Quote:
Originally Posted by niss
Comparing him to Marlon Anderson is illogical IMO. Anderson is a bench/role player. While his bat was suspect last year, he can field and he can run, two qualities you want from that kind of role player. Sheffield cannot field. He might still be OK running, that remains to be seen.
Sheffield would take Nick Evans' spot for now, and if they ultimately trade Sheffield for Anderson then one has to wonder why Anderson was on the team to begin with.
I don't get how a supposedly un-harmonious clubhouse = more reason to bring Sheffield in. First off, the clubhouse was fine last year after the manager was changed (supposedly). Secondly, if the clubhouse is a powder keg (which I don't believe it is), is bringing in a spark a good idea? Sheffield is going to hurt Dan Murphy and he is going to hurt Church with what I expect to be constant complaining about playing time.
The comment about Sheffield being "motivated" is kind of LOL. Sheffield has always been motivated. For himself. When he was in his prime, and wasn't making errors on purpose, a team could overlook that because his numbers were so good. At 40 years old, coming off a year hitting .220, and being required to play the field, I'm not so sure I want that.
I really wanted them to bring in Manny, and I am against Sheffield. That says something: either this is a truly atrocious move, or I really have no idea what I'm talking about.
Again, this is a zero risk move. If he doesn't fit in, or doesn't produce, he's gone. Mets have no substantial financial investment in him.
Mets love Murphy, and many within the organization aren't thrilled with Church. Church is what he is...a really solid 4th ofer who hits well vs. righties. He is exposed vs. lefties, and Sheff could potentially help there. Sheff also could potentially hedge against Murphy flopping (don't think it will happen, but never know).
I'd much rather have a 40 year healthy Sheff getting at-bats in the 6 hole than Tatis or Nick Evans (who is a borderline MLBer at this point anyway). Sheff may not have much more power than Tatis at this point, but his defensive value isn't much worse and pitchers still have to respect him.
Marlon Anderson is flotsam. Good luck to him in his future coaching endeavors.