I think it is easy to dislike the idea of Gary Sheffield on the Mets, as expressed by some people such as Mets Blog’s Michael Nichols, Mets Blog’s godfather Matthrew Cerrone and Anthony De Rosa right here at Hot Foot.
Sheffield clearly has a track record of being a head case, and a guy that you really don’t want in the clubhouse. So, if he starts creating problems, cut him. Until then, he is a good fit.
First of all, as enamored as all of us are with Daniel Murphy, odds are he’ll struggle at points throughout the season. Maybe it’ll get to a point where we really don’t want him playing vs. lefties. Even though he is easy to love with his gritty attitude and undying work ethic, he is young and relatively unproven.
Ryan Church was probably the Mets’ MVP at the beginning of last season. Yet, a major head injury later, his production is certainly a question in the Mets lineup. He faltered down the line last year, and who knows whether or not he’ll be able to return to his Spring 2008 form. I for one, am a huge fan of Church’s, but as of now he is an uncertainty.
Sheffield hit for a poor average last year, but he was hampered by injuries. He still showed signs of power, hitting 19 HRs in only 418 ABs. At least until he proves that has nothing left in the tank, I’d prefer him in the lineup to Fernando Tatis. He’s certainly preferable to Marlon Anderson.
Finally, Sheffield is connected to good parts of the organization in ways you might not think. Primarily, he is the nephew of former Mets star Dwight Gooden (so maybe off the field issues run in the family?). Secondly, Sheffield was traded by the Marlins to the Dodgers in the trade that brought the Marlins Mike Piazza. As we all know, Piazza was subsequently shipped to the Mets, so if you really think about it Gary Sheffield helped to bring Mike Piazza to the Mets.
The Mets aren’t paying Sheffield much, so once he starts disrupting team chemistry, give him the ax. Until then, it’s a risk well worth it. Good job, Minaya.
Besides, don’t you think more Mets’ could use that F*ck you attitude that Sheffield has?
Pete Lappin (3)
