TIGERS RELEASE SHEFFIELD - Mets to sign him

**Wilfredo Ledezma** · 03-31-2009 10:30 AM

Wow!

**Wilfredo Ledezma** · 03-31-2009 10:31 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring...ory?id=4029706

**Glenn** · 03-31-2009 10:31 AM

Strange timing, should have done it last year.

I'm sure that he's going to have a lot to say to the media (if not now, someday).

**Wilfredo Ledezma** · 03-31-2009 10:31 AM

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have released nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield, who is one home run away from 500 for his career.

Detroit parted ways with the designated hitter Tuesday after a disappointing stay with the Tigers. The team was hopeful the 40-year-old Sheffield would be a powerful presence at the plate in the final season of the $28 million, two-year contract extension it gave him after acquiring him from the New York Yankees for prospects.

But he failed to deliver in large part because he often was injured.

The move comes a day after the Tigers acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from Atlanta, forcing the team to make some tough decisions about its roster a week ahead of opening the season in Toronto.

Sheffield hit .178 in 18 games this spring.

**MoTown** · 03-31-2009 10:32 AM

Why would they release him now?

Does this mean that the new guy we traded for is our starting left fielder and Guillen is our DH? If that's the case, I think our defense is tops in the league...

**Wilfredo Ledezma** · 03-31-2009 10:32 AM

I'm quite surprised.

Was he overpaid? Of course, but he can draw walks and we have nothing to lose by carrying him.

Thames full time DH now, I would presume.

**Glenn** · 03-31-2009 10:32 AM

The team was hopeful the 40-year-old Sheffield would be a powerful presence at the plate in the final season of the $28 million, two-year contract extension it gave him after acquiring him from the New York Yankees for prospects.

But he failed to deliver in large part because he often was injured.

He failed? DD failed.