The Spot Starters

Tigers Shopping Sheffield?

By Blake VandeBunte • Jul 24th, 2008 • Category: 2008 season, Gary Sheffield

Gary Sheffield is not having a career year. He’s getting paid like it ($14 million) but he’s not playing like it. Many Tiger fans have voiced their displeasure over his performance and the fact that he’s taking a roster spot from someone like Clete Thomas. I get it. I’m right there with you. Well, I read this today in Jayson Starks column over at ESPN.com. Peep this:

The Tigers continue to poke around for another starting pitcher, a left-handed bullpen arm and a young shortstop who could replace Edgar Renteria next year. One eye-popping name they’ve offered around: Gary Sheffield. Given Sheffield’s physical issues, they’d have to eat a hefty chunk of the $14 million Sheffield has coming next year to make that enticing.

This would clearly be a no-brainer for the Tigers. Who cares if they need to pay a chunk if they can get a young piece in return? Imagine how much fun the current team would be without Sheffield and Renteria clogging everything up. Adding a young player on top of that would be gravy. Let’s see how this one shapes up.