The GM's Almanac...Full Moon Edition
A near-daily check on the Hot Stove League
The New York Yankees are planning to pick up outfielder Gary Sheffield's option for $13 million and then trade him. The Rangers are reportedly interested.
Maybe, maybe not. One thing that is sure is Rangers general manager Jon Daniels is very thorough and checks on everything. Another thing that's sure is that a scout who says his team is interested is often just expressing his own views rather than that of a general manager.
So what do we know about Sheffield?
He'll be 38 on Nov. 18. He can hit. His offensive numbers are Hall of Fame material. He missed 31/2 months this season because of wrist surgery but otherwise has been admirably durable over the past 11 years. He has been caught up in the steroids scandal.
He has a mecurial personality and isn't afraid to speak his mind. He wants a two-year contract extension so he can play three more years.
He can hit. Prior to this season, he drove in about 125 runs per season in 2003-2005.
The Yankees need either starting pitching, relief pitching or catching help. The Rangers are not going to trade Gerald Laird for Sheffield. They don't have starting pitching unless the Yankees, who want to win the World Series, are interested in John Koronka, John Rheinecker, Kameron Loe or Edinson Volquez. Think Sheffield is worth John Danks and Eric Hurley?
Relievers? The Rangers have them. Want to trade C.J. Wilson and Josh Rupe to the Yankees for Gary Sheffield? Wes Littleton?
Gary Sheffield - at least the hitter - is probably a good deal at $13 million for one year in the middle of the Rangers batting order, if you don't mind him stirring things up. Three years? Like that better than Carlos Lee for five years?
The Rangers need two starters and a center fielder. The big bat is fourth in the pecking order.
I do not want Gary Sheffield on the Texas Rangers. As a matter of fact, I can think of very few 38 year-olds that would be a good signing here. This has Andres Galarraga/Ken Caminitti/Phil Nevin/Richard Hidalgo written all over it. I would have to think long and hard about spending 13 million for him as a free agent, but I DEFINTITELY would not do it if it meant giving up young players. There is a reason the Yankees aren't keeping him.
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Gary has already said that he feels sorry for what ever team trades for him because he will not play without a new contract. No to Gary, but it would surprise me to see the rangers go after him and eat up there budget for starting pitching so they will have another excuse for not making the post season.
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