The Plight Of Gary Sheffield

Tonight marks the official beginning of the end of Gary Sheffield's tenure with the Yankees.

Or so we are willing to bet.

With Matsui and Damon on the books for 39 million a piece beginning next season, and Bobby Abreu's 15 million dollar contract for 2007, the odd man out is the Sheff.

If Gary does make a return to the big leagues this season, he will certainly be motivated to play well. Regardless of what he says about not having to prove anything after 18 years of service, future employers will want to take a good, hard look at his surgically repaired wrist.

Especially because his trademark is his super sonic bat speed that requires a violent flick of his wrists with every swing.

If the Yankees don't pick up Gary Sheffield's option for 2007, chances are basically nil that they will negotiate a new contract. Gary's pride won't allow him to take a pay cut, at least not a significant one, and the Yankees will have zero interest in signing him for another three years, which is what his lawyer has been talking about over the past few days.

Speaking of Gary Sheffield's lawyer, Rufus Williams gave perfect answers to reporters' questions about how Gary feels about the Yanks picking up Abreu.

Gary is happy about Abreu coming to the Bronx because it will help the Yankees win a championship, which is what Gary came to New York for.

Let's see if Gary can be equally composed and politically correct when he returns to the clubhouse. If he can exert some patience and hold his tongue, he will stand a good chance of picking up a lucrative 2-3 year contract from another team in the offseason.

Maybe Boston?

Don't put it past Gary - he hasn't been completely happy ever since he and Steinbrenner negotiated his current 39 million dollar contract that involves deferred money without interest.

He also feels that to some degree, Brian Cashman played him like a puppet during spring training, and that he came off looking like a little child in front of reporters.

I don't think that the Red Sox would have any problem replacing Trot Nixon with Sheffield, do you?

In any case, let's hope that Sheffield heals well and that some how, some way, he is able to make a positive contribution to our team.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com