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Sheffield, Leyland spar through media

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Describing himself as "blindsided ... but not mad," Tigers manager Jim Leyland objected Monday to Gary Sheffield describing himself as a "platoon" player. Sheffield said in response that because he isn't starting every day, he considers that to be platooning. "Gary Sheffield has never platooned as long as he's been here," Leyland said Monday. "A platoon is when you have a left-handed hitter and a right-handed hitter. One plays against right-handed pitching, and one plays against left-handed pitching." Leyland cited figures that showed Sheffield has played in about 80% of the games this season when he wasn't on the disabled list. And, said Leyland, Sheffield would have played about six or seven more games earlier in the season if his shoulder had been sounder. When Leyland's sentiments about platooning were relayed to Sheffield, Sheffield said: "There's nothing to be blindsided about. Some days I don't play and some days I play. That's platooning to me. It's not a big deal. I don't see where I need rest to (be the) DH. ... If you're an everyday player, you play 59 out of 59 (games) unless you can't play."

Detroit Free Press

Gary Sheffield, AP Gary Sheffield, AP
August 12, 2008  06:43 AM ET

Send Sheffield back to the Florida Marlins, that way he has to play and not just collect a paycheck. He was a great hitter for a few seasons but is not what he once was.

August 12, 2008  06:47 AM ET

Sheffields a clown who should be dumped. what a disaster for the Tigers!

August 12, 2008  06:48 AM ET

Seriously, talk about being a whiner! Anybody who plays a team sport should have the, "Whats best for the team" mentality. I like Sheff, but when he starts acting like a pouting 15 year old, I wish they would send that jacka** to play in Peru.

Doesn't he start this kind of crap everywhere he play's?

August 12, 2008  06:48 AM ET

Seriously, talk about being a whiner! Anybody who plays a team sport should have the, "Whats best for the team" mentality. I like Sheff, but when he starts acting like a pouting 15 year old, I wish they would send that jacka** to play in Peru.

Doesn't he start this kind of crap everywhere he play's?

Comment has been removed
August 12, 2008  07:04 AM ET

without that extra pharmaceutical help, he's a fading old hitter

August 12, 2008  07:28 AM ET

I think he interprets the old phrase about the going getting touhg and the tough getting going a lot differently than most people. He has strong-armed his way out of every team he's ever been on. But lay the blame where it belongs-on the owners and managers who allowed him to pull his crap his entire career. They should have stopped enabling him a long time ago.

August 12, 2008  07:29 AM ET

Why does Leyland insist on walking on egg shells with veteran players? Sheffield hasn't produced squat in a year now. Granted much of his decline is due to injury, but the fact of the matter is that he just can't do it any more. He's had an excellent career, but his days as a "difference maker" are clearly over. Gary, shut up and go home. Jim, get tough with this under-performing, dissapointing Tiger team. Start setting the tone for next year today.

August 12, 2008  07:43 AM ET

Gary wearing out his welcome? How strange.

August 12, 2008  08:02 AM ET

If the best we have today is a washed up PED abuser, then this will be a very slow day.

August 12, 2008  08:04 AM ET

This guy will simply never, ever get it. Everywhere he goes, he's a headache. And its always someone else's fault. I wonder if I'm going to hear soon that Leyland treats his black players differently. I wouldnt be shocked.

August 12, 2008  08:10 AM ET

Like he says, if you're an everyday player you play 59 out of 59.............IF YOU CAN PLAY

All cleared up on the question Gary?

August 12, 2008  08:11 AM ET

Sheffield could get into an argument with a baked potato.

August 12, 2008  08:13 AM ET

Time to go Sheff. Just like every other home you have had- you wore out your welcome...

August 12, 2008  08:14 AM ET

Typical Sheff. Thak God the Yanks went with him rather then Vlad when they were both free agents. Another classic George Steinbrenner move. e loved Sheff, a guy who admitted to throwing balls into the stands when he was unhappy on the Brewers.

August 12, 2008  08:15 AM ET

Sheffield could get into an argument with a baked potato.

Arkelope | 08/12/08, 08:11 AM
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And still lose the debate.

August 12, 2008  08:23 AM ET

I can't believe I ever defended this loser.

Get rid of him!!!

August 12, 2008  08:24 AM ET

Now I see why the Yankees hate him so much. I feel you Bim i supported this jerk too!!!

August 12, 2008  08:27 AM ET

At least he didn't go 0 for 7 during his idiot comment stretch. Oh wait...

 
August 12, 2008  08:31 AM ET

I'm shocked. Shocked I tell you. He has always been about team.

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