New York Mets Tickets - Mets, Meet Gary Sheffield
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Gary Sheffield has been released from the roster of the Detroit Tigers as the team prepares for the start of the season. According to sources close to the team, the Tigers organization was attempting to add more versatility to the team. Sheffield, who had been playing designated hitter most of his season in Detroit last year while Magglio Ordonez and Marcus Thames, among others, played in the corner outfield spots, only managed to average .225 in 2008. In general, designated hitters are seen as less “versatile” than players who normally man a field position. Even though Sheffield has played in the outfield with decent results before in his career, apparently the Tigers were unsure he would be able to help them in a more inclusive role. Sheffield will be 40 years old this year.
Although any team dropping a player of Gary Sheffield’s renown would be significant, the story takes a twist when you realize that Sheff is just one home run away from reaching the 500 club. According to a CBSSports online story about the move, Sheffield didn’t exactly see it coming like a fastball down the middle. Said Sheffield:
“I wouldn’t say I’m shocked, but I am surprised. To do this when somebody is one home run away…I don’t know how to react to it…Jim [Leyland] said, ‘We’re going to go with versatility.’ When he said that word I thought to myself, ‘I’m probably the most athletic guy on this team.’ But they’re entitled to their opinion.”
While the Tigers, who finished in last place in the American League Central Division last season, don’t think they can use Sheffield, there are apparently numerous teams out there who could use a DH or outfield power hitter. The Mets, Reds and Phillies have signified interest already, and some speculate other teams are in the running to sign the newly freed Gary Sheffield.
What will become of Gary Sheffield? He is owed $14 million by the Tigers this upcoming year, but he is available to be picked up by any team in the majors for the veteran minimum of $400,000. The Tigers have to pick up the rest. That’s quite a deal. In these times of bargain free agents, and with the economy doing poorly, any team looking to add a home run hitter might walk away with a steal. At first, the San Francisco Giants were seen as a likely buyer. They need power in their batting order, and they sure do love a good record chase from a surly corner outfielder. However, recently the Mets have taken over in the chase for Gary Sheffield.
According to a confidant close to Gary Sheffield, the Mets have been checking out Gary’s throwing arm. In the National League, where there are no designated hitters, he would likely play either right or left field. Also, according to the same source, the Mets told Gary, “You deliver, and you’ll play.”
Gary Sheffield himself has been heard to remark that he’d like to play for whatever team is willing to give him the most playing time. The location doesn’t matter as much as the situation. As a man trying to get to 500 career home runs, and as a savage competitor, it’s should come as no surprise that he want to be a part of the action. Being on a World Series contender wouldn’t hurt, either. So will you be able to see Gary Sheffield when you use New York Mets tickets this next season? We shall find out soon enough. If you do try to see Gary this year- no matter what team he’s on- it’s best to find seats at StubHub.com, where you can see him play even if the game is sold out.
Written by Brent Warnken, sponsored by StubHub. StubHub sells New York Mets tickets, sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world.
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