Sheffield angry that Yanks pick up his $13 million option

ClipJoint · Oct 26, 2006

WTF???

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Au1S1wI5dJJjzLsMg4xjLh4RvLYF?slug=ap-yankees-sheffield&prov=ap&type=lgns

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspsctnhdln>Sheffield angry that Yankees are likely to exercise option</TD></TR><TR><TD height=7><SPACER type="block" height="1" width="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>October 26, 2006
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<SMALL>AP - Oct 26, 7:17 am EDT</SMALL>
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NEW YORK (AP) -- Gary Sheffield is angry that the New York Yankees plan to exercise his $13 million option for next season rather than allow him to become a free agent.

While the Yankees have until Nov. 5 to decide on the option, Sheffield told USA Today that he has been told it will be exercised.

"This will not work, this will not work at all," was quoted as saying in Thursday's editions. "I don't want to play first base a year for them. I will not do that."

If the Yankees exercise the option, included as part of the three-year contract Sheffield negotiated before the 2004 season, they likely would trade him. By exercising the option, they can prevent him from winding up with the Boston Red Sox.

Sheffield was New York's right fielder before he was sidelined from May 29 to Sept. 22 with an injured left wrist that required surgery. When he returned, he played first base for the first time in his major league career.

"I don't know what they're (Yankees) going to do," Sheffield was quoted as saying. "Maybe they picked it up just to trade me. If they do that, if I just (go) to a team for one year, there's going to be a problem."
Late in the season, Sheffield expressed a willingness to play first base, saying it wouldn't bother him.

Sheffield, who turns 38 next month, hit .298 with ix homers and 25 RBIs in 39 games this year.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Sheffield's agent, Rufus Williams, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Updated on Thursday, Oct 26, 2006 5:58 pm EDT

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Sugarbear · Oct 26, 2006

You know, 13 million in NY dont go as far as it used to. Tampa Bay is looking for a power hitter.

primetime21+ · Oct 26, 2006

The yanks did this for a reason and i am sure that reason isn't to have sheffield back in pinstripes. Sheffield is a grumpy jackass that is lucky he has the fastest bat speed of any player i have ever seen.

ClipJoint · Oct 26, 2006

$13 million???

He is 38 years old and was injured...who in the hell would pay him that kind of money?

joelatti · Oct 26, 2006

WAIT until you see the numbers that Soriano and Carlos Lee get they will BLOW your MIND!

ClipJoint · Oct 26, 2006

joelatti said:
WAIT until you see the numbers that Soriano and Carlos Lee get they will BLOW your MIND!

They are also younger and coming off very productive seasons. Paying a 38 year old that kind of money coming off an injury is insane.

Journeyman · Oct 26, 2006

Very possibly he was looking for a 2-3 yr deal...one more year in NY makes him one more year older and less likely to get a multi year deal, PLUS he doesn't want to play 1st base it seems....He's worn out his welcome as usual.

Rev_Al · Oct 26, 2006

Clip Joint said:
They are also younger and coming off very productive seasons. Paying a 38 year old that kind of money coming off an injury is insane.

Yes, Clip...I read this article this morning...and in a nut shell, explains why the Yankees havent won the Series lately.

#1) Idiotic contracts.
#2) Selfish players...just read those quotes by Sheff in the article.
#3) Too many individuals, and no team

This one article covers every angle on why the Yanks havent done shit.

In a related note: Sheffs' agent Rufus Williams said Sheffield will play first base if the Yankees offered him a 2 yr deal. What a selfish prick.

The prick should be happy he will make $13 mill this season...its about $3-$5 million more than what he deserves in today's market.

I'm just praying the Yankees are doing this, so they can trade him...because it makes ZERO sense. Next thing you know, they'll be picking up Mike "I have yet to win anything of value" Mussina's option.

royboy_3831 · Oct 26, 2006

Journeyman said:
Very possibly he was looking for a 2-3 yr deal...one more year in NY makes him one more year older and less likely to get a multi year deal, PLUS he doesn't want to play 1st base it seems....He's worn out his welcome as usual.

i think your right j-man, thought i heard them say on sportscenter he's looking for a 3 year deal...

Journeyman · Oct 26, 2006

Rev_Al_Bundy said:
In a related note: Sheffs' agent Rufus Williams said Sheffield will play first base if the Yankees offered him a 2 yr deal. What a selfish prick.

This is what it comes down to, multi years ..he wants more than one year guaranteed.

Rev_Al · Oct 26, 2006

obviously he wants a multi year deal, as baseball contracts are guaranteed...and every big name free agent in their late 30's try to get as many years guaranteed as possible.

ie: Pedro Martinez's deal w/ the Mets...the Red Sox offered more for him in a two year contract...but the Mets were the only team willing to roll the dice w/ 5 yrs. Now they are stuck with an old pitcher & arm problems on their pay roll for three more years.

Its just frustrating as a Yankee fan to read his quotes...ME ME ME ME. He could be part of a 'special' offensive lineup, if he stays healthy...and win a World Series. As he is still getting WAY over payed according to current market conditions - its like they have to twist his arm.

Horseshoe · Oct 26, 2006

George Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman have been making bad decisions ever since they lost George Costanza.

Sheffield is a cancer, the only season that he was a team player was with that good Pads team of 1992..when he, Gwynn, McGriff and the balanced SD lineup tore pitchers apart from both sides of the plate.

Pro-rated his production is still solid, but at 13M Per, his physical wear-tear/reliability is in wane, not as relaible an HR producer, and he is and always been an "Gary 1st/Team 2nd" guy..

Only the Yankees(with antiquated Steinbrenner being the Al Davis Jr of MLB owners) would throw such wasted dough at an aging and decaying athlete that is part of an talent assemblage/not necessarily a chemistry-laden team.

mj23 · Oct 26, 2006

At this point he is going to be problems best bet is to let him go!!!

randyrohm · Oct 26, 2006

Makes everything I do look ridiulous. I just try to save 20% of what I make and retire when I reach a million.

tkf18ny · Oct 27, 2006

Another reason that I as a Yankee fan hate Cashman. Pencil the prick in a first and he if doesnt wanna go there dont pay his greedy ass. Same thing the mets shoulda did with piazza and Frank Robinson had the balls to do with Soriano.

Illini · Oct 27, 2006

Ummm......what part of the word option does Sheffield not understand? It's a club option. They do whatever the fuck they want to do with you. You have no say. STFU. Please. Just STFU and go away. :nohead:

WVU · Oct 27, 2006

A contract is a contract. Screw Sheffield. Make him play first base or sit out and get nothing

ScubaSteve+ · Oct 27, 2006

Let him go ... bring Carlos Lee.....

Porcupine · Oct 27, 2006

Illini said:
Ummm......what part of the word option does Sheffield not understand? It's a club option. They do whatever the fuck they want to do with you. You have no say. STFU. Please. Just STFU and go away. :nohead:

True.

Also, I'm sure the fact the club option for this year was part of the contract negotiations that got this huge contract.