Per RotoWorld...


The Rangers have reportedly asked the Tigers about Gary Sheffield, who is owed $14 million in the final year of his deal.

Boy would this be a dream come true. Obviously we'd have to eat some of that salary should we move him, but the money we save could be allocated towards a solid starting pitcher (Braden Looper?) and maybe Fuentes.

It's safe to assume the Rangers would want the Tigers to pick up some salary, perhaps about half of it. However, even saving $7 million would give the team a lot more flexibility in going after Brian Fuentes or maybe a starting pitcher. The Tigers do have plenty of internal DH options in Matt Joyce, Marcus Thames, Jeff Larish and Mike Hessman. Because of the defensive upgrade, they might even be better off with Joyce in right field and Magglio Ordonez at DH than they are with Ordonez and Sheffield in the lineup together. Of course, Sheffield does have a no-trade clause, which could mean nothing at all will come of this.

I love the MLB Offseason.

Rule 5 Draft Tomorrow!

So, since it seems the Rangers would be doing us a huge favor, would it be for a player-to-be-named-later, or does Sheff actually have value as well? I know we gave up someone who was supposed to be a strong prospect when we got him a couple years ago. Obviously I don't expect someone of that level, but are we talking one or two AA guys with outside shots of a September call-up before they retire?

No, if Texas took Sheff, it would be for nothing of any value.

Below average minor leaguer at best.

Pure cost cutting move.

And I would still make it. I'm kind of disappointed we didn't make this move and keep Joyce. He'd have been perfect for it. Have him playing the corner outfield spots letting Guillen and Ordonez take turns DHing, and on occasion he could have been the DH while they both played the field. I suppose we could have Larish DH, at least he'd be in the majors getting some experience, and he could play in the field when needed. Same with Hessman, or even Thames if we keep him (though he doesn't need the major league experience)

Tigers | Unlikely to trade Sheffield
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:32:24 -0800
Updating previous reports, Jason Beck, of MLB.com, reports the Detroit Tigers are unlikely to trade DH Gary Sheffield because they are unwilling to pick up a chunk of his remaining salary. The Texas Rangers are interested in trading for Sheffield but only in a low-cost scenario.

Tigers | Sheffield expected to be healthy next year
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:20:17 -0800
Jon Paul Morosi, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland expects DH Gary Sheffield (shoulder) to be completely healthy for the start of the 2009 season. Leyland also said he doubts Sheffield will play in the outfield next season, instead serving as the team's full-time designated hitter.

^http://www.kffl.com/images/hot_sign.jpg