Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Sioux Nation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: altair19 who wrote (87486)	11/10/2006 5:09:09 PM
From: Patricia Trinchero	Respond to of 362920

I had to work most of this week so I have been saving up the words!!! LOL Finally, a day off ! :>)

To: altair19 who wrote (87486)	11/11/2006 3:55:31 AM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 362920

Sheffield trade is a gamble the Tigers just had to take detnews.com <<...Primarily, Sheffield is here because the Tigers wanted him, and no one wanted him more than Leyland. Make no mistake about that. Dombrowski's trust in his manager is the main reason he was willing to deal for Sheffield, who has carved a reputation for tremendous production and occasional controversy in a 19-year career. Risk could carry reward In case you were wondering whether the Tigers and Mike Ilitch were content to reach the World Series, here's your answer, arriving in the menacing stance of Sheffield. Ilitch is a go-for-it owner when he smells a title and this is a go-for-it move. I like it because the Tigers' deficiencies could not be ignored after they hit .199 in the five-game loss to the Cardinals. Sheffield's .297 career average, with 455 home runs, cannot be ignored either. There's some risk, don't kid yourself. Sheffield's age and left wrist injury, which limited him to 39 games last season, are concerns. So is his sometimes-petulant persona. Dombrowski surrendered three minor-leaguers, including prime prospect Humberto Sanchez, but frankly, that's how winning teams use prospects, as bait. It's not wise to horde potential too long and the Tigers, finally, were able to deal from a position of strength, from their deep stable of young pitchers. Speaking of that, what baseball universe are we suddenly living in? The Tigers are the team in win-now mode, sacrificing pieces of the future for one of the Yankees' big names? Goodness. Next thing you know, George Steinbrenner will be asking for a loan. Just like 'Sheed In some ways, this has the feel of the Pistons' 2004 acquisition of Rasheed Wallace, a troubled talent who eased onto a tight team and helped win a championship. Strong leaders, including coach Larry Brown, made that work. Strong leaders, including Leyland, have to make this work. Sheffield has ripped the Yankees since they exercised their one-year option, saying he had no desire to play first base and claiming he was better than right fielder Bobby Abreu. It helps that Leyland plans to use Sheffield mostly as a designated hitter. It helps even more that Dombrowski gave Sheffield a two-year extension. "It's not like we're blind to some of the things associated with Gary, but it's not a concern for us whatsoever," Dombrowski said. "Maybe it'd be a concern if he didn't want to go to a place, or people didn't know him. For us, it's a perfect fit." Sheffield provides immediate punch to the lineup. He also brings experience and a bit of an edge, while taking some of the pressure off Pudge Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, who couldn't supply all the power the Tigers needed. Saying the right things This trade happened because the Yankees didn't have room for Sheffield and the Tigers gladly made room. It also happened because Leyland wanted Sheffield so badly, he could barely contain his excitement. "This is one of the ultimate bats in baseball and one of the ultimate people in baseball," Leyland said. "He's a friend and I have the utmost respect for him. I can't tell you how happy I am." Sheffield gushed right back, calling it "a blessing" to be reunited with Leyland and Dombrowski. It all sounded good Friday, almost too good. The Tigers thrived on chemistry and pitching and went further than anyone expected. To take that final step, they did need help. Maybe Leyland's job just got a little tougher, handling a volatile personality like Sheffield. But then you look at that lineup and that big name right in the middle, and you realize Leyland's job actually just got a little easier...>>