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Leyland won't move Sheffield down

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In Sunday night's long-awaited Tigers lineup, the first time manager Jim Leyland has been able to write down the batting order he's wanted to use all along, the lowest batting average belonged to Gary Sheffield. The veteran slugger then proceeded to go 0-for-4 and his average dropped to .159. But to those who think Sheffield should be moved out of the third spot, Leyland has this response: "I still think he's one of the most feared and respected hitters. "I still think they pitch him as tough as anybody in the lineup. One of the reasons I leave him up there is because they're going to walk him because they pitch him so tough. "The other thing is it's too early to decide if he's just not going to hit," Leyland said. "If he's healthy, we're going to find out. I think it's a fair question, though, but I also wonder where those people think I should hit him."

Detroit News

Gary Sheffield, AP Gary Sheffield, AP
Comment has been removed
April 28, 2008  07:34 AM ET

"I still think he's one of the most feared and respected hitters."

manager Jim Leyland

Who is batting .159. But as a Twins fan, I like it.

April 28, 2008  09:37 AM ET

yeah he's getting old & is a jerk-
but he plays through pain and deserves to have a chance to work through it

they're only 25 games in.....but if he continues to slump- then move him to #5

April 28, 2008  09:47 AM ET

Gary, just put some flaxseed oil on that, things will turn out fine!

April 28, 2008  10:54 AM ET

Release the man, set him free.

Comment has been removed
April 28, 2008  11:38 AM ET

isnt it time for his curtain call?

April 28, 2008  12:59 PM ET

One of the reasons I leave him up there is because they're going to walk him because they pitch him so tough.

Well, Jim, last night he took a called third twice. He has been reduced to looking for walks. A #3 hitter is not supposed to stand up there looking to walk. It is time for Gary to enjoy retirement. I fear that Leyland's famed stubborness will knock the Tigers out of the hunt before we can evern try to get back into it.

April 28, 2008  01:19 PM ET

Leyland said. "If he's healthy, we're going to find out. I think it's a fair question, though, but I also wonder where those people think I should hit him."

try in the head or nuts

April 28, 2008  02:49 PM ET

Jim Leyland fears he will be the next person on Gary's "I hate you list" if he releases him. Already smoking 5 packs of cigarettes already Leyland said he doesn't need the added stress of being on the "I Hate You" list !!!

April 28, 2008  03:49 PM ET

Tell him to retire. Sheff is one of the most selfish, me first players ever to play baseball. Pitchers don't respect him anymore and the Tigers will be much better off without him.

April 28, 2008  09:35 PM ET

It's April, people. Lots of things happen in April that are unexplainable in MLB. Sheffield, though a jerk, will hit. The Tigers, though their offense is coming around, are still lacking in the arms race.

April 29, 2008  02:39 AM ET

i think the tigers are blowing it because leyland is stubborn and thinks that these guys are just gonna play out of it and just explode...The 'these guys are just in a funk' excuse gets real old real quick, specially at the end of the first month

April 29, 2008  08:48 AM ET

i'm just surprised that the normally "bullish" and head-strong leyland doesn't have the courage to do what i think he knows is in the best interest of the team. he seems to be afraid to pull the trigger on moving sheffield down because he knows sheff's propensity for moping and spreading negativity in the lockerroom and in the papers when things aren't going his way.

April 29, 2008  10:38 AM ET

put this guy on the DL already, clete thomas or thames can hit twice as good at sheff right now. Let him heal up for the second half push later this season

April 29, 2008  11:21 AM ET

Sheffield did this April of last year and moved on to hit 25 home runs, in limited playing due to injury. He'll be fine.

April 29, 2008  11:54 AM ET

Where should he "hit him"? He needs to hit the bench is what he needs to hit. If they walked him, that would be great! But the guy's basically a guaranteed K or double-play, PLUS he's an ass. Bench him - use Cabrera as a DH (since we paid for him and gotta use him somewhere...), put Guillen back at first and Inge at 3rd where he belongs. The 2nd highest payroll in baseball can't even get them to .500. It's time to get back to basics...

April 29, 2008  02:26 PM ET

Scheff started out slow last season, too, then when healthy batted pretty well. I'd give him a little more time, then bring Clete Thomas back up to play right, and put Mags at DH. Just as long as Dombrowski doesn't freak out and sign Bonds.

 
April 29, 2008  09:52 PM ET

no roids = no stick

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