MLB: Time for Sheffield to Go and Bonds to Come

I’m not into ripping individual players. I’m not and try not to do it too often. But what has unfolded with Gary Sheffield over the weekend – and Barry Bonds too – is forcing me to single out 2 players.

Now, before I explain why it’s time for the Tigers to part ways with Sheffield, I want to acknoweldge that Sheff has had any awesome career. When he was right, just a couple years ago, he was one of the most feared hitters in the game. His quick bat speed was nothing short of spectacular. But those days are gone.

This year, Sheffield is hitting less than .220 and he has grounded into double plays or struck out in key situation after key situation. I’m not kidding when I say that Sheffield is single-handedly responsible for the Tigers losing 5-8 games this year.

And now he has the audacity to criticize the Tigers – and more specifically Jim Leyland – for not playing him in the field. Okay, but a couple months ago Leyland – after Sheff requested it – played Sheffield in left field for 6 straight games and he actually hit the ball worse. So what is Sheffield talking about?

In fact, Leyland sticking with him may end-up getting Leyland led out of Detroit. In my opinion, Leyland should’ve let Sheffield go back in May. But Leyland has kept him around and the Tigers have suffered because of it.

Meanwhile, another once feared hitter – Barry Bonds – made headlines when he announced to San Francisco Giants fans at a ball game against the Dodgers (all 7 fans) that he wasn’t retired. This is the perfect chance for the Tampa Bay Rays to step-up and sign him for the league minimum. Bonds would be a great addition and there’s plenty of room for his ego in Tampa. All those young guys will gladly wash his feet every day if he needs it. And they’ll probably love watching his big screen TV with him in the locker room.

So Sheffield should go while Bonds comes back. Perhaps they can even give each other hi-fives on there way past each other. Or maybe Sheffield can give Bonds some advice on how to stay in the line-up even if he’s hitting less than his weight.