It's About Time: Detroit Tigers Release Gary Sheffield, Trade for Josh Anderson

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Today, the Detroit Tigers announced they would eat the $14 million remaining on Gary Sheffield's contract and released the former slugger.

Sheffield had said he was looking forward to this coming season because his shoulder was pain free and looked to reclaim his former glory. Sheffield did not see his release coming, and around 9 a.m. he was called into manager Jim Leyland's office and told the news.

Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski said, "We think it makes us a better club, however, he has had a tremendous career."

"But it was a situation when we were looking at our roster that it would be hard to keep (both) Marcus Thames and Sheffield,” he continued. “We believe Marcus can be a very productive hitter for us."

If no teams pick up Sheffield off waivers, as is expected, he will end up becoming a free agent. Once designated a free agent, teams may sign him for the league minimum of $40,000 while the Tigers are on the hook for the remaining $14 million.

This move, however blindsiding it was to Sheffield, could have been forecast. Last season, Sheffield was complaining about his playing time and his role as the designated hitter for the club. Following his comments the Tigers designated him for assignment, but no team came calling and he remained.

In the past, Sheffield has worn out his welcome and it seems he had done so in Detroit. In New York he came in with a bad attitude because in his words, "Torre wanted Guerrero over me, and he made it known." Because of this he never really felt comfortable in New York and he too made it known to whoever was around.

Sheffield is a cancer to clubs. At first his impact may not be noticeable, but if given enough time before being excised he can rot the clubhouse from within. His comments can divide teammates and bring unwanted media attention upon the club regarding unflattering topics.

But with Sheffield leaving Detroit, there is an opening at designated hitter for the Tigers. I cannot see anyone better to fill that role than Carlos Guillen. His knees and diminished range are the reasons he lost the shortstop and first base jobs, so to put him out in left field where he has to cover more ground is foolish.

Guillen as a designated hitter makes perfect sense as he is switch-hitting power hitter who can easily put balls in the seats. How exactly is a pitching staff supposed to pitch to a lineup when the designated hitter can hit from both sides of the plate with power.

With Guillen taking the designated hitter job, left field is left open, and the best candidate for that position is Marcus Thames. He has consistently showed up, has delivered in clutch moments, and deserves a starting job after his service to the club.

However, with the Tigers trading for Josh Anderson, the left field contest is clouded a bit more. Early this morning the Tigers sent bullpen prospect Rudy Darrow to the Atlanta Braves for Anderson. Anderson, a left-handed outfielder, can play any of the outfield positions and is an accomplished base stealer.

It took right up until the beginning of the season, but the Tigers finally look to be making the right moves for this team this season. They have removed distractions and have added young players to spark the offense of this club once again.

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