Sheffield

Yup, two today.

Gary Sheffield. If you say that name around me, I normally respond with, "What an idiot." I remember when he released a press release back with the Yankees where he said, "Yeah, Jeter is our captain, and you see that. But when you're in the locker room, you find out whose really the captain." Yeah, you can't say that in New York. You can't say to the New York media that Jeter isn't the captain they all think he is. Torre didn't like it, Media didn't like it, Sheff ends up in Detroit. Winner, Yankees.

My opinions are changing though. I knew he would bring some of his ego with him, but from what I can tell, he hasn't said anything too dumb. He was ready to be a spot player, but because of injuries he is stepping up and playing everyday. That showed something to the team, and not only is he showing the team how to just go out each day and stand up, he is giving them a bit of that "swagger" that everyone talks about. It's like he is holding the team accountable for each game. It's good when a manager does it, but it is great when a player gets on people and does it. Santana does it during his starts, and now Sheff does it every game. I'm currently loving Sheff on the team.

Sidenote:
I've noticed this, I dunno if others have. When the Mets started collapsing a couple years ago, what was different from that team and the team from the year before that almost made the World Series? One big player change, no Julio Franco. I know that sounds weird, but notice what he did. He was like a player/coach. He told Beltran to go out for curtain calls, and helped him increase his popularity in New York. He mentored Jose Reyes(who had his best season with Franco on the team). He was a player that though he didn't play, he had so much experience and knew how to tell players to quit their whining and gave them an edge. I mention this, because I think Sheff has now started doing that.