Sheffield to the A's?

by Joey C. on Nov 9, 2006 10:51 AM PST

No, this isn't some fanboy fantasy diary. It is just a rumor mill, but it's an interesting one-- ESPN.com's Insider had this to say about Sheff's prospects:

Sheff won't go quietly
Nov 9 - The Yankees are looking to unload Gary Sheffield after picking up his $13 million option, and he's not happy about it. "I did nothing but produce for the Yankees my first two seasons in New York, but now it looks like I'm gone," Sheffield told The New York Times. "You can call it business, you can call it personal. I say it's both."

According to The New York Post, two different major-league officials believe Sheffield will end up with the Cubs or A's.

The New York Daily News reported that seven teams have inquired about Sheffield -- the Tigers, Astros, Indians, Rangers, Padres, Orioles and Cubs.

I know, I know, it's like The Princess Bride: inconceivable! I suppose if the Yanks picked up a large part of Sheffield's salary and the A's tossed up Dan Johnson (or whoever) and a bunch of prospects, it would be possible. I ain't holding my breath, though. Although I think a power corner outfielder is really the last piece the A's need to be a league champion, I don't see Billy mortgaging our future for Gary Sheffield.

It's fun to dream, though, isn't it?

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I actually would like this move

if the A's could re-sign Thomas, get Sheffield and possibly move Kotsay, they would then have Shef in right, Bradley in center and Swisher at first. The lineup becomes a lot more dangerous with Sheffield, Thomas and Bradley in it. Then you've basically pushed Chavez down to the sixth spot in the lineup.

But the Yankees would have to eat a ton of that contract.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Nov 9, 2006 10:54 AM PST reply actions

Maybe 2 outa 3

I don't think you'll get to see both Thomas and Sheffield in Green & Gold. One or the other, and if you can move Kotsay the Yankees won't need to eat a bunch of the contract. This in turn means the A's wouldn't have to give up as much in trade.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Nov 9, 2006 11:04 AM PST up reply actions

could we possibly swap Kotsay for Sheff?

That would give the Yankees a "real" CF and allow them to shift Damon to LF. It'd basically be a wash on salaries for this year, and the Yanks would assume the extra risk and cost of Kotsay beyond '07.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 9, 2006 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

Kotsay and DJ

for Sheff? I'd do that.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

Make it so #1

"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Nov 9, 2006 2:22 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry monkeyball, no real chance of a

Kotsay-Sheff swap. The Yanks are dealing Sheff because they already have an OF logjam (Abreu, Damon, Matsui) and they want Giambi to DH rather then play 1B. It is possible that Johnson could be part of a deal, but I am guessing the Yanks will require some pitching to get a deal for Sheff done.

by AsFanInLA on Nov 9, 2006 3:38 PM PST up reply actions

yes, but ...

... Bradley in CF, as grover has pointed out numerous times, may present an even riskier proposition than Kotsay, in terms of games missed.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 9, 2006 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

true dat

It's hard for me to imagine Bradley staying healthy for the whole season, but Kotsay's back spasms are even more unpredictable. you simply never know when Kotsay's going to be pulled out of the lineup at the last minute.

by kvn on Nov 9, 2006 12:51 PM PST up reply actions

Gee, if only we had oaktoon here to calculate it

out and break it down for us...

again.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Nov 9, 2006 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

Oaktoon?

Who is this man of which you speak?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 9, 2006 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

New York Post = National Enquirer

They have similar credibility as far as I'm concerned.

Visit sf49ers.blogspot.com for your daily 49er updates. We're hoping to become THE 49ers blog on the web.

by 415goas on Nov 9, 2006 10:59 AM PST reply actions

Dude...

You're gonna have to change your URL... I know this because I'm a (formerly the) San Francisco 49ers fan.

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Nov 9, 2006 10:33 PM PST up reply actions

the line up would be sick

kendall
bradley
sheff
hurt
chavy
swish
crosby
kotsay
ellis

problem is yanks would probably want blanton which would weaken the staff. although they also need relievers so maybe kiko and a few prospects.

by Bud Light on Nov 9, 2006 11:01 AM PST reply actions

yea

sick is the right word.

Crosby, Kotsay and Ellis aren't exactly offensive juggernauts. Sure, it'd be a good defensive club with them, but their bats aren't that great.

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Nov 9, 2006 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

SI ran same story

SI ran a similar blurb in the Truth and Rumors section today, "Two different major-league officials believed Yankees OF Gary Sheffield will end up with the Cubs or Athletics. The Padres are also in the mix, but the Astros aren't."

Sheff is a great hitter, the guy can rake, but would he fit in with the clubhouse? I mean Bradley and him combined could be a huge cluster fu**.
I think the guy has talent but I don't think he is worth the risk, especially coming off a huge injury.

by kingsac on Nov 9, 2006 11:03 AM PST reply actions

Bradley

Its very possible that Bradley grew up watching Sheff become a superstar player. Its possible that their personalities might clash, but Id think that Milton would be more likely to have great respect and be a little star struck being on the same team as Sheff. Sheffield has won a championship before and also wants to win another one.

Same thing with Frank Thomas. Swisher absolutely idolizes him.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Nov 9, 2006 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

everyone said the same about thomas

clubhouse issues, injuries

worked one lets try again

by Bud Light on Nov 9, 2006 11:51 AM PST up reply actions

I've seen Sheffield. I know Sheffield.

Frank Thomas is no Sheffield.

Thank f'ing God.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 9, 2006 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

You see, it's comments like that

that make people think Bradley "was/is a problem."
Fact is, Bradley was AWESOME in the locker-room this year. Wonderful, exceptional, incredible.
Fill in your own word. Everyone loved him, and he helped the team immensely with his attitude and talent.
You make it sound like he was a problem -- unbelievable. Did you follow the A's this year???!!!

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Nov 9, 2006 1:07 PM PST up reply actions

Slow Down Turbo

Hey I didn't say he was a problem, but he HAS been a problem before, as has Sheff. My point was these two COMBINED could have a huge effect on the clubhouse. Please take a chill pill.

by kingsac on Nov 9, 2006 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

I thought Sheffield

wasn't a fan of Oakland and had them on a list of teams he doesn't want to play for?

by fadedash on Nov 9, 2006 12:23 PM PST reply actions

Sheffield, Thomas, Bradley

Are we going to become the Raiders version of baseball? Welcome to all washed up guys or attitude problems.

I love Sheffield but it's another injury possibility that may be too much considering the other two guys above who are always injured too. Not to mention Ellis, Chavez & Crosby.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 12:42 PM PST reply actions

Well...

when they approached personnel that way with an offensive system that was cutting-edge, it worked pretty brilliantly.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 12:57 PM PST up reply actions

please explain..

The A's or Raiders?

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 1:38 PM PST up reply actions

The Raiders.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 1:42 PM PST up reply actions

yeah it used to work great

but now it seems as if that theory has passed. I am still holding out hope that we can remain fairly young and develop our talent from within. Those losing years with Howe were some of my favorites because you could see the potential oozing out of the team before the winning itself ever took place.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

The defense looks on its way.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 2:01 PM PST up reply actions

Why do we keep adding to the myth???

Was Thomas an "attitude problem" this year? Did Bradley cause friction in the clubhouse this year? Was either one "washed up" or "under-perform?"
The answer to all of the questions above is a resounding NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Why do some of us keep acting as if this was some sort of mirage???? Thomas and Bradley were model citizens this season -- are you kidding me? We don't sniff the postseason without them!
You guys are incredible -- it's like you'd rather have 24 boy scouts and lose.
When will you get it??? Who gives a rip about someone's reputation??? Did you help the team win??? That's the only thing that ever matters -- ever. This is not politics (thank God)-- and even if it were, Bradley and Thomas were class acts the entire way.
Get a clue.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Nov 9, 2006 1:12 PM PST reply actions

I agree with what you are saying

but the more times you take a chance on a supposed "problem" player... the more often it may bite you back. Bradley was an ass in Cleveland. Thomas was probably a bit of a jerk in Chicago. That didn't translate to Oakland but why keep adding more guys that may combust even if their anger is being tempered by guys like Chavez, Ellis & Swisher. Sooner or later there may not be enough boy scouts to offset the bad attitudes.

My point is also that there are indeed a-holes all over the league and not all of them are being misrepresented by the media.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

Vacaville Changes People

I don't think anyone is accusing either Milton or Frank of being a bad clubhouse guy. But it would be foolish to not consider how, adding a guy who has the temper of Sheff, would affect the clubhouse.

Granted similar things were said about Milton and it turned out great, and it could happen again with Sheff, but bringing it up isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Think of it like a TO situation. The guy is a super stud, but he kills team chemistry. Are you saying you should just add TO and not give any thought to how is presence might effect other players?

by kingsac on Nov 9, 2006 1:57 PM PST up reply actions

I think Sheffield's "bad attitude"

has been fairly consistent in its appearances throughout his career:

Happy with his contract=happy Sheff

Not happy with his contract=Shut-down Sheff

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 2:00 PM PST up reply actions

Teee OHHH

Let's make one thing clear. TO is not killing any chemistry in Dallas. His "play" is killing Dallas.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 2:05 PM PST up reply actions

He does drop a lot of balls

that's for sure

by kingsac on Nov 9, 2006 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

If only his balls WOULD drop.

Maybe then he could go five minutes without being a manchild.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 9, 2006 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

completely ridiculous

1)Sheff is only going somewhere if he gets a long-term contract which the A's won't give him.
2) The A's don't have the prospects, esp the pitching prospects to get Sheff. "Dan Johnson and some prospects" just ain't gonna cut it. They might do a Sheff for Haren deal, maybe, but I doubt Billy Beane would.

Our cupboard is bare at this point. If we land someone who is a star, it's going to have to be someone no one expects to be a star.

by Nick86 on Nov 9, 2006 3:56 PM PST reply actions

Pickup Todd Van Poppel

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Nov 9, 2006 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

Not quite

I agree with the contract issue-- as someone said above, "Happy Sheffield" is "Sheffield Happy With Contract," and that won't happen with the A's. That said, I don't think anyone is going to have to overwhelm the Yanks for Sheffield. He's a pain in their ass, and they want him out. I think the earlier suggestion for Blanton isn't out of the question, so long as he's bundled with prospects (bye bye, Daric Barton/Hiram Bocachica/Jason Windsor/whoever else is actually producing for the A's minor league teams this week).

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Nov 9, 2006 10:38 PM PST up reply actions

I love this idea because-

i've been thinking about it fro a few days already.

the only real reason why NY picked up sheff's option is because they're concern he'd end up in BOS-who is interested the sheff's services. there is basically two reasons why the a's should trade for sheff:

sheff is 38 yrs old looking to make an impact on the game of baseball so that he'ii be voted, or least seen as, a HoF player. sheff is also looking to play another 2-3 years and therefore is looking for a new contract. plus, sheff is a very bitter man right now and is looking to prove people wrong. all this leads to a career type of year. i love players who are playing in their last contract year....i say beane should trade for as many of these types as possible.
i don't believe it'ii take much to get sheff out of NY...just so long as the yankees control the destination. beane and cashman have a good working relationship. plus, if beane can play his cards right i think he can get the yankees to give the a's between 3-5 million...this is the key. what beane could essentially do is flip sheff to another team (the cubs, the phils) or instigate a three way with young cheap blue chip talent coming to the a's and spending the 3-5 million on a free agent pitcher to cover zito's innings.

either way i like the a's involvement with sheff and the NY. this type of situation is where beane is at his best.

by bigelephant on Nov 9, 2006 4:02 PM PST reply actions

good post BigE

agreed on both counts

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 9, 2006 4:24 PM PST up reply actions

I like it for a somewhat illogical reason

Sheffield is just about the single scariest hitter in the game. When he's up against the A's, I just assume he's about to club a 400 foot laser shot (and he usually does). I wouldn't mind having that on our side.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Nov 9, 2006 4:07 PM PST reply actions

I've always wondered

how he can make a baseball bat look like it weighs as much as a toothpick.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 4:26 PM PST up reply actions

Oh, I can answer that.

So can BALCO.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 9, 2006 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

Same deal since he was a rookie.

I don't doubt that he dabbled, but the freakish bat speed was always there.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 9, 2006 6:32 PM PST up reply actions

does anyone...

in the league consistently hit the ball harder than Gary Sheffield? I don't think so.

If a trade for Sheffield were to happen, I would never ever sit along the third base line in Fremont/Oakland without wearing a bullet proof vest and hockey goalie mask

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 9, 2006 4:27 PM PST up reply actions