Rather than keep Gary Sheffield around, the Tigers decided to pony up the $14m or so and release him. My has his stock fallen. Sheffield's always been a headache, but he used to always be good enough to keep around in spite of it. Now he just plain old stinks.
He has 499 HRs and a borderline Hall of Fame career. It will be interesting to see if he can get that one extra HR. With guys like Frank Thomas available, you think Sheffield may not even get that chance. Not that he needs 500 to make or break the Hall of Fame, but you gotta think it's a landmark Sheff would want to cross.
What about that Hall of Fame anyways? His simscores courtesy of B-Ref are The Crime Dog, Griffey Sr., Reggie Jackson, Mantle, Billy Williams, Mel Ott. It's a mixed bag. Most similar are borderline worthy guys, but also in the group are slam dunk guys. A few years ago it seemed like he'd get significantly past 500 HRs, and seemed to be a good bet to go in. Now with the injuries late, and some more steroid controversy I just don't know if he's good enough. He may have to join Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Jeff Bagwell, and Larry Walker on the outside juuuuuuust looking in. Although if I were to choose one of those guys to get in it would be Sheff.
A friend of mine thinks Hall of Fame votes should go to players who dominate for a long period of time and Sheffield was a feared hitter for a long period.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, steroids and his personality could be the things that keep him from the Hall.