Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
December 09, 2003
Wither Sheffield?

I find it interesting that the supposed done deal between the Yankees and Gary Sheffield has not been consummated yet. It may be that the Braves move to get a compensation pick has put the deal on hold. But I also suspect that there are other forces at work as well.

This is pure speculation, but if I were Brian Cashman, I'd be pushing George real hard not to make this deal, but instead sign Vlad Guerrero to a long term deal. I'd remind George of the difference in age between the two and the probability of decline in offense in much lower with Vlad. I'd point out that he's a better defensive player (and Yankees lack of defense). I'd point out that the team is getting too old, and you need a young stud to get off the treadmill. I would be fighting tooth and nail to get Steinbrenner to change his mind.

Something like that may be going on. The Cashman/Michael part of the Yankees operation is probably thinking this way. Whether they can convince the boss is another story.


Posted by David Pinto at 09:22 AM | Free Agents | TrackBack (0)
Comments

And David, that is why the glorious pinstripers need you as GM. You have my vote. As my beloved Yankees contemplate this trade on Sheffy, I don't understand how it wouldn't be easy to convince Georgy on Vlad. The guy is a stud.

Let's see, take the 35 year old Sheffield with some known attitude problems or the youthful, rocket throwing, power hitting, outfield roaming Vlad man ?

And they better not come up with that they were saving on payroll if they sign Sheffy vs Vlad. George has to just pluck his money tree and the deal is done.

If I were Cashman, I would start my conversation off with:

"Boss, want to REALLY upset the Red Sox Nation? Have I got a proposal for you!"

Posted by: Tom F. at December 9, 2003 10:09 AM

This story has it as Sheffield trying to hold Steinbrenner hostage for some more $$$. It would hardly be out of character...

Posted by: Matt Davis at December 9, 2003 02:34 PM

Oops, here is the URL:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/144150p-127535c.html

Posted by: Matt Davis at December 9, 2003 02:34 PM

The only drawback to Vlad is if you sign him to some huge contract and he can't handle the pressure of playing in New York your screwed.

i.e. The Red Sox and Manny.

Posted by: Andrew at December 9, 2003 04:23 PM

Manny's played well in Boston. He's just a bit whiny, which I think is the primary reason the Sox want to ditch him.

Posted by: John Y. at December 9, 2003 05:01 PM

I'm not sure how seasons of 25, 29, and 28 win shares in Boston demonstrates Manny can't handle "pressure." Plus, he wants to go to NY. That doesn't seem like a guy shying from the limelight to me.

Posted by: John at December 9, 2003 05:05 PM

Andrew,

Possibly, but your taking the same risk with Sheffield in my opinion. I'd rather have a young stud vs an older "questionable" one, at least the resale value would be higher for Vlad. I just don't picture Vlad as a guy who can't cut it. But, stranger things have happened I suppose.

Posted by: Tom F. at December 10, 2003 09:53 AM