Drive for 500
By Blake VandeBunte • Sep 27th, 2008 • Category: 2008 season, Gary SheffieldGary Sheffield crushed two homers last night against the Rays, giving him 499 for his career. 500 isn’t quite the mark it used to be (steroids, ahem), but it’s still an impressive feat that’s been attained by only 24 players in the history of the game. Not bad.
While Sheff has had a frustrating season and has drawn a ton of boos from the Comerica faithful, he got nothing but cheers last night after number 499. Sheffield came out for a curtain call to show the fans some love in return. Say what you like about Sheffield but the guy has been one of the best hitters over the last twenty years.
Sheffield now has two games (maybe three) to pick up that last homer. My preference is for him to hit it on Sunday because I’ll be at the game, however, I would be happy to see it on television as well. What are the odds he’ll get there and what pitchers is he scheduled to face? I’ve got that covered:
Today’s starter is Matt Garza. Garza has had Sheff’s number so far in their battles. Sheffield is only 1-8 with a single against Garza. However, he has never struck out in those eight at bats, so at least he’s getting the bat on the ball.
Starting on Sunday is James Shields. Shields has been hit a bit by Gary. Sheffield is 4-13 (.308) against Shields but the only extra base hit he has to show for it is a double, no homers here.
Given the fact that the Rays have nothing to play for anymore (they have clinched the AL East and cannot catch the Angels for best record) they may not have their starters for more than five innings or so. So, how does Sheffield hit against that Tampa bullpen?
Sheffield took Grant Balfour deep earlier this season and is 2-5 in his career against Balfour. Sheffield has also homered off of Edwin Jackson who has started all year long. However, as you get to the playoffs a team really only needs four starters and he might be left out in the cold and get himself sent to the bullpen. If that’s the case, Sheffield may face Jackson out of the pen in the next two days. Sheffield is 1-3 against Jackson and that one hit was a solo homer.
Finally, if the Tigers and White Sox need to play on Monday, the Sox will send Gavid Floyd to the hill. Sheffield is 2-9 with no homers against Floyd in his career. However, Sheffield has homered once in three at bats against reliever Matt Thornton. He has also taken reliever Octavio Dotel deep three times 18 at bats.
Sheffield will have his hacks down the stretch, there is no way Leyland is going to sit the guy with 499 jacks. Just do me a favor will you, Gary? Hit it on Sunday.
Blake VandeBunte is a posting fiend.
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