and who is gonna scare the opposing pitcher more, Marlon Anderson or Gary Sheffield?
Let's hope this turns out well. that's all i can say.
Yuck.
Good move as long as Sheff starts as a RH pinch hitter and earns his way to more playing time.
fire omar.
can't wait for 2010 when this joker is no longer wearing my favorite team's uniform.
Mets in 2010!!!
fire omar. wow. why don't you tell us why this is a bad move? there is absolutely no risk. first off, marlin anderson su-cked last year so no one cares he's gone. second, if sheff is a negative influence in the clubhouse or he does not perform, we release him and lose $400k. please use your brain. thanks
Hey Matt wanna throw up another Over/Under: How many games before Sheffield throws a tantrum?
HAHAHAHA! I will take the OVER on anything polls on Sheff's temper tantrums!
i take the under any under
lol hey snipz…defintaly under lol..
Goodbye, Team Chemistry!
I don't like the move. Cheap but will it make the team better?
Time will tell, but I believe its a good risk to take.
exactly Jay, its a GOOD RISK…thats all it is…if this kid pops homers and is a "model" citizen by his standards, and church doesnt play too well, what do we have to lose? Now if we spent this on say frank thomas or someone who has NO ability left, then MAYBE…or if we spent a couple million on it, fine…but good lord, cheap and the epitomy of "low risk high reward"…u gotta do it…believe me, if he hits 200 in the first month and a half, i'll be the FIRST one saying "goodbye sheff, good luck"….all we've got to lose is marlon anderson at bats, which 90% of you all wanted gone anyway lol
hope hes only a bench player!
murphy is the guy at left!
he can play dh when we get to versing the al teams away
=(
Omg!!! Why? Ok wait maybe this good….We will see if we have leaders like Wright, Delgado, Reyes, etc because if Sheffield acts up or is out of line they better put him in place. Everyone would support them for it. It is there team and maybe it will bring them closer together. Anyway lets now all be optimistic. He takes over left field job within a month and is the comeback player of the year hitting 320 30 hr and 100 rbi's lol Hey you never know!
i don't understand why people are so upset about this. The clubhouse stuff is overrated and Sheff's problems, in NY, were not with his teammates, but rather, George Steinbrenner. In fact, if you read anything remotely credible or speak with folks that know what they're talking about, they will debunk most of the "sheff is bad in the clubhouse" nonsense. Anyone slating Daniel Murphy in for 600abs is a fool. It may happen, but a 450 ab increase is a lot to expect from the young man. Sheff is a low risk, high reward signing. I like it
Give me Murphy, a kid who comes to the ballpark ready to work and perform every day for 600 abs instead of a malcontent like Sheffield, who needs to hear his coaches, general managers and owners tell them how much they love him before he gets his head in the game. Add in the fact that he has no defensive position anymore and he had a lousy spring and 2008, I don't see this as low risk, high reward – I see this as a waste of time and/or inviting trouble.
I hate the move, but you're giving up on 2009 because of it? You do realize we can cut him anytime because he'll be making the league minimum?
I have mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, he is a piece of crap
On the other hand, he can knock the hell out of the ball
And if he is a pain in the ass, we can always drop him since the Tigers are paying him anyway
oh, nooooooooooooooooo
WHY ARE YOU GUYS ALL UP IN ARMS. IF MURPHY OR CHURCH FAULTER YOU HAVE SHEFIELD TO FALL BACK ON. THIS CANCER TALK IS OVER RATED. NAME ONE TEAM THAT DIDNT WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP BECAUSE 1 GUY WAS A CANCER? $400k….HE DOESNT HIT, THEN YOU GET RID OF HIM…THIS WAS A NO BRAINER. PLUS KEEPS HIM AWAY FROM PHILS.
Keeping him away from the Phils is probably the best result of this.
Yep….I agree that's good
well……i guess we just have to accept it. Im looking fwd to the announcement that marlon would be let go. I wonder under what terms he is coming in…hopefully to ride the bench and free up tatis to be used for infield relief. I hope he can regain his offense because if he can, this might be a good move.
Tatis? Oh yes, Omar's other fossil.
HAHAHAHA. I TOOK ALL THE METS MONEY AND NOW THEY CAN ONLY AFFORD DISGRUNTLED 40 YEAR OLDS WAY PAST THEIR STEROIDED PRIME!!!!! HAHAHA NOW THEY CANT GET PLAYERS THEY REALLY WANT LIKE MANNY. IM A GENIOUS! LETS GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!
ugh….
Bernie madoff with all my money!
Nice pun Agees.
Wow what an insightful comment. It must be true since it's typed in caps. Have fun with Chan Ho Park as your fifth starter. Now that is funny.
Bernie, the dude cost us 400K. Have fun getting banged by Tiny.
Please please please tell me its for a bench position! I was beyond excited for this newfound youth movement. If he replaces Marlon, ok thats cool. If he replaces murph as the regular everyday LF, im not going to be a happy mets camper!!!
Hate. this. move.
Well, at least Sheffield can't call Jerry racist if he doesn't get enough playing time…..
lol something tells me if he thought jerry was a racist, nothing would stop him. Hes back in NY!!
Maybe Jerry can go all "gangsta" on him if he opens his big yapper . . .
I would have preferred Alou.
I would prefer Frankie C. I don't care if he's a lefty, he's too cool to pass up on.
I would have preferred Manny. (Just sayin'!)
No way he replaces Murphy in left.
He's replacing Church.
guys lets chill with the language so we dont have to get monitered again please….
Hmmmm Shefield or Marlon Anderson ???__Welcome aboard Sheff !!!! and if u act up…we cut you ____This is a no brainer . Nothing to lose , but everything to gain
Just peachy…
Thank God we've got a player on the team who is in his 40s. Now if feels like the Mets.
Sheffield is going to be a jerk the first time he thinks he's not being played as much as he should be
i hate to say it…but the more i think about it…the more it seems good to me…for 400,000…he is a good bat…if murphy cant perform as much as everyone thinks he can…then sheff can move there….the only thing i dont like is his attitude
and besides…we can get holliday at the deadline anyway so..LETS GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
u r right but players can change in a year and he has experience with playoff contenders
lets hope for a turn around
but if i were to pick
gary or murphy
the answer is murphy
I was thinking over/under how many months Sheffield lasts. I give him until May 30 before he pouts his way to free agency. Which means at the end of the day all you've accomplished in a signing like this is a waste of everyone's time and patience and someone for the media to hound when they're not bugging A-Rod.
How will his attitude mesh with the vision Manuel wants to implement? I'm thinking it's a powder keg waiting to happen.
Sheffield comes and Plaxico goes. NYC in a state of panic.
I'm glad the mets have a strong clubhouse which can handle a guy like this. Ha! Good luck, they will need it.
holliday? i don't know… it'll cost murphy, niese, fmart, and evans… may not even be enough
just shoot me. REALLY METS?!?!? REALLY!?!?!
An aging right-handed power bat with a questionable attitude? It looks like the only thing holding back the Mets from signing Manny Ramirez was a few million dollars.
I look at it this way Picking up Sheffield is good for 2 reasons… 1. at the cost of 400,000. It is a steal 2. The Phillies dont have him. His bat if he swings it as well as he can , can only help , He will most likely play part time so at the cost I think it is a good deal
Uh, no. T
I just lost my lunch all over my keyboard. I can't remember the last time I have been this upset about a move. We just signed a washed up cancer with no place to play. So Manny really was ALL about money as he may have issues, but at least he would produce.
Yeah, and david wright will hit 10 hrs and have a .240 batting average. no way sheffield hits Near 320 my guess is in 175 at bats he hits .260 with 13 hrs and 35 rbis
Okay, I've been too serious- THIS FREAKING MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD at work…thank you…I needed some perspective. Though, I would rather have Moises or even Valentin…sniff…
Ever take a look at Shef's on-base percentage year after year? Guy hit 40 homers a year and never struck out 100 times in any season? Think it might be nice to have someone come up in September with a man on 3d and 1 out and put the ball in play? You guys are a joke.
Thank god we dont have Willie "i trust my guys" at the helm, Im confident that Jerry will play Murphy everyday until he proves he cant anymore.
If that happens (im praying it doesnt) then the Sheff deal is a good idea, if he now becomes our LF'er than Omar has made a big mistake. His D will be brutal out there!
Filling in for Moises Alou in his role as "injury prone veteran", Gary Sheffield!!!
I'm very concerned with how he gets this playing time, especially what it means for Church. I want to see Church get a lot of ABs. Apparantly, Sheff signed with the Mets over the Phillies (despite Phillies players calling him trying to get him to sign) or the Reds because he was told he could get more playing time on the Mets. There already's a lack of playing time for Tatis, and now we got Sheffield? In still intrigued though. And our bench should be pretty good. Let's see what happens. It does give Manuel lots of options, especially if Tatis plays some 2B, which would be such a boon to the offense in those games, plus it opens playing time.
just threw up a little in my mouth.
lmao love the name and so appropriate
"The mets will make you say WOW everytime"
Not to worry, the shamwow can soak that up too….
Like the name.
This could get interesting! Worst case if it doesn't work out aleast they will have cut bait with Marlon (atleast I hope so) and they can cut Sheff on the cheap if he doesn't perform! Although this is literally a contract year for Sheffield, so if he has designs on playing in 2010 he have to perform otherwise who's going to give him anything more than a flyer?
if you were gonna sign any free agent like that why not frank catalantto?
one he's a Lefty, two he'll be a whole lot more than 400 grand!
sheff cant play defense nor throw the ball b/c of all the shoulder surgeries in the last few years and batted freaking .225 last year with a putrid .326 OBP. really this is a good idea how. maybe if we had the dumb DH rule in the NL he could do that but how is he gonna play any freaking defense at 39 with a bum shoulder. even with all that we could take his bad defense if he could still hit a little but there is not much hope he has anything left in that bat of his anyways. i hate this move.
My sentiments exactly.
pass
lol so far so good agees…lets hope it stays that way.
I think with this new format we are on the "honor system". If you notice we can add words that were banned (i.e., assume, crass, etc.) (Credit:SatnanaClaus)
calm your tits! its not an awful move
marlon and his pop-less bat is gone
tatis is the new utility man
sheff is the power bat on the bench everyone was craving for
when church runs into the unfamiliar citi field wall and gets a concussion, we've got a backup lol
leftfielder
sheffield or murphy
Where are they going to put him
to me this only makes sense if Sheffield replaces Tatis as the RH bat off the bench and starts a few times a week.
although this proves that not signing Manny was a pure money issue
i think thats the capacity that they will use shef. Free up tatis to be infield RH relief.
How does it prove that? Manny wanted 3 or 4 years the Mets didn't want to block an outfield position long term, this is a 1 year deal!
i nominate "chemistry" for the metsblog comment section filter
hey..the fight against the phillies will be sick now
Met fans just loooooooove to complain…
There's a reason some teams go 20 plus year and only reach one World Series and lose easily. Cheapos paying for damaged goods doesn't equal success.
Well this should be interesting. Right now I think it means Marlon is released and Sheff takes his spot. Right now I see a rotation of Sheff, Church and Murphy for LF and RF and and Jerry going with the hot hand. Right now I see Tatis being just a PH and IF backup. All right now. But still there is just something strange about this.
i agree that it's a decent move to sign him, but that trade is ridiculous. you're wearing some seriously rose-colored glasses if you think those players would get us halladay. doc is an elite pitcher, arguably the best. no one outside of new york thinks that any of the mets players you named are anything more than average.
well thats where the OR SOMEBODY comes in…cuz i have a feeling maine might falter this year, but u know teams will always take a flyer on a guy
is that your answer for last weeks poll at Amazin' Avenue too?
Well, time to look at the positive….maybe he is healthy, maybe he really wants to be ehre, maybe he will accept a lessened role, and maybe Jerry can use him in the optimal way to maximize the talent he has left….
Folks wanted a RH bat, and here he is…and unless they already have a Church trade in the works–which is certainly possible—the Marlon haters should be happy, as he would be the one to go….
OK, Let's Go Sheffield!!
I agree!
Hey kong. I'm assuming this is the kong. I agree. I wasn't crazy about this but he's in orange and blue now, and he's a guy who in his youth was dying to play for the mets so OK Let's Go Sheff.
Hey Haz–yes sir it is me, and I agree wholeheartedly….
Let's Go Shef!
Omar: We only need to pay him $400,000, but he's a cancerous arrogant mental case washed up steroid guy who hit .225 last year.
Wilpon: You had me at $400,000!!!!!!!!!!
Well im 6'2 211 pounds solid-er, even more tatooed, i'll be wearing nothing but speedos and flip flops…you come see me tough guy
They are not cheapos…it is silly to call the Mets cheapos…really, really silly.
I guess not signing manny wasn't about his attitude, eh?
Looks like the Wilpons are liars again.
He's probably going to replace Church.
When did they ever say it was?
hahha…be quiet you…all im sayin is dont be an internet gangster, cuz unfortunately, i am a rotten human being…and what im ALSO saying is so what, it's league minimum..if he blows or causes a ruckus, tlel him goodbye…whats he gonna do, knife omar? jerry'll cut him first!!!
HAHAHA! Dude, ignore that "internet gangster"…have fun at the game. The weather is clearing. Have a cold one for us! :) And yes, while I do not agree with it…yet…it's a low-risk deal.
Give me Murphy as well. I don't think this move is to replace a Dan Murphy type. I thinkn it's great insurance in case the kid, or Church, cannot handle the wear and tear of a 162 game season. It's low risk from the salary standpoint and high reward from the standpoint that the man can flat out rake
I agree – this is not so much to spell Murph's playing time but for Tatis and Church, who really do need breaks and every now and then. I'm not 100% FOR the deal, but I understand it.
agreed. Thats the senario i have playing out in my head. Theres got to be something else with this that we dont know about yet. Im with you that church may be trade bait for a SP along with maine/ollie or someone like that. Idk i could be wrong but i guess we will see. Im just glad marlon is gone.
This is more of a statement against Church and Tatis being able to get it done in right field than anything else? Why do they think they won't get it. Both of them look more promising than Sheffield?
Ugh, shut up, Chicken Little.
Bigchart33 PROVES he is socially retaded. Congrats, Sir!
When Shef hits a Homer against the Phils How many Met fans won't be cheering I don't hate this I just hope he does not take playing time away from Church or Murphy if those 2 are playing well
My problem with this move is they wouldn't sign Manny but will sign Sheffield, which means it's all about MONEY. They had a chance to get the best right-handed hitter in the game who can be quirky and had an ugly exit from Boston but otherwise rakes and proved it again in a mediocre Dodgers lineup, and instead chose to go with a guy who gripes wherever he is no matter what and is coming off the worst year of his career. Apparently a new stadium and higher prices isn't enough for the Wilpons to actually try and put the best team they can on the field.
Of course it's about money and PT of course. They were not going to go over the luxury tax for Manny. They don't have to for Sheff.
So are you good with that? It makes me not want to root for this team and this ownership group.
(COUGHING) TROLL! BEERLEAUGER TROLL! (COUGH! COUGH!)
I think Murphy has a shot to be an allstar. Kid rakes. His power numbers will need to increase since he's a corner OF. I see a John Olerud season in his future.
Church is a 29 year old late bloomer. His skill sets are pretty defined. Will he get much better? Does he have a little X in him? I see some similarities. Prefer to see him split time with Sheff. Murphy 150 Beltran 150 games Sheff & Church 90 games.
Another downside . . . apparently adding Shefield has broken some people's caps lock . . .
LOL that's great
i like it. we will have church and sheff platoon in right and that way we can always have tatis off the bench as a pinch hitter and when church plays we will have both tatis and sheff off the bench. the only problem is get sheff to only play when a lefty is in. that seems impossible right?
If it's true that Sheff would only play against LH pitchers, he won't start until sometime in the Marlins series when Andrew Miller goes.
sorry, im not messing with a dude just wearin speedos
Unreal, sometimes I really think this organization is run by idiots. Stupid, stupid move. I don't like this move even if Sheffield was half decent, but now you get his great personality without the benefit of good stats…. This team had a good feel to it going into the season, why couldn't Omar have just let well enough alone?
holy piss, bigchart333 is the manx. TOOL. YOU are a JOKE
People will actually complain about anything if you let them. What is there not to like about this move? He's costing the team $400,000 – they're probably still paying Mo Vaughn more than that.
Basic arguments from people:
- He's a clubhouse cancer – maybe yes, maybe no but he certainly has a reason to behave and this could be a good situation. Remember, he chose to come here – he didn't choose to go to Detroit.
- He's a bad fielder – I love Murphy as much as the next guy, but he isn't exactly a gold glover out there.
- He's taking time away from Murphy – Why is that the immediate conclusion being reached? Manuel clearly favors Murphy to Church, at least based on what he's said in the papers. In my eyes, having Sheffield as a possible RF and 6 hitter is absurd. Compare his numbers with Church's: last year when everyone thought Church was so on, he finished with an OPS roughly 60 points higher than Sheffield, in the worst year of Sheffield's career. I'm not expecting anything amazing from him, but assuming he rounds back into roughly old form, he can very easily put up 270/25/90 getting regular playing time.
This is in no way a bad thing. The team now has a legit power option off the bench, or best case scenario, a solid, RH hitting outfielder who can add depth to the lineup and scare opposing teams every single day.
This will either look genius or go piss poor. Either way it costs the team $400,000 – I hear the yanks are charging that much for tickets to a weekend series.
Honestly, he may be a huge jerk, but this is such a low risk there's no reason not to do it.
completely agree. there are even a few things you left out. first, we lose marlin anderson but who cares? he su-cked last year and we have nick evans to fill that role anyway. second, sheff has said he wants to play in 2010. assuming he's telling the truth, he will be playing for a contract this year. people who think this is anything but a good move should start paying attention
Obvious, you are oblivious to what one one trouble maker can do to a team. Since you can only look at a move like a fantasy owner, you can't be shown what happens with poison. See Terrell Owens Philadelphia Eagles. One man ruins a season easy. But all you see is 400K as if you were the owner.
i am copying and pasting what i posed on another thread:
from what i've heard, his teammates have mostly liked him over the years. he is a malcontent and has a propensity to clash with management, but again, if he becomes a problem we release him then and there. even if he's past his prime, how many pitchers wanna see him step to the plate in the late innings of games. he's been an extremely intimidating presence in the middle of a lot of lineups over the years. again, you do know the mets can release him anytime they want at virtually expense right?
Called it this morning. Told you my source was legit.
Talk about a move going along with the mindset of 'winning now'. I thought we were looking to build for the future as well more than we have in the past. I'm just not getting this – unless something else coming down the pike we don't know about yet.
So….the first record breaking stat at Citi isn't likely to be the Mets for no-no. Guess it's gonna be Sheffield's 500th HR…
This is good news. There is very little downside to this. Worst case scenario he bats .100 and causes a media circus and he is immediately cut.
Sheff is a pro and wants to win and I'm sure he will be happy to contribute in any way he can. This is a great move for depth. He's the RH power bat off the bench we've been wanting for 2 years now. If he's on a tear and we can't find AB's for him I am sure there will be another team at the deadline who would like to have his services… at the league minimum might I add.
He gives us pop off the bench, OF depth, and potential trade bait. At very little cost. What's not to like here?? Am I missing something?
Talk about a move going along with the mindset of 'winning now'. I thought we were looking to build for the future as well more than we have in the past. I'm just not getting this – unless something else coming down the pike we don't know about yet.
So….the first record breaking stat at Citi isn't likely to be the Mets first no-no. Guess it's gonna be Sheffield's 500th HR…
You Do remember he made a comment dissing the latinos about theres to much of them this and that this guy argues about everything.
he's getting paid the minimum, and even if Omar told him, oh yeah, you'll play, there is nothing to stop Omar from pulling the rug out and cutting him, so since he is essentially replacing Marlon, I'm not sure what's not to like about this deal, as most people around here didn't want Marlon around anyway.
he better be a bench player! I want to see murphy play every day, i was excited to see a kid from our system contribute. And church is not going to be happy if he ends up getting benched also.
Ugh Matt!! of all the jerseys you could have picked……..
He's not replacing Church or Muurphy. He is a back-up plan that only cost the Mets $400K….Why wouldnt they take a chance….Who knows.
Majority of playing time is going to be Murphy and Church. Plus competition is a good thing.
I don't like this move, I think at this point Sheff is more of a DH than anything else, and as for having him be our primary pinch hitter I wonder how long he will remain happy with that type of a role.
He's expected to be mainly a right-handed pinch hitter off the bench and to occasionally spell Ryan Church in right field. Mets people also hope the added competition might spur Church, who struggled in the second half last year.
This eases me a little…..from the SI article
Yeah, now that it has happened, I am warming up to it…if he really wants to be here and will deal with whatever role he is given, and if maybe he does have some production left, it could be ANOTHER good move by Omar…..
we waited all offseason until finally a right handed bat came along who we could pay less than a million. GREAT SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!1
On the same day that one of my favorite teams drops an a-hole (Burress), another signs an a-hole (Shef). Oh well…
Let's go mets!
He's expected to be mainly a right-handed pinch hitter off the bench and to occasionally spell Ryan Church in right field. Mets people also hope the added competition might spur Church, who struggled in the second half last year.
this eases me a lot if its true! RH PH is fine by me!
Is it official that the casualty of this is Marlon?
dont think so officially but it looks like thats where they are heading…
For those of you who want to see a youth movement, I think this is actually a plus for you. Marlon was far more likely to block Evans because of his contract. Now with Shef replacing Marlon (presumably) at 400k, Mets mgt. is actually in a far better position to simply cut him if he doesn't perform and bring Evans (or even FMart) up.
My memory of Shef from his Braves days was that his teammates loved him and he was considered a real leader (a reason why he was rumored to go back there). I'm usually not a glass-half-full kind of guy, but I either see this as a short, failed experement that helps speed up a younger player like Evans, or something that ends up being Tatis like, except with Shef being 2x as talented as Tatis.
Either way, Mets win.
$400k worth of misery and malcontentment coming right up!
Bad, bad signing. The epitome of a clubhouse cancer.
One thing we do know is that Sheff has always wanted to be a Met. He finally gets his wish I hope he makes the most of it.
I love when fans talk about clubhouse culture and such. Anyways, lets try to assume that Sheff won't come and poison this clubhouse to the point of a 100-120, perhaps even 162 loss season, and look at what he does to the bottom of this order.
Simple question: Are we better with
Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Sheff, Schnieder/Castro, Castillo
OR
Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church/Tatis, Schnieder/Castro, Castillo
????
I like the move as long as he is used in the right way. I don't want him to take a lot of time away from Church in RF. Can Sheff play 1B?
I know its in our nature to be neurotic but some of these people on this blog are complete m0rons. Guys, Shef ONLY COSTS US 400K!!!!! He is a dangerous hitter who I feel more comfortable with than Nice Guy Marlon.
i cant belive the mets sine shef what going to happned to murphey is he still going to start
at least he will make sure the latinos obey orders like dogs. that is what he said happens of course.
This is TERRIBLE news! Matt, this can't be a late April Fools joke, is it?
play the players that produce. if sheffield can put up better numbers than murphy or church, then I have no problem with him playing over them. if he cannot and becomes disruptive, then cut him loose.
I like murphy too but if sheffield can produce more than him, I am not upset about murphy waiting one more year to be full time.
whyyyyyyyyyyyyy… lollllllllll………….
I agree with you, and others who mention the cost..the 400k is nothing really, and he is a better hitter than Marlon. If everything works out it will look like a steal, my main concern is what if Sheff is well Sheff and complains and messes up team chemistry. Well I guess we will just have to wait and see. I certainly hope for the best.
Not bad for a PH option, and it is the RH bat we all wanted. BUT he cannot take time from Murph or Church unless they arent hacking it.
how the hell do you stop this thing froms ending you emails every time a new comment comes on? My profile is not requesting comments!!!
I like how you think.
honestly it isn't that big of a deal…he is a RF and murph plays left…jerry wouldn't praise him this much..bat him second…just to replace him by someone older who wont be as good…church is a different story but i really feel like murphey is safe
um, the blue jays aren't gonna 'take a flyer on a guy' in a trade giving up roy halladay. when you say 'or somebody', you must mean reyes or wright, because otherwise the trade you are suggesting is a complete joke
CitiZoo
BINGO!
I like it! CITIZOO! lol. And it's a free plug for CitiBank. I'm sure they will take any type of publicity. Although, I am not sure it's positive. lol
If that happens, Jason, he's cut, thats the beauty part of this deal.
wanny it may be a setting in your "intense debate" profile, get over to that and check your settings.
thanks, richie. it's not there. had to shut off my blackberry.
On my 'intense debate' profile, on the edit settings page, close to the bottom right, there are two boxes that I had to un-check regarding receiving emails.
Thanks again. But that's not it. It must have been checked off during an earlier message here on Metsblog to "notify me of follow-up comments via email" but I have no idea how to reverse that. In the meantime, I hope Matt puts up a new topic to distract users from this one.
Now we got a guy with a pair of b a l ls
Fatcessa is such an arse! He tells Daniel Murphy that the Mets signed Sheffield, and afterwards said "I didn't want to tell him in case he didn't know, because that obviously affects him."
OF COURSE HE MEANT TO TELL HIM AND CATCH HIM OFF GUARD! What a phrick!
we need to find out next time this guy makes an outdoor broadcast and huck water balloons at him! nonviolent, wont hurt him, but will definitely make him mad!!!!!!
How about we show some optimism. Sheffield is going to do well, he is going to crush homers in citi field, and maybe Murph can move to 2nd. I remember not so long ago Sheff was probably the most feared hitter in all of baseball. It was impossible to get a fastball by him. Maybe with all the time off he's had he will be healthy and able to unleash that violent hack. It's low risk, high reward. Team chemistry doesn't win games, winning games creates chemistry.
The Phelatios made Chan Ho look like the savior. PFF!
Everyone who is bashing these deal, please remove the whiteout from beneath your nose and think RATIONALLY about this deal before stepping off the ledge.
lol you sure its whiteout….
Everyone who is bashing this deal, please remove the whiteout from beneath your nose and think RATIONALLY about this deal before stepping off the ledge.
Very well put. Finally someone who sits back and actually thinks before runnin his mouth (fingers).
just relaxxxx!!!!!! if he replaces anybody it will be church!!!!! RF is his natural position and the mets love murphey!!! jesus christ if he causes a problem we just release him…we are getting a future hall o famer for not even 1 mil…if anything this will help us
his stats have not been impressive and the last future HOFer that was here to help got injured standing in LF(the HOF credentials i will leave to other folks).
What a disgrace to the Met uniform. Terrible.
He is platooning w Church. He can earn a full time spot if he plays well.
Yes you did. Nice call.
The problem is it doesn't cost 400,000 because if they release marlon Anderson his 1.15 mill salary (I think that's what it is), the Mets are responsible for, so its really close to a 1.5 mill move. Second he hit 225 in over 400 AB's last year and only .268 the year before. That's what really concerns me. At 40 years old he hasn't been a really good hitter in about 4 years. Also I really would like to see Church and Murphy play regularly finally and now that won't happen as much as before the move. I can't imagine they signed him to get 100 AB's as a pinch hitter. He's going to get a lot of starts, taking away from Church and Murphy
Sheffield gets Tatis's old role, Tatis gets Anderson's old role and Anderson gets released.
That makes the most sense in my opinion
I agree that makes the most sense, however this is the mets! sometimes they do things that make NO sense! (not reffering to the signing not making sense, just how they handle the ancillary moves that will be needed going forward)
so does this mean no evans on the opening day 25 man?
1997 Florida Marlins who just happen to be on the Mets later…i'm going off minimal research, so this list could be longer
SP Al Leiter
P Felix Heredia
SP Livian Hernandez
RP Dennis Cook
C Charles Johnson (for 5 minutes)
IF Kurt Abbott
1B Jeff Connie
2B Castillio
3B Booby Bo
OF Moises Alou
OF Cliff Floyd
OF Garry Sheffield
….i'd say we could have quite the team there….
Nice name, bro. LOL
who spot is he taking? Evans?
from what i've heard, his teammates have mostly liked him over the years. he is a malcontent and has a propensity to clash with management, but again, if he becomes a problem we release him then and there. even if he's past his prime, how many pitchers wanna see him step to the plate in the late innings of games. he's been an extremely intimidating presence in the middle of a lot of lineups over the years. again, you do know the mets can release him anytime they want at virtually expense right?
Well 400k is a lot of money to me. lol. But I know what you mean. Plus, I could care less about Marlon. He was lousy last year.
Beltran better be rested the days that Sheff is in right and Tatis is in left.
haha agreed, if it was me saving 400k rather than the mets, i'd say we need to save that roster spot for marlin.
and it's funny you say that about beltran, because i was checking out some fielding stats today and beltran had more out-of-zone put-outs than any fielder in baseball last year, which i guess means he covers more ground than anyone else
Though let's be honest on Church–the guy couldn't actually see straight until close to season's end. Don't think he needs anyone pushing him as much as he needs to keep his head away from flying knees, walls, or other heads.
Seems to me how this is starting to work together, given Tatis spending more time at 2nd, 3rd, and 1st is that he may end up with more time on the IF and Shef in the OF. Should be interesting to watch, though I have to say I'm expecting Shef to be gone by June. Just don't think he has it anymore. Still, totally worth the shot as it could make is a LOT better if he is.
As much as I admire Tatis' versatility, I don't think he can become a lefthanded pinch hitter.
I never had a player join the team that I had so little respect for like I do for Gary Sheffield.
I do believe my personal feelings aside it is a no-brainer if it is true he signed for $400,000.
His presence alone coming off the bench will be a factor opposing clubs must respect.
He will keep Church and Murphy on their toes (even though I believe for Murphy this probably was not going to be a concern) vs lefties.
If his attitude or performance are found lacking he can be easily released.
marlon most likely…evans will break camp but get sent down when livans turn to pitch.
best reply of 2009
Mets make sense?? that's not gonna happen
well as much as the marlins are annoying…the organizations accomplishments are similar in that they have not been around that long but have 2 world champtionships.
Or maybe some kind dopamine stimulator.
FYI – Omar's on SNY talkin' Sheff.
Actually, Shef costs more than $400K if you factor in Marlon's salary. I hope Omar already have a trade lined up for Anderson. Otherwise, this deal will cost Marlon's salary and $400K.
Listening to Francesca and he keeps saying you are going to bring Sheffield here to sit him down.
Well, why not? He's only costing us $400,000, so why not put him on the bench?
I really have no opinion right now. For that amount of money it's a good move…especially if he has one more good season in him we could really use the right handed bat. From a technical standpoint it's a low risk, high reward move. But I just worry about him pissing people off on the team. Of course, I think we as fans overrate that whole aspect…these guys are pro's after all.
All I can say is this will be interesting for sure :) It will certainly keep sports radio and the blogs busy each day.
He's our bargain basement priced Manny!
Because he wouldn't have signed here unless he was told that he was going to play.
Listening to Omar now. He basically said that Sheffield was NOT promised playing time.
It's all connected to Citi.
1. There is a tarp on the field
2. Tarp reminds Citi of TARP, the Troubled Assets Relief Program
3. Citi ashamed that government had to buy its toxic assets
4. Citi tells Wilpons it wants to feel superior and buy someone else's toxic assets
5. Toxic asset Sheffield released from Detriot's balance sheet (eerily coinciding with the release of Wagoner from team GM)
6. Mets buy Sheffield at Wilpon's (via Citi's) request
Therefore,
Manny – Madoff = Sheffield!
Kevin Bacon's lawyers will be in touch
Excellent Analysis!
I think you're on to something.
Hahaha! That's great!
and did you know he was a key figure and leader on the 1997 world champion marlins team. that was more than 10 years ago i know, but i'm not buying that he will tear this team apart like you think. that's a bogus theory
Not so long ago, Pedro was an ace. You're talking about a 40 year-old has been.
good clubhouse guy, positive influence but overall IMO had little impact on the team.
As said many times today – i'd much rather have sheffield up in a PH situation than marlon.
again – i have nothing against him but sheff's pop off the pine is very enticing
oh no question shef over marlon. Marlon is a good man but honestly i would have had evans over him in a PH situation. Shef is cool too. I just hope he gets back to form.
not direct at you, but responding to the SI quote.
the guy had two concussion.
I'm not a fan of this move, but I guess I should reserve judgment until I see how he handles the beginning of the season and see how they use him. I think it's a low blow to Church if they intend to platoon them together in RF. I think Church deserves the chance to prove himself in a full healthy season. Sigh, oh well. At least he'll get cut in 3-4 weeks when he starts whining about something.
Omar just said "I'm not sure what he's gonna do". Really guy…really.
Has Church earned his spot. I'd be far more upset if he displaced Murphy
So…..what are Barry Bonds' contract demands these day? We can sign him to play LF if he takes the same league minimum while we're at it.
All aboard future!
Matt- how exactly do you know that he signed with the Mets because he was guaranteed more playing time? Maybe, just maybe,he signed here because he thinks he's got the best chance at a championship in Flushing.
His playing time will come at the expense of Marlon Anderson. And perhaps Tatis if he's performing better. As I said before, there is very little downside here. We can always cut him if things don't work out. And he gives us depth, power off the bench, and trade baits if things do work out.
He may not be the world's most motivated teammate, but I think Shane Victorino will think twice about spiking Reyes if Sheffield is coming in from his blind side.
Again, with Randolph in charge of the team, this would mean Murphy would be picking pine splinters out of his rear. With Manuel, I get more of a sense that he's an insurance policy/ spot starter, and who knows?
At any rate, the 500th HR will be a nice 20 second segment on the 2009 season DVD.
i see murph is taking wrights pr classes…
Murph has definitely carried himself well while wearing the blue & orange.
Best case, he hits 500, we release him before he's a liability both offensively and defensively.
Sheffield is easily a much better insurance policy than Fernando Tatis
Church hasn't necessarily earned his spot, but he has earned the chance to prove himself. He was MVP caliber early last year before the concussion. We should really give him a chance to show what he can do over a larger period.
I do agree though, I would be far more upset if he displaces Murphy.
I am not a big fan of this move, or of Sheff, but hes a Met now. Hes wearing the orange and blue, gotta give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe this could be something positive.
if life gives you lemon, you make lemonade.
The NY sports media must have their dream come true, and Jay Horowitz must have his worst nightmare come to life.
This is his last tour almost for sure, so he either shuts up and preforms or he's out of baseball. Who know's how this will go…I just don't know why a team that has preached team chemistry throughout the spring would make such a controversial move right before the season. Isn't this the same reason we didn't take a low-risk, high-reward flyer on Manny at the deadline?
The Mets will move Ryan Church to the bench and have Shef start. Mark my words
in games vs Lefthanders…maybe. I still think there is something else going on here.
My fellow mets fans sometimes make me very upset to be aligned with this team. All you ever do is complain complain complain. The season hasn't started, so we should all be excited. New stadium! Improved bullpen! I think this is our year and you all should to, because you never know what might happen so might as well hope for the best. Sometimes I think I don't belong around here, because I actually like the mets. I'm a fan of Omar, Jerry the gangsta, I loved Pedro and wish he was back, I loved Moises Alou, I don't love Castillo and his contract but I still am hoping he has a good season and rejuvenates his career. I hated Braden Looper, but I still cheered for him every time he took the mound, hopeful for a save. We are supposed to have these guys backs, we are fans, AKA supporters of the team. We should show Sheff some love, welcome him back to New York and hope for the best, not crucify him before he even has an at bat for the mets. Plus he is a total badass and a legendary player, how could you not want him on the team.
I never had a player join the team that I had so little respect for like I do for Gary Sheffield.
I do believe my personal feelings aside it is a no-brainer if it is true he signed for $400,000.
His presence alone coming off the bench will be a factor opposing clubs must respect.
He will keep Church and Murphy on their toes (even though I believe for Murphy this was never a concern) vs lefties.
If his attitude or performance are found lacking he can be easily released.
Sheffield will want to send a big ole' "up yours" to the owners and front office across town.
That it totally true. You know he wants to show Cashman and the Steinbrenners. At least I hope.
That was in SI. They were talking about Carlos Gomez but said that Beltran was first as you mentioned.
We really don't know what we have in Beltran. I was one of those that was disappointed in him but I am starting to see how good and underrated he really is.
We don't know what we have in Beltran? His last three seasons have been the definition of consistency. If you don't know what we have I'll clue you in: The best centerfielder in the league who hits .280, 30 HR, drives in 100 and scores 100 every year with 20 SB.
I agree with you. I think he is the best all around CF in baseball. But you must have missed all the talk on metsblog last year about trading him.
Thank you. I never post, but have read this blog for yrs, when I found out the news this morning before it was announced I had to inform my fellow Met brethren.
Can't wait to hear Minaya stutter and stammer his way through this fiasco of a signing…
And a thank you very much Elvis style.
I was also thinking for SNY's show Wheelhouse it's a natural for Brian Custer I could just here him: CZ in the Wheezy
wow, 18 years too late
I wouldn't say that is so easy given Sheffield's inability to stay on the field last season as a defender, his lack of defensive versatility and his obvious signs of physical breakdown.
whoa new comments section?
Sheffield is without a doubt a bigger threat than Marlon Anderson (if indeed marlon is the one sacrificed). But I have a hard time seeing his value to an NL team given how little he's been able to play defense the last couple of years and his likely disdain for a role as a pinch hitter.
It's a $1.5m gamble (the cost of Anderson plus Sheffield) that he has something left. However, the bigger gamble is whether he'll be quiet about his playing time one way or the other.
but… if he turns out to get some decent playing time and puts up numbers, that's some pretty cheap trade bait for an AL team looking for a DH
And that's exactly my problem with the whole thing. I hope it works out, but it doesn't kill my enthusiasm for the season like it seems to have done for some of the more adamant haters.
Can't wait for Monday!!!!
HE HIT .225 LAST YEAR!!!!!!!! THE ONLY THING THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN IS HE CAN RUIN CHEMISTRY AND DMURPHY'S DEVELOPMENT AND CALL PEOPLE RACISTS! WHERES THE DOWNSIDE?
I wonder what Delgado thinks of his new teammate.
does any body have have a firefox problem?? The site stopped working all of the sudden with firefox, I had to switch over to Safari.
Kudo's G8, sounded credible this morning and you were on the money.
I don't think it is all that bad actually. $400k for a nice backup to Murph/Church. Light a fire under their asses to push them to produce – if not, give Sheff a chance. If he turns out to be a problem, eating $400k isn't so bad if you're a Wilpon even after Bernie Madoff
I WOULD TAKE EVANS OVER A GUY WHO HIT .170 THIS SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think it's a problem with just firefox. Previous comments on other threads today had those of us using both Firefox and I.E. with the same problem. Browser session freezes, refresh hangs the session, comments don't post or don't post right away, can't sign back in, etc.
It breezes along fine for awhile, then appears to just lose it's mind….
400K for a threatening RH pinch-hitter to replace Marlon. Good job, Omar!
Plus, the Met finally have a badass on the team. There has been a distinct lack of toughness going back many years and I think Shef changes that. If he's in the dugout, and some clown buzzes Wright or Reyes, they can deal with Shef now.
There is a huge upside to this. They get significantly greater power off the bench and if they do release him that just opens up a roster spot for Nick Evans. This is low risk high reward in every sense of the term.
The deal has me going from I can't wait to see what Murhpy does to I can't watch what will happen to Murphy. I don't like this at all. Shef has been awful for two years now. If he is going to come off the bench and be happy with that, then fine, but who does he replace? Tatis? No. Reed? I guess, but with a huge decline in defense. Marlon Anderson? I guess that would be fine.
So damn confused.
This all assumes (I love being able to use that work again) that Shef is anything better than the shell he has been and he doesn't become a clubhouse cancer when he's gotten 5 ABs in two weeks.
But, I do agree with your hopes for upside.
Not looking for Omar's head either.
Now that it's a done deal I am trying to look at the bright side. Mostly envisioning Sheff charging the mound when Myers plops him on the elbow. That could be fun.
This signing is absolutely assinine. You want this clown or Murphy or Church? They are ready to start the season and both played well in the spring.
A turd for $400,000 is still a turd.
Exactly. This is possibly the dumbest thing Minaya has done since becoming GM and he's done a lot of stupid things.
Like I said before, a $400k turd is still a turd.
Stupid stupid stupid
Very true about the pinch hitter comment. My main concern with this move is that Sheff starts demanding playing time he doesn't deserve.
Ugh! This is such a Yankee move. Sign a guy who has no position.
disagree. he can be a power bat off the bench, platoon w/ church or spell murphy if he gets hurt. if it doesn't work out… who cares? we can cut him and it will only cost us $400k. and is anyone welling with tears now that we have to release marlin anderson?
This would be a Yankee move if we signed a guy who has no position to a contract worth 10x the contract we're actually giving him. $400K isn't that bad a risk when your talking about the possible production from him.
Welcome to NY, Sheff…again! (eyes rolling)
The Flushing version of the Bronx Zoo…But then again what should this version be called? Obviously we can't call it the "Bronx Zoo".
The Queens Botanical Gardens?
lol, nice. But I think this was a good signing. Low risk.
That has "happy" written all over it! What about "Flushing Chop Shops"? LOL
Well if if goes poorly, we can just call it "The Flushing."
And a sound effect of flushed toilet. LOL
Listen, I dislike the guy as much as most people do, but to say this isn't a low risk/potentially medium/high reward deal is absurd, especially if this involves the release of Marlon. The man is crappy in the clubhouse, blah blah blah, whatever. The whole notion of team chemistry playing a major factor in how a team performs in baseball, which is essentially an individual sport when broken down, is vastly overplayed by fans and hack media writers.
been keeping up all off-season (spent a ton of time on baseball fever in the citi field thread), but this seems as good a time as any to come back to the comment area for the season……wow.
i am not sure how this is going to play out. it could be a complete and utter disaster or we all could be very pleasantly suprised……but even more than the uncertainty of the whole situation, i am taken back just by the fact that they got him. i simply did not see this one coming.
let us all hope he is mad as, well, you know, and he takes it out on the opposition and puts up some numbers in a comeback season
He's had something like 34 total pinch hitting appearances in his 21 year career. So nobody has any idea what he will be off the bench.
Last year he played all of 6 games in the outfield.
It's not fantasy baseball or the AL. He has to play the field somewhere.
i don't know how good/bad he is in the field. he could be horrible for all i know. so then he could get a start here and there against a lefty and be used primarily as a pinch hitter. ok, so we don't know how he'll do because of the sample size. i still don't see where the risk is or why this can be a bad move…
It's low risk monetarily but he is such a jerk why risk him dividing the clubhouse.
Some of Sheff's greatest hits:
- I made errors on purpose to get traded.
- Torree is racist.
- Jeter's doesn't count as black because he's half white
- Latin players can be controlled
- I didn't know they were steroids
Why do we want a guy like that around? There's a reason a guy with 499 homer uns has played with so many teams.
You know, I hadn't heard of this, until 5 minutes ago, because I was out all day. It feels like I'm weeks behind on the news. This one caught me by suprise. My thinking is, they're trying to keep him away from the Phillies. Gary's not the type of guy you want around your clubhouse, but I'm sure he'll start in Buffalo and have to earn his way back. Than again, he could be another ex-Tiger, like Freddy Garcia. If anything goes wrong, just pull the plug. I can't say I'm thrilled about this move, but if he can hit like he did 2 years ago, it's a steal.
can he play first base?
I was referring mostly to the fact that he is a DH type and the baggage that he brings, but I get your point. But as someone else said it's really 400k + Marlon's contract, so almost $2m.
Hey, I totally hope I am wrong. Just not a Sheffield fan ever since he said he made errors and tanked games to get out of Milwaukee.
Yeah, I forgot to add Marlon's contract into that total. That makes it a bit less palatable, but I'm not nearly as irritated as I would have been if we gave Lowe the kind of contract ATL did, or if we had signed Dunn/Abreu to some silly ridiculous contract. We'll see. I'm not gonna call for Minaya's head over this, like some others would like to. It's not THAT big of a deal. Though Sheff is a huge D-bag. I forgot about that bit in Milwaukee, what a freakin' loser.
anyone wonder why the mets would take sheffield a 40 year old grump who DHed last year and hit crap, but pass on the best right handed hitter EVER!!! Manny anyone?
There is big difference between the Manny situation and the one now with Sheff.We get Sheff for the veteran minimum,and can get rid of him at anytime if things go sour.Manny wanted 20+ mil. a season and would've been guaranteed an outfield position(which would've meant no Murphy in RF.) To compare the two situations is ridiculous.
ooops,I meant LF!
I think that everyone here is just mad that they cant complain about management signing another hispanic so they are taking it out on sheff lol. I say give him a shot. We are paying him the league min. and if he proves to be a headcase then release him. Remember last year when everyone had given up on Delgado by June? Everyone thought he was done… He regained his swing, and from the looks of spring training still has it. Sheffield has proven for 20 years that he can hit the ball. He was hurt… if he is healthy, and in the right environment who knows what he can do. If he hits 20hrs, 80rbi, and bats 280, everyone here bashing him will be praising him… kinda like delgado in the past. Time will tell, but i can only see an upside to this deal.
I'd rather face Sheffield when in the dugout than in the field. Fingers crossed.
For the love of God Omar, why? It means reduced AB's for Church and Danny Boy Murphy, horrid outfield play, and a .215 average in the middle of the lineup. Not to mention at least 10 NY Post back page headlines … Just awful.